I can't decide if I'm bipolar or if its PMMD either. Seems the only time I have mood swings is right beofre and during my period. And I mean I have EXTREME mood swings too.

I'm bipolar and have PMDD. Been on meds for BP for 10 years and during that time of the month it is like the meds aren't working at all. Dr wanted to try me on birth control but I said no. Bipolar is a daily sometimes hourly thing, whereas PMDD affects you only before your pd.

Both in books and in things my husband comments on from his practice, I am getting the overwhelming impression that bipolar women have a rougher time during pre-menstrual days. I think this needs a lot more research ASAP, because yeah, the question is, is this just a bipolar symptom in women or are you more likely to develop PMDD if you happen to be bipolar? There is definitely either a relationship there or it is a thing specific to bipolar females, and we need the medical community to catch up!

Hi and just wanted to say that i thought i was the only one who has this problem. The medical community stinks when it comes to dealing with bi-polar and pmdd. The shrink says he cannot deal with the problem and then the Gyno says they cannot deal with the moods and psychotic actions....well who will then? I think it is just outrageous that these doctors cannot call each other and come up with a plan. I honestly believe that my hormones are controlling my bi-polar. I can be the nicest person in the world and then at a certain time of the month I go nuts. The docs refuse to try anything besides synthetic hormones or hysterectomy (a little drastic for 33) and I cannot tolerate BC...i have tried them all. They make me go nuts. I have heard good things about real hormones but the docs will not listen to me or even let me try. Oh and I also love when they send you to a therapist....cmon. If i was a man going in for Viagra there would be no talk about therapists, I would be walking out with 100 viagras. Women are overlooked, at least in my area.

I had started this quest for help years ago with my primary care doctor & he kept putiing me on different anti-depressants, but the side effects were always too extreme for me - I'm very sensitive to caffeine, meds, you name it!!! I finally tried to go another route & ask my obgyn and after finally finding the right obgyn - we are working thru my issues and trying to find something to help me. He (never thought I would be comfortable with a male) actually listens to me and we discuss my feelings & concerns. I have been to several women obgyn's and they just dismiss it or throw me on some birth control and let me go & act like they don't have time for me. Also my obgyn is a younger man & he seems to be open to both traditional & non-traditional methods. So, don't give up. There are good doctors out there, you just have to find them.

Good luck!!!!