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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by phoeb on September 10, 2003, at 16:45:51
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by mel32 on June 27, 2003, at 21:53:30
After trying everything else I was recently successfully treated for a 9-month severe major depression with nardil (an MAOI). Soon after the depression was taken care of I developed PMDD. I don't get irritable but I cry hysterically, scream from the mental agony and anxiety, have images of cutting up my body with a knife, want to die, etc.This happens for 8-14 days with 3 weeks of relief between episodes. I can't stand it. Problem is, I'm on MAOI so I can't take SSRIs...First, anyone experience symptoms like these? Second, any suggestions for treatments that don't involve SSRI's? I'm willing to do anything, as I live in fear of those periods of sheer horror. Please write back, I'm desperate!
Posted by Mel32 on September 10, 2003, at 18:32:35
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by phoeb on September 10, 2003, at 16:45:51
Hey! Do you eat a lot of sugar or drink a lot of caffeine? Some people are very sensitive to these, and they can really mess with your calcium and magnesium levels. Sodas are pretty bad too. The phosphoric acid in them leeches calcium from your system, and I have always read that calcium and magnesium levels decrease tremendously before your period already, so the sodas would make it extra tough on your body. Also, I have found that when I chart my period, I am more aware of what mood to expect, and I constantly remind myself during that time, that it is just hormones. My husband has found this extremely helpful too! However, some months can be extremely difficult, and I border on psychotic. At the first sign of a tough month, usually 2 weeks before my period, I start taking zoloft, and it gets me through. Exercise helps too, although it is hard to do if you are already depressed. At least you have one thing taken care of! Good luck!
Posted by jovigurl on December 10, 2003, at 15:00:35
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by mel32 on June 27, 2003, at 21:53:30
> I think I have PMDD. I am a raging lunatic 2 weeks before my period. I am 32 and I have a 5 year old son. I have had PMS as long as i can remember, but it has definitely gotten worse since marriage and childbirth. I was wondering if anyone out there has similar symptoms; I feel extreme rage, depression and hopelessness 2 weeks before period. The rage is very scary to me. This past month I was physically abusive to my husband, and I felt completely out of control. I didn't actually hurt him, but I threw things at him that could have injured him. I literally was like The Hulk , in that it felt like I was possessed, and only exhaustion would free me of the rage I felt. Please let me know if you have any similar horror stories. Depression is also a huge thing for me, but I could handle that more than my craziness being directed at someone else. Even though I've felt suicidal many times, I know that eventually, it will pass. Please write!
>>>Wow!!! I know I am about 6 months late in posting.. but I just found this site! You sound EXACTLY like me!!! I've always had PMS but after kids, everyday stress, etc. it just got worse.. You are correct - the only relief I felt was the intense rage - letting it all out! However, I was getting scared - i was becoming abusive to my husband and my kids..the rage would build inside me until it was literally a blind rage - i could quite literally see red in my eyes! This was usually the 2 weeks prior to my period.. My husband told me for years - he loved me 2 weeks out of the month, and couldn't live with me the other 2...We are young too - H.S. Sweethearts and have been together for 19 years now..he's 38 and I'm 36.. I finally sought help from my doctor.. I couldn't live with this one minute longer - i was depressed, hated life, thought about killing myself - sometimes about killing my husband or kids - i was starting to hate them! My husband was threatening to leave and I couldn't imagine my life without him. - We aren't just husband and wife, but best friends and soulmates. I even told him when he left to take the "damn kids" with him because I didn't want them! Ugh! How could I BE LIKE THIS??
So - the doctor put me on 20mg of sarafem, and loestrin - to try to balance my hormones (we don't need birth control - he had a vasectomy)I was a zombie for 2 weeks.. I couldn't take this either! So doc changed me to 10mg of sarafem. I would like to share that my life has turned around 200%!
I do suffer from upset stomach as a side effect. And, although sexual interest is decreased, my husband can usually change my mind.. :)
I take the sarafem for 2 1/2 to 3 weeks out of the month.. I stop taking it a few days after I get my period. This seems to give me a break from the stomach ailments..
Luckily, I'm not too bad with side effects. I do occasionally get anxiety attacks... I don't know if this is a side effect, or just me..
THANK GOD I'm not the only person who felt this way!!
