Was told that PMDD doesn't exist

I have always suffered with my periods (I'm 41), and I found this website by accident while trying to understand why I seem to be the only one that has so many emotional-PMS problems.....most other women that I know have NO problems with the awful moods and symptoms I get right before my period starts. I have had several bouts of moderate to severe depression since my 20s and have an extensive family history of Major Depressive Disorder and BP (I'm not BP). I'm not on any meds right now.

My periods have always been highly irregular, with stress being the major culprit. I went 9 months without getting my period once during a very stressful time in my life (in my early 20s) and that was without any hormone replacement (birth control) or other purposeful attempt to control my cycles.

To some women, having highly irregular periods that only come a handful of times a year would be a good thing but to me it is pure torture because I then have MONTHS of unending PMS, depression, severe irritability, anger, mood swings, and off/on cramps. No exaggeration.....it can last for months. I pray for my period to start so I can have some peace and sanity. As of today, I haven't had my period in three months (not pregnant) but I've had awful depression, anger, sore breasts, cramps, and other problems for the last 2 months. I'm actually crying as I'm typing this.

Some times, I know about 30 minutes before I finally start to bleed because I have waves of serenity feelings wash over me suddenly. Almost like taking some type of Xanax or having a fever break after a long illness. I live for those moments when I'm suffering for weeks on end. I don't mind the severe cramping (while bleeding) because it means that I'm finally sane again. Unfortunately, it only lasts about one or maybe two weeks.

Most of the time I really want to hide away from people when I'm having so many mood problems, who then get hurt feelings when I just want to be alone. I really don't want to be around myself when I'm like that.....

When I first read about PMDD, while in therapy for a particularly bad depressive episode, I asked my psychiatrist about it and he said, "that disorder doesn't exist.....I don't believe that it is real." I actually believed him at the time, but as I get older my horrendous PMS is getting worse. I didn't pursue it further (that was years ago) but I'd like to perhaps see if maybe some other doctor can help.

Has anyone else been told this by their doctors? I'd love to hear if anyone has actually had relief from any other medication than a SSRI. I've not been on a SSRI for about 10 years, but I may have to start again because this is getting unbearable. I've even had fantasies of getting a hysterectomy because I just want it to stop.

This forum is the first time in my life where I've read of other women having the same problems that I've had, and that does help (it's probably the trigger for my tears right now). I've always been very jealous of women that get their periods like clockwork and just have mild crying jags or chocolate cravings.

Thanks for reading....I'd appreciate any feedback or comments. I've never known anyone else with my PMS problems, so I'd love to hear from you if this is something you go through as well.

I can completely relate. Two weeks before my period, I can't sleep, I get moody, anxious, can't concentrate, have no motivation, and get very hungry, It was horrible, I asked about a hysterectomy b/c I didn't want to feel like this. What I though was crazy, was that as soon as my period would start, "POOF", my symptoms went way. It's like I could only function for two weeks out of the month. Diff psychs gave me diff diagnosis...major depressive, bipolar, general anxiety disorder...it was actually my primary care doc who suggested PMDD. I read on the symptoms and I was in shock that there are some psychs that do not believe in PMDD. When I went to see my new psych I went in with my laptop and showed him my data. Now I feel a little more normal with my meds. Your best bet is to track your symptoms for at least 3 months and take the data to your doc. it is tough, especially if you are really busy, but honestly, it is the only way the docs will be able to give you something that actually works. Good Luck!

Jasper10,

Some pdocs should be slapped. I know that pmdd exists. I have been diagnosed with it. I wish more people were active on this form, because pmdd is a major issue.

I have heard of doctors doing blood panels to test hormone imbalances/issues. Have you had this done? It sounds like your symptoms are quite severe. I hope you keep researching, getting second opinions, etc, until you have some answers.

My periods are very regular, but that just makes my pmdd very predictable. My new husband told me that he basically doesn't pay attention to anything I say during the 10-14 days before my period, because I am always down and have depressive thinking. I cry a lot, have low energy, depressive thinking, etc. I became used to just "waiting it out", and my symptoms would magically disappear, as well, usually the day before my period came.

The straw that broke the camel's back, for me, was realizing that I didn't want my husband around during those times, and feeling like I didn't love him. That was just disturbing to me, because we actually have a very happy relationship.

My pdoc upped my lamictal and added citalopram. It COMPLETELY got rid of my pms for a month, which was awesome, but I had an adverse reaction when my period started...I suddenly got suicidal ideations and violent thoughts out of nowhere, and I wasn't even depressed. So I had to go off my citalopram, and I have to wait another cycle to try something else.

I hope you keep looking for solutions. Let me know if you find anything.

Jasper,

I really encourage you to post on the bipolar area of the forum as well, if you have not already done so. That area is more active, and is very supportive. I started a topic on that forum about pmdd and bipolar. Will see what happens.