PMS Help

[Lorraineokeowo]

Ever since my 1st born was approx 8months I noticed a deterioration in my mood I initially thought it was PND as I was extreammly moody, down, life just felt like it was too much too handle. As time went on I kept a diary of when I felt like this. I noticed it was usually a week prior my monthly cycle. These feelings would last a maximum of 4days but they were 4 days of hell. Recently I found during this period I would have suicidal thoughts which really concerned me so I finally got the courage to go and see my Gp a year later only to be told it's PMS.....now being moody I can cope with feeling suicidal I think this may be more than just pms. Feeling very lost as I don't feel I'm being taken seriously based on the fact I appear normal on the exterior. Has anyone experienced this?

[Saffron]

PMDD? It isn't really recognised much in the UK. What treatment did the GP recommend?

Also, were you properly screened for PND? Low level depression might be aggrevated by menstrual tension.

Are you able to get a referral or see a specialist privately?

[midivydale]

PMDD? It is recognised and treated in scandinavia, not much help for you I know I just wanted to offer some sympathy. What did your GP suggest? In Sweden AD's are often prescribed for oart of the cycle to combat some of the symptoms you describe. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will be around soon (saffron?).

[midivydale]

Sorry saffron I didnt see your post:)

[Saffron]

Haha, crossed posts, no worries!

Some more info here on PMDD https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/pms-and-pmdd/

See wikipedia as well. Xx

[binkylilyput]

Whether it is PMS, PMDD or PND it is not ok to feel this way!

Your GP shouldn't send you away with the message that having suicidal thoughts monthly is ok. You are reaching out for help and the "it's just PMS" attitude isn't helpful or accurate.

Please be reassured that there are treatment options- including medication and psychological therapy.

I would suggest you return to your GP and, if need be, see a different one.

[Lorraineokeowo]

Thank you ladies for the response. Tbh although it has taken a little while to reach out I just feel I'm not being taken seriously. I'm even willing to go private if there is a doctor out there that can help. I will perceiver.

[buggie]

Have you d/w your HV?

Even if you feel a strong tie in with your cycle, wouldn't want to

exclude PND and there should be rapid assessment pathways available with you having

an infant under 1yr - even if it turned out not to be PND, you shouldn't be having to

endure feeling like this on a monthly basis at such a vulnerable time to you & your child xx

[Lorraineokeowo]

Hi, she is 2 now however we only moved to dulwich a few months ago and have not yet met our HV attached to our GP. I'll ask to see the HV. As it's worth a try.

[buggie]

Have PM'd you a bit more info xx

[Belle]

Hi - have recently been finding out more about this area as am developing (hopefully) a public awareness project about it, definitely seems like little is known about it (and likewise mental health issues linked to menopause). Yet it makes so much sense that our hormones would affect the way we feel! As it happens there is specialist clinic on our doorstep, but it is quite small - worth looking into - the Female Hormone Clinic, based at the Maudsley Hospital, opposite King's. If your GP doesn't know about them, ask for a referral there.

There are also supportive charities etc but I would agree you want to get the medical route sorted first.

I'm actually hosting a Tweet chat on this issue on Thurs 12 May if you are free & on Twitter(it's at 8pm and you'd be able to take part by searching #hormonehour). We have done a couple, here's a link to the report of the first one as one of the doctors from the Female Hormone Clinic took part, and I remember he had some advice on this: http://www.kettlepartnership.com/2016/03/our-report-on-hormonehour/ - he also mentioned an app you might want to explore: Professor O?Brien PreMentricS

In my experience it sometimes helps to go to a GP saying "I think it's X" so maybe try that re PMDD, even though as Buggie says you wouldn't want to exclude exploring other possibilities.

Really feel for you, I don't believe I have it but I do have massively fluctuating moods during my cycle and it's very hard.

[buggie]

Glad to see you posting Belle - was hoping you'd find this 👍🏻😉

[Lorraineokeowo]

Thank you so much been looking into this female hormone clinic and I think it's exactly what I need. Fingers crossed.

[Saffron]

I went to the GP and directly stated that I had a history of depression and anxiety, and that I felt I was depressed again postpartum. I was wrongly told that there are no antidepressants ok for breastfeeding. The GP did not even offer to assess me. She told me I could quit breastfeeding to go on antidepressants, or I could see a counsellor with a ~14 wk wait.

Saw a different GP. Got fobbed off again. She declined to run any bloodwork, despite me stating that I had a history of high platelets.

I went private then, because I KNEW deep down that I was SERIOUSLY unwell. I saw a private psychiatrist, and also changed to a different NHS surgery. A simple psych test showed that I had profound postpartum depression, and a simple blood test showed that I had elevated platelets and very low iron.

Don't rule out the importance of getting a complete assessment. Iron (and other mineral) stores can be slow to rebuild postpartum. Your GP should also rule out other underlying problems which could exacerbate hormones, such as endocrine disorders (thyroid etc).

For some women, hormone therapies can help, such as hormonal contraception. For others, it can make them worse. Antidepressants are often recommended, but there are many different ones. Sertraline is fine if you're still breastfeeding. You may have to explore different treatments, or combined medication/ cognitive therapy for the result that feels right to you.

The private psychiatrist that I saw was Dr Jeremy Pfeffer (020 7935 3878), who practises out of Harley Street. I had a one-off but extensive consultation (expensive, but worth it). He was fantastic, and if you're going private, I highly recommend him. He has extensive experience within the NHS, and he was able to correspond with my NHS GP regarding recommended treatment. Also my new NHS GP and my NHS haematologist have been amazing.

Don't give up if you feel like something is serious wrong. There IS someone out there who can help! xx

[midivydale]

What great advice, Belle I had never heard of the clinic.

[Belle]

I haven't read this but it might be helpful?

http://iblamethehormones.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/the-confusion-surrounding-progesterone.html?spref=fb

[shoshntosh]

This is a very serious and unfortunately chronic problem -- people with serious mental health issues being "fobbed off" by their GPs. I've grown to understand, through talking with DR friends, the myriad complicated reasons for this. But whatever the reasons, it is unacceptable. (You are fortunate that you can go private & I really hope you get the help you need). I had a friend visit her GP 7 times with symptoms similar to yours and she was told, each time, "you just need to relax", and "reduce your stress levels". It was complete bollocks.

I wonder if you have considered contacting MIND (the mental health charity)? 0300 123 3393 You might also try The Vale Practice or Eve Therapy, both in East Dulwich. Good luck and well done for reaching out when you knew something wasn't right. It takes courage to do that.