Posted by Mel32 on December 10, 2003, at 19:38:59
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by jovigurl on December 10, 2003, at 15:00:35
> > I think I have PMDD. I am a raging lunatic 2 weeks before my period. I am 32 and I have a 5 year old son. I have had PMS as long as i can remember, but it has definitely gotten worse since marriage and childbirth. I was wondering if anyone out there has similar symptoms; I feel extreme rage, depression and hopelessness 2 weeks before period. The rage is very scary to me. This past month I was physically abusive to my husband, and I felt completely out of control. I didn't actually hurt him, but I threw things at him that could have injured him. I literally was like The Hulk , in that it felt like I was possessed, and only exhaustion would free me of the rage I felt. Please let me know if you have any similar horror stories. Depression is also a huge thing for me, but I could handle that more than my craziness being directed at someone else. Even though I've felt suicidal many times, I know that eventually, it will pass. Please write!
>
>
>
> >>>Wow!!! I know I am about 6 months late in posting.. but I just found this site! You sound EXACTLY like me!!! I've always had PMS but after kids, everyday stress, etc. it just got worse.. You are correct - the only relief I felt was the intense rage - letting it all out! However, I was getting scared - i was becoming abusive to my husband and my kids..the rage would build inside me until it was literally a blind rage - i could quite literally see red in my eyes! This was usually the 2 weeks prior to my period.. My husband told me for years - he loved me 2 weeks out of the month, and couldn't live with me the other 2...We are young too - H.S. Sweethearts and have been together for 19 years now..he's 38 and I'm 36.. I finally sought help from my doctor.. I couldn't live with this one minute longer - i was depressed, hated life, thought about killing myself - sometimes about killing my husband or kids - i was starting to hate them! My husband was threatening to leave and I couldn't imagine my life without him. - We aren't just husband and wife, but best friends and soulmates. I even told him when he left to take the "damn kids" with him because I didn't want them! Ugh! How could I BE LIKE THIS??
>
> So - the doctor put me on 20mg of sarafem, and loestrin - to try to balance my hormones (we don't need birth control - he had a vasectomy)I was a zombie for 2 weeks.. I couldn't take this either! So doc changed me to 10mg of sarafem. I would like to share that my life has turned around 200%!
>
> I do suffer from upset stomach as a side effect. And, although sexual interest is decreased, my husband can usually change my mind.. :)
>
> I take the sarafem for 2 1/2 to 3 weeks out of the month.. I stop taking it a few days after I get my period. This seems to give me a break from the stomach ailments..
>
> Luckily, I'm not too bad with side effects. I do occasionally get anxiety attacks... I don't know if this is a side effect, or just me..
>
> THANK GOD I'm not the only person who felt this way!!
>
> Hey! I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I am on my 5th week of lexapro, and am doing great. I don't particularly like sweating like a man, but it is better than the alternative! My OB tried me on Yasmin birth control pill first, but I felt suicidal after being on it only 5 days, and that was during my good two weeks! So the lexapro started working right away, which was great, but I don't like taking this stuff and wonder if I will have to be on it the rest of my life! I was wondering if you saw DR.Phil today-it was all about hormones and PMS, and they had a PMS specialist on that said PMS is caused by high estrogen, low progesterone. She said that there are natural progesterone suppositories that can be prescribed by an MD that specializes in PMS, that will alleviate around 150 symtoms of PMS. She also said that low progesterone can cause transient hypoglycemia in women which contributes alot to mood swings, and that in addition to the progesterone suppositories 2x a day, we should also eat every 3 hours, protein and complex carbs. Wow, that was a mouthfull, but has anybody tried this or heard of any success with this? Jovigurl-let me know if you sre interested in emailing each other. I would be. Thanks! mel
Posted by jovigurl on December 11, 2003, at 15:07:40
In reply to Re: pmdd » jovigurl, posted by Mel32 on December 10, 2003, at 19:38:59
Hey Mel!!
I would definitely like to email each other..Its amazing that after living like that for so many years, I'm not the only person out there who suffered too! Glad I finally saw the doc - before it was too late! This medicine has been a godsend for me!
Glad you're liking Lexapro - I'm wondering if I should try to switch? Maybe it would rid me of the stomach side effects from Sarafem?? I'm willing to live with an upset stomach because the alternative was a living hell - but I would like to live without the upset stomach if possible!
