Ladies: Menstrual Cycle And Ptsd?

[EvenStrongerNow]

My apologies in advance if this offends anyone.

Just started my cycle. Do any ladies find stressors and PTSD symptoms increase around this time?

What do you do to manage? I mean, it feels like a triple whammy having PTSD and this :banghead: :eek: :roflmao:

In light of my storms of posts the last several days, this explains everything!!

 

[nursenurse]

Didn't need PTSD to feel all of the above, lol. Then I left him, one problem solved, the hysterectomy dodged the other bullets. A decent cognac fixed everything else.

And if there was any one thing that would set me off, it would be if the ex muttered something truly intelligent, like, "You must be getting your period." Fourth of July had nothing on the ensuing fireworks.

Seriously, my heart to you. Although I am not a PTSD sufferer, what I suffered through for so many years when Aunt Flo came to visit would have killed any man. And there are others who suffer more than I did.

Pain control for me was number 1, I should have bought shares in Motrin or Advil and every manufacturer of feminine products. Talk to your doctor if you feel incapacitated, there are meds that can help. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Decent diet, decent sleep habits. Keep your schedule light during those times when your period is due. No big or complicated decisions unless necessary.

Be kind to yourself even when others aren't to you. They never will be kind to you unless they see you doing the same for yourself.

Good luck! I am sure there are a gazillion other suggestions out there, I hope you get the info you need.

 

[HëllaBubz]

I'm not sure if I'm a good person to comment.....apparently I'm pretty tame when it's 'that time', although the pain would be quite severe, the other half would baby me, bring me a hot water bottle, rub my back and just try to make me feel better until it went away.

My mum has told me that taking B vitamins, magnesium and calcium helps lessen the cramping and pain, and I was pretty meh about it until I tried it, and it actually helped!

I'll be relying very heavily on her supplements when I've given birth in 12 weeks, and I've found that her supplements have helped me tremendously with cramping now that bubs is pulling nutrients out of my body like a little tornado!

 

[Donnadoos]

I'm terrible around this time too, and go all psychotic. I used to be okay with never an issue until I became saddled with Ptsd so yeah, there may indeed be a link there.

I don't know how I manage so can't really offer advice there I'm afraid, I just get through somehow.

I hope things settle down soon for you love.

 

[stephanie44]

Great post - I almost started this thread myself until I saw yours. Started my period yesterday and felt tired, sad, depressed, and felt like I just did not care - this one is several days early so I was not expecting it. It tends to magnify my PTSD symptoms so I just try to take it easy if I can. I called my mom just to talk , which was nice, but my feelings of, "I am all alone in this" were still there. I have been trying to use CBT skills to help...

 

[Mrs Bravo]

It must be that time of the month for all of us! I just started mine two days ago. I'm sure my DH is absolutely tired of hearing all my crying, whining, ranting, then crying again all because my puppy peed on the floor. I feel like I have the hormones of a woman who is 9 months pregnant with triplets. The number one thing I do during this time is write things down in a journal. It helps me get it all out without attacking my hubs with tears and flailing arms....good thing he's a good man. Woke up to Starbucks and Shipley Donuts this morning.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Lol. Thank you, all of you ladies.

I didn't have them this bad either until PTSD took hold when I was 26. Prior to that, it was 4 days, no pain, nothing.

Now I go crazy too. It's ridiculous. I started tracking them but I am still surprised by it every single time hahaha. I average between 33 days all the way to 50. It just depends on stress I think. I have never been very regular.

It is times like these that I wish I were a man lol

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

:roflmao: Mrs. Bravo. Mine brings cheesecake and flowers! :eek:

 

[HëllaBubz]

I love mine. He's been known to go out, get me chocolate, and cuddle me while we play fight over the last few squares of the packet.
It always cheers me up because when I'm in severe pain I just tend to go quiet and withdraw into myself.

 

[PeppermintDuchess]

Ahh, I have PMDD and undiagnosed PTSD. Most times of the month, I experience mild ptsd symptoms, mostly dissociation. Near and on my period or end of BC, my PTSD goes fullblown with my PMDD. So generally i'm a COMPLETE mess, emotionally and physically. I have to warn other people before hand, my mom was even like, "oh my god i hope i'm not here when you're off your pill for a week." So dear, you are not alone.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Oh my gosh I feel your pain! I am about to start. Every single gosh darn month my symptoms especially anger and hypervigiliance returns to the Max. I feel out of control during this time, it usually subsides after my 2nd or 3rd day. Right before it, like now is the worst.

I am up, down, backwards, and sideways during this time! It is the WORST!

 

[Candleflames]

Oh I feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one. I've always had horrible periods. There's the crying, the exhaustion, the paranoia, the pain that puts my labors to shame (and I had pitocin!), and to top it all off the extra heat my body produces. My poor hubbie looks absolutely terrified as he hands my a glass of wine and a chocolate bar. Everything gets so much worse. There is only so much a person can take.