Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) Support Group

I have been on a massive quest over the last four months to try and get the PMDD under control.

For the second month in a rowm this is what I have been on and using with great discipline:

Maca root
Vitex
Evening Primrose Oil - which did and does help with the breast soreness and swelling.
A Chinese herbal extract to help balance hormones and cleanse a stagnant and deficient liver system.
Cutting down on caffeine.
I don't eat sugar.

And still, I am not doing that much better and even worse this month.
My cycle was longer and more painful this time.

However, I am giving these things one more month as I have read that it may take a few cycles to notice a difference.

I have noticed a reduction in migraines, though I think that is due to small amounts of occasional medical marijuana (which I don't need any judgment about, thank you.) This has also helped when I am in a terrible tail spin of a mood and can't focus on what I need to do. But I know when it might backfire and when to avoid - like when i am in an anxiety phase.

Valerian Root helps a little at times.

This month I tried Prozac, which helped me get some energy as I was one whole day on the couch unable to move. I took it for four days and ended up in a total manic state ( i have bipolar too), which has happened before - but I figured I get so depressed, how could it? And I am on a mood stabilizer.


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Things I feel I have yet to try or am just now implementing:

I bought the herbs Dandelion, Don Quai, and Black Cohosh to help regulate my cycle and help with heavy bleeding and cramps. My cycles are starting to change from shorter to much longer than usual.

I did try some Progesterone cream but have not used it consistently because it worries me. I had my hormones tested as per instructions from a compounded lab and it came back that my Progesterone was out of range, though she told me to keep using the cream anyway as directed. Everything else was fine, much to my amazement.

I am going to go back there as they have other things to try to help strengthen the adrenals and help the major cortisol spikes that are also out of range for me.

The Acupuncturist that I have gone to for two months in a row _ though no great help there except temporary, says the herbal formula helps the liver help itself cleanse and helps the spleen too.

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I have an Rx for Seroquel, an anti-psychotic and I am thinking I just need to get over myself and my fears and my worries about getting a bit zombied out and just take it. But I want to correct the underlying problem and I am very frustrated and feel a bit beaten by now.

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The two biggest things I need to do more of is exercise (which I am usually good with but can't seem to do much at all of when I most need to due to extreme fatigue and shakiness that feels like some kind of toxic shock coming on. )

The two greatest things I think I could do are the things that would require me yet more discipline and time and these are Yoga and Meditation.

I am sure those would help that extreme irritability, shaking because I am so angry and frustrated at not being able to find something, etc.

I am thinking of buying the book, "The Relaxation Response" as well.
I need something to do because around this time, my breathing becomes shallow in my chest and I hold my breath a lot.

Thanks for listening. Hope this gives someone some ideas maybe.
Posted on 09/24/09, 11:09 pm