I have tried to take just the loestrin - and not the sarafem..but its just not enough..I'm a little more leveled out..but still snap..and go ballistic at times.. ugh!
So - I do take some "time off" from Sarafem.. I give myself a month or two without it, then when things start to get bad (but not too bad) I start up again..I'm not big on being on meds forever - but hey - its better than the alternative!!
Just a side note on Lexapro - my husband has been diagnosed with depression...we went thru some rough times - he always blamed me..I knew better because I had been doing Sarafem for almost a year. I told him it was time to take a hard look at himself instead of blaming me for everything.. Anyway, long story short, he is now on his 4th week of Lexapro and my "6 times a week and 2 times on Sunday man" now has sexual dysfunction problems.. We hoped they would go away after a few weeks, as I've seen reading some posts here..but its been a month..his drive is pretty much gone..usually can't achieve a full erection, let alone climax. We're off to the doc tomorrow to see about switching meds. I'm not sure about reducing the Lex - he's only on 10mg per day.
We also tried him not taking it for 2 days - but that didn't work either. So much for the lessened side effect! But - of course every person is different, and meds affect everyone differently too - so something else may work much better for him. I've seen on here that people stop taking it for this reason..Tough decision for a man to make...Emotionally he is so much better now until it comes to the sex part - then he questions himself, and doubts if the meds are worth it..We're hopeful that time and/or a new med can help this situation - I'm worried this might depress him even more!
Jovigurl
Posted by kaitlyn on December 24, 2003, at 3:10:05
In reply to Re: pmdd » jovigurl, posted by Mel32 on December 10, 2003, at 19:38:59
> > > I think I have PMDD. I am a raging lunatic 2 weeks before my period. I am 32 and I have a 5 year old son. I have had PMS as long as i can remember, but it has definitely gotten worse since marriage and childbirth. I was wondering if anyone out there has similar symptoms; I feel extreme rage, depression and hopelessness 2 weeks before period. The rage is very scary to me. This past month I was physically abusive to my husband, and I felt completely out of control. I didn't actually hurt him, but I threw things at him that could have injured him. I literally was like The Hulk , in that it felt like I was possessed, and only exhaustion would free me of the rage I felt. Please let me know if you have any similar horror stories. Depression is also a huge thing for me, but I could handle that more than my craziness being directed at someone else. Even though I've felt suicidal many times, I know that eventually, it will pass. Please write!
> > I am on Lupron for six months to determine if surgery (ovary and uterine removal) is an option for me. I am 34 and have tried all methods to control my PMDD. This option is not for everyone, because the drug suppresses estrogen and could possibly cause some bone loss when used over six months without adding back hormones, plus is an extremely expensive drug. If you can't tolerate side effects from the SSRI's , there are mood stabilizers and other drugs to try.>>>>>> So far the Lupron has COMPLETELY CURED MY PMDD>>>>
> >
> >
> > >>>Wow!!! I know I am about 6 months late in posting.. but I just found this site! You sound EXACTLY like me!!! I've always had PMS but after kids, everyday stress, etc. it just got worse.. You are correct - the only relief I felt was the intense rage - letting it all out! However, I was getting scared - i was becoming abusive to my husband and my kids..the rage would build inside me until it was literally a blind rage - i could quite literally see red in my eyes! This was usually the 2 weeks prior to my period.. My husband told me for years - he loved me 2 weeks out of the month, and couldn't live with me the other 2...We are young too - H.S. Sweethearts and have been together for 19 years now..he's 38 and I'm 36.. I finally sought help from my doctor.. I couldn't live with this one minute longer - i was depressed, hated life, thought about killing myself - sometimes about killing my husband or kids - i was starting to hate them! My husband was threatening to leave and I couldn't imagine my life without him. - We aren't just husband and wife, but best friends and soulmates. I even told him when he left to take the "damn kids" with him because I didn't want them! Ugh! How could I BE LIKE THIS??
> >
> > So - the doctor put me on 20mg of sarafem, and loestrin - to try to balance my hormones (we don't need birth control - he had a vasectomy)I was a zombie for 2 weeks.. I couldn't take this either! So doc changed me to 10mg of sarafem. I would like to share that my life has turned around 200%!
> >
> > I do suffer from upset stomach as a side effect. And, although sexual interest is decreased, my husband can usually change my mind.. :)
> >
> > I take the sarafem for 2 1/2 to 3 weeks out of the month.. I stop taking it a few days after I get my period. This seems to give me a break from the stomach ailments..
> >
> > Luckily, I'm not too bad with side effects. I do occasionally get anxiety attacks... I don't know if this is a side effect, or just me..
> >
> > THANK GOD I'm not the only person who felt this way!!
> >
> > Hey! I am glad to hear that you are feeling better. I am on my 5th week of lexapro, and am doing great. I don't particularly like sweating like a man, but it is better than the alternative! My OB tried me on Yasmin birth control pill first, but I felt suicidal after being on it only 5 days, and that was during my good two weeks! So the lexapro started working right away, which was great, but I don't like taking this stuff and wonder if I will have to be on it the rest of my life! I was wondering if you saw DR.Phil today-it was all about hormones and PMS, and they had a PMS specialist on that said PMS is caused by high estrogen, low progesterone. She said that there are natural progesterone suppositories that can be prescribed by an MD that specializes in PMS, that will alleviate around 150 symtoms of PMS. She also said that low progesterone can cause transient hypoglycemia in women which contributes alot to mood swings, and that in addition to the progesterone suppositories 2x a day, we should also eat every 3 hours, protein and complex carbs. Wow, that was a mouthfull, but has anybody tried this or heard of any success with this? Jovigurl-let me know if you sre interested in emailing each other. I would be. Thanks! mel
>
Posted by Heather Hall on December 26, 2003, at 12:49:20
In reply to Re: pmdd » Mel32, posted by kaitlyn on December 24, 2003, at 3:10:05
I am still raging. I also have persistent fatigue. This is my first post, but I have tried so many things, I need new ideas.
I have tested hormone levels several times, thyroid including all the individual levels, Epstein-Barr, Lupus, I think that's everything.
The Epstein-Barr was a mild positive, but from what I gather that can be the case with a good percentage of otherwise seemingly healthy people. All the others were within normal.
I have had years and years of therapy, I have tried birth control and SSRIs many types, many times. Mood stabilizers too. I had either no reaction or very bad reactions to those - especially BuSpar and Nuva Ring.
I ended up hospitalized for PPD after my second child. They insisted I was Bipolar, but I disagree. I have since again tried the entire alphabet of SSRIs and their friends. I also tried progesterone cream, and recently Prometrium ( natural progesterone in a pill - stronger)
I have had some short lived promising results from several things, but I think at this point I just want it to work so badly that it does for a little while.
I did have some good results with 3600mg of magnesium daily for awhile, but that is an incredibly high dosage, and expensive - for the good quality chelates that don't keep you in the bathroom. Besides, that's *15* capsules a day, just for that! The person who 'prescribed' it to me turned out to be an unreliable care provider, She was great until she fell off the wagon and I found out she had quite a colorful history of addiction before I met her. Broke my heart.I exercise 2-3 times a week, I eat mostly organic, I eat a variety of whole grains - not much wheat because my kids are intolerant, I can not tolerate soy. I lost my taste for fruit when I was pregnant with my 2nd child. Oh! This is significant - I had my gallbladder removed at 28 weeks pregnant. I was pretty sick. I could only eat hummous without having an attack.
We drink raw milk so I get lots of good enzymes and healthy fats from that. I eat nuts, lots of beans. We get really high quality meat, sometimes straight from the farm. I have a nutrition education background because I teach natural childbirth classes and attend births professionally. I want to be a midwife, but I have to sort out this problem first!What am I missing? What haven't I tried?
Posted by LynneDa on December 29, 2003, at 13:55:59
In reply to Re: pmdd » Mel32, posted by kaitlyn on December 24, 2003, at 3:10:05
WOW! How did I miss these posts in the past! Everything all of you have said is totally me as well. I'm 40 and have been this way for about 3 or 4 years with it worsening every year. I'm in a 2nd marriage with my 7 year old and his (very wonderful,luckily) 9 & 11 year olds. I finally went to my OB/GYN and was diagnosed with PMDD and dysthymia (sp?). I was put on Sarafem, hated it, waited a year and finally went on Lexapro in Oct. 2003. It has helped a lot, but still have symptoms - worse the 2 weeks prior to period. So, I was just upped to 20 mg. this week.
My therapist had surgery to remove everything (she's 43) and is feeling wonderful, symptom-free for the first time in 10 years. It's pretty severe to do that, but it worked for her.
Heather or Mel (I lost track of whose post was whose!) , it sounds like you are doing everything right. I wish I had something to add, except I feel your pain :-). Have you checked out the alternative part of this web site? There may be more answers there.
I am so tired of either feeling numb/tired, angry, sad/suicidal and overall hopeless and incompetent. I can tell when it's my hormones and not just me. My husband doesn't get it. I know it's not my imagination and I know some of it IS out of my control, thus the meds and therapies and diet changes. I don't have the energy/discipline to make some of the wonderful changes in diet and habits that you have, but hopefully, as the Lex keeps working, I will be able to work on the things that ARE in my control.
Thanks for writing about the progesterone suppositories and possiblity of hypoglycemia. I will talk to my OB/GYN about that. I have been told over the years that it could be an issue for me (not by docs, just friends).
Good luck to all of you facing PMDD, it's surely not fun . . . looking forward to menopause anyone?!?!?
Happy New Year!
~ Lynne
Posted by Liv on December 29, 2003, at 16:00:56
In reply to PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Jan on March 1, 1999, at 10:54:47
Maybe Insulin Resistance is the cause of PMDD.
Have any of you tried METFORMIN (glucophage)?It has saved my life. I was suffering from extreme PMDD, and a weight gain that was unbelievable. After taking many test that did not show any significant abnormality, trying different pills of different types, I told my MD that I wanted to try metformin. I have PCOS and metformin is being used to treat PCOS. Boy, am I glad I got to try metformin! My life is transformed! In 2 years I have lost 25 lb, but best off all, my mood is totally better. I am a normal person! It is amazing! For me it truly has been a cure.
This summer I went on a long vacation, and did not take my metformin regularly. What a mistake. I went right back to where I had been 2 years ago. It was hell, I had forgotten how BAD PMDD could be. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. But I did and I will never “forget” to take my metformin ever again.
Try it, it may work for some of you. I don’t have any side effects (I like to say that this pill is made for me :-), but I know some people get an upset stomach from metformin. Give it a few months and see if it will cure your PMDD too. It will make me happy if only one of you will benefit from this. Good Luck.
Posted by Heather Hall on December 29, 2003, at 17:29:49
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by LynneDa on December 29, 2003, at 13:55:59
Hi Lynne! Thanks for your input. What is the alternative part? I found this thread using google...
I don't have weight gain issues, I don't know about taking a diabetes drug without symptoms for it. I am taking a glandular supplement to help regulate my lows. I also just started taking something ovary specific - we'll see what happens.
I am having my third NMT appointment next Monday, I'll keep you posted.
Heather
Posted by LynneDa on December 30, 2003, at 14:49:34
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Heather Hall on December 29, 2003, at 17:29:49
Hi! I don't think I've ever been tested for anything related to diabetes or insulin, but I may suggest it at my next appt. Thank you so much for the information! I have a friend with PCOS, but I don't think she's pursuing treatment very aggressively,unfortunately.
Heather, I'll be intersted to hear your progress!
~ Lynne
Posted by JLM on December 31, 2003, at 20:15:54
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by LynneDa on December 30, 2003, at 14:49:34
According to Eli Lilly, there is no such things is PMDD, and they no longer recommend Prozac for its treatment. There was a letter sent to British doctors from Lilly on this topic. Oddly enough, the letter was not sent to American doctors. Interesting isn't it?
http://www.ahrp.org/risks/LillyPMDD1203.html
The letter states its not listed in the ICD, and its only considered a 'research diagnosis' in the DSM-IV.
So much for 'Sarafem' I guess.
Posted by Tuck on December 31, 2003, at 21:50:53
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by JLM on December 31, 2003, at 20:15:54
Has anyone had any thyroid symptoms of PMDD? Just when I thought I had things under control I have this strange lump in my neck that that is not a goiter (sp?). I try to tell my family Dr. that it is worse at certain times of the month but he isn't buying it. I have had a thyroid scan and my blood work says it is functioning normally? If anybody has had anything thing like this please post! I really don't know what to think!
Thank you all.....
Posted by Heather Hall on January 1, 2004, at 8:12:41
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by JLM on December 31, 2003, at 20:15:54
> According to Eli Lilly, there is no such things is PMDD, and they no longer recommend Prozac for its treatment. There was a letter sent to British doctors from Lilly on this topic. Oddly enough, the letter was not sent to American doctors. Interesting isn't it?
>
> http://www.ahrp.org/risks/LillyPMDD1203.html
>
> The letter states its not listed in the ICD, and its only considered a 'research diagnosis' in the DSM-IV.
>
> So much for 'Sarafem' I guess.
>
I agree that Sarafem is not a solution, but I know there is something very wrong happening for me on a monthly cycle that doesn't involve typical premenstrual symptoms - it's all emotional. No cramps, no achy breasts, possibly bloating but not enough to bother me.
One of the interesting things I came across in my NMT treatment was severe endogenous allergies. I really hope getting those cleared up will help my moods.
Heather
Posted by Heather Hall on January 1, 2004, at 8:16:09
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Tuck on December 31, 2003, at 21:50:53
> Has anyone had any thyroid symptoms of PMDD? Just when I thought I had things under control I have this strange lump in my neck that that is not a goiter (sp?). I try to tell my family Dr. that it is worse at certain times of the month but he isn't buying it. I have had a thyroid scan and my blood work says it is functioning normally? If anybody has had anything thing like this please post! I really don't know what to think!
> Thank you all.....
I haven't had that, but don't let one doctor deter you. Did they do *all* levels of thyroid? Ask to see an endocrinologist.
Posted by Tuck on January 1, 2004, at 14:38:05
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Tuck on December 31, 2003, at 21:50:53
Ya know I really can't complain about the usual PMS syptoms either. (cramping and sore breasts) I have more the achy body/neck and anxiety. Which can go along with thyroid, but like I mentioned, mine tests normal. I haven't been to see an endocrinologist (sp?) yet. I am sure that is the next step! I am just so ready to get off this ride!!
Another thing I wanted to throw out there is.... Does anyone feel the worst the week after their period? I do!
Posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 9:09:27
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Doug Anderson on November 18, 2000, at 11:36:58
Maybe Insulin Resistance is the cause of PMDD?!?!
Have any of you tried METFORMIN (glucophage)?It has saved my life. I was suffering from extreme PMDD, battling all the symptoms of menopause (at the age of 36) and a weight gain that was unbelievable. After taking many test that did not show any significant abnormality, trying different pills of different types, I told my MD that I wanted to try metformin. I have PCOS and metformin is being used to treat PCOS. Boy, am I glad I got to try metformin! My life is transformed! In 2 years I have lost 25 lb, but best off all, my mood is totally better AND my menopause symptoms are gone. I am a normal person! It is amazing! For me it truly has been a cure.
This summer I went on a long vacation, and did not take my metformin regularly. What a mistake. I went right back to where I had been 2 years ago. It was hell, I had forgotten how BAD PMDD could be. I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through it. But I did and I will never “forget” to take my metformin ever again.
Try it, it may work for some of you. I don’t have any side effects (I like to say that this pill is made for me :-), but I know some people get an upset stomach from metformin. Give it a few months and see if it will cure your PMDD too. It will make me happy if only one of you will benefit from this. Good Luck.
Liv
Posted by Heather Hall on January 3, 2004, at 10:47:58
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 9:09:27
Thanks for the idea, but I don't have any weight problems and I am already taking Paraplex to regulate my my sugar levels. I can tell a difference when I don't take it, but it is just one layer of many. I'm so glad to hear you found something that works so well for you.
Posted by Sooshi on January 3, 2004, at 13:24:29
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 9:09:27
Hi Liv! Excuse me, but what is PCOS?
Posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 13:57:31
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder » Liv, posted by Sooshi on January 3, 2004, at 13:24:29
> Hi Liv! Excuse me, but what is PCOS?
PCOS = poly cystic ovarian syndrome
It is an autoimmune illness. Take a look at this link:
http://www.pcosupport.org/medical/whatis.php#pcos
I happened to have a few autoimmune illnesses. Hypothyroid (TSH was 98, normal is 0.5-3.5), PCOS, premature menopause, insulin resistance. And nobody seems to know if they are related. But my personal experience seem to point to insulin resistance, which I have self diagnosed as having, since Metformin is working so well for me. The glucose tests were normal, but there is a special test that can be done to show insulin res. that I have not taken since I’m on metformin. My PMDD, PCOS and premature menopause is gone as long as I faithfully take metformin. But when I stop metformin or take only one pill a day (I need 3 a day to get symptom free), the PMDD and menopause symptoms comes right back.
Liv
Posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 14:20:48
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by JLM on December 31, 2003, at 20:15:54
> According to Eli Lilly, there is no such things is PMDD, and they no longer recommend Prozac for its treatment. There was a letter sent to British doctors from Lilly on this topic. Oddly enough, the letter was not sent to American doctors. Interesting isn't it?
>
> http://www.ahrp.org/risks/LillyPMDD1203.html
>
> The letter states its not listed in the ICD, and its only considered a 'research diagnosis' in the DSM-IV.
>
> So much for 'Sarafem' I guess.
>
>All of us in this forum knows that PMDD exist. But if anti depressants really helps, is a different question. Anti depressants did nothing for me, nor did the birth control pill. I think as long as they don’t know what causes PMDD and what cures it, we are going to have to fight this battle on our own. I’m very lucky to have found something that helps for me.
Liv
Posted by Heather Hall on January 3, 2004, at 14:32:17
In reply to Re: PMDD - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, posted by Liv on January 3, 2004, at 13:57:31
Liv wrote:
But my personal experience seem to point to insulin resistance, which I have self diagnosed as havingHi there! I suspect I am having a similar set of issues, but a little more on the adrenal end. I just wonder if you are open to some of the alternative approaches that seem to be able to 'reset' us folks whose bodies are attacking themselves somehow, and not working harmoniously over all. Maybe you could successfully get your body to work with it's insulin appropriately again.
Posted by Tuck on January 3, 2004, at 19:05:47
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Heather Hall on January 1, 2004, at 8:12:41
Okay, I am trying to follow you guys these last few days, because I know that there is a lot of great info on this board.... But, I am obviously not as familiar with the medical lingo as you are! When someone threw the autoimmune disease in I knew that maybe I was on the right track. I have a extremely elevated ANA (1880) Some doctors think I have Lupus and some don't. I don't have the classic symptoms. Right now only anxiety and a lump on my thyroid that I posted about earlier. My current Dr. tells me not to worry about my ANA and thinks that Zoloft is the ansewer for my stress and anxiety. My ANA does seem to go down when I am not as stressed out. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Also, I notice that at certain times of the month I get really shaky and light headed if I don't eat.
Thanks for any input!
Posted by Sooshi on January 3, 2004, at 21:23:21
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Tuck on January 3, 2004, at 19:05:47
First, thanks to Liv for the PCOS definition!
I have horrendous pms nearly every month as is described by all the previous posters, so much so that I don't even feel that I need to describe it! I'm BPII-depressed, on Topa & Effexor and my Pdoc has recommended taking Seroquel during the two weeks before my period. It seems to me this drug would just aggrivate the depression I feel during this time, but he said it would alleviate the irritation and anger....I don't know. Has anyone at all used this drug for PMDD? Or have any thoughts? Positive or Negative...doesn't matter!
Thanks.
Posted by Heather Hall on January 4, 2004, at 8:55:12
In reply to Re: pmdd, posted by Tuck on January 3, 2004, at 19:05:47
Tuck, having a high level like that is significant - and they are doing harm if they just want to hide it by treating your symptoms. I imagine that stress would effect the level, because autoimmune disorders seem to really go hand in hand with endocrine disruptions. If you are stressed you are producing more cortisol - the hormone that is resposible for 'flight or fight'. That could have something to do with your anxiety issues, especially if your body can't figure out how to regulate the cortisol.
I really think your family doc is doing you a great disservice by essentially patting you on the head and giving you a bandaid. Just because he doesn't understand or doesn't know how to help doesn't mean there isn't an issue or that it can't be better treated. Have you seen an endocrinoligist? if you haven't you may want to insist on it. Just my .02
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