Pms And Ptsd (tmi Warning For Men)

[Friday]

Just double checking... You've heard of PMDD, yes? As PMDD is treated differently than PMS, usually. Like PPD is treated differently than baby blues.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that includes physical and behavioral symptoms that usually resolve with the onset of menstruation.
PMDD causes extreme mood shifts that can disrupt work and damage relationships. Symptoms include extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, plus common PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.

Prescription drugs and lifestyle changes may help.

Very common
More than 3 million US cases per year
Treatable by a medical professional
Usually self-diagnosable
Lab tests or imaging not required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong

 

[Fadeaway]

@Friday, I thought had more to do with physical symptoms. Hmmm. Like I said my cycles have never been regular so I have never known what to expect, but my physical symptoms have never been bad.

 

[Panda Bear]

I'm 38 and up until last year, my cycles had always be regular. 24-26 days, year in and year out.

BUT...my PMS is a bitch and my ptsd symptoms too seem to get worse. The emotions run wild and my irritation with life can at times become a violent. Freaking out became the norm. Mega sensory overload and sleeplessness. Paranoid too.

When I began to heavily process trauma, my symtoms became worse and more unpredictable. As I dove the deepest last fall, my cycle completely disappeared all together for almost 4 months. The Psychiatrist said it's pretty normal for bodies to simplify and when we put a lot of strain on our systems. For women, that means cycles often become irregular or nonexistent. I've had blood work and a ultrasounds as well(because of crazy heavy bleeding and such) nothing seems 'wrong'.

Again....deep trauma work has started and my cycle is now 7wks out and nada...I feel alright, but when she returns, it's going to be bad!!

One thing I have noticed is the bleeding is intense the farther I get into my work, before it disappears.

Eta....my psych and I discussed taking permanent measures to stop the excessive bleeding I have when my period does show. It's so bad that I can't leave the house, 10-15mim between tampons and still needed a back up. We agreed the issues were PTSD related and that they might be better the farther I get to working through stuff. They are lighter when I feel more normal and I'm not knee deep in trauma shit. It's a bummer, because I'd love to find a way to help balance am already stressed out system. But we just keep working with what we have. Honestly, I cleaned up my eating and that has helped the 'mood' side some.

 

[Fadeaway]

@Panda Bear That makes so much sense to me because it does seem to coincide with my PTSD. Emotionally things were so bad with my husband losing his job. I am not sure if the PTSD made my period worse or if the period made my PTSD worse. I just never want to live through that again, I still feel so off and out of sorts, like the day after bad flashbacks, but the feeling keeps lingering.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Anyone ever experience anything like this and does anyone know of alternative remedies for balancing your hormones?

Yes and no.

I have PCOS so I dont bleed, or dont often. Maybe once every few years. Its decreased over the years. The reason PCOS does that is imbalanced hormones. Theres some very embarassing results of having too much testitrone but the biggest is balding. What they call male pattern baldness. Its gotten to being very noticablly thin.

Anyway, i do have a weird cycle of hormones. Sometimes i cant sleep, sometimes im more irritable, sometimes i have bad cramps, sometimes i feel like beating my head against the wall...sometimes all at once.

I also get bad hot flashes. Thats been over the last few years so ive likely entered menapause at age 35.

Progesterone shots id do if i could. Ive taken menopause pills before and that leveled all sorts of shit out including my cycle but i was 20 and the Dr yelled at me for doing that. Id say likely good if you are in perimenapause which it sounds likely as it can mirror PCOS.

I havent read any of the replies but id talk to your OB/GYN about possible perimenapause as that sounds very likely.

 

[Cannottakethis]

In my late 40s. Perimenopausal. I am a mess the two weeks leading up to my period. My symptoms are so severe and I can't take antidepressants because they mess with my bipolar. I'm praying for menopause at this point because every month seems like it gets worse and lasts longer. I'm in a constant state of panic and depression.

 

[Hopeful3x]

I have noticed that when I am feeling anxious or triggered when I am on my period I stop bleeding and resume when my body is able to relax and feel safer. Then it comes flooding out. Has any one else experienced this?

 

[lostforgottensoul]

I have noticed that when I am feeling anxious or triggered when I am on my period I stop bleeding and resume when my body is able to relax and feel safer.

Mine is opposite. If im extremely stressed is when I bleed, a lot. Thats not happened in some years now, probably because i likely entered menopause but back in '09 and before thats what happened.

Most "normal people" that dont have PCOS is that way. But with the other symptoms it sounds a lot like perimenopause.


What Are the Signs of Perimenopause?
Women in perimenopause have at least some these symptoms:

• Hot flashes
• Breast tenderness
• Worse premenstrual syndrome
• Lower sex drive
• Fatigue
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex
• Urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• Urinary urgency (an urgent need to urinate more frequently)
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping

http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/guide-perimenopause

 

[PTSDfree]

Do you think? I figured since I am in my mid to late 30's I still had another 10 years to go. Worth re...

It can happen to anyone. Personally, I'm sixteen years old and have full-blown POF. I imagine the sheer amount of stress from dealing with PTSD contributed to it. :p

 

[Dell]

I have always been more symptomatic just before my period but it is becoming more extreme. The problem...

The only thing that's helped me is taking maca.
It's a natural hormone balancer.
Hope this helped

 

[Fadeaway]

Whatever it was it seems to have gone away. It was just that one cycle that was that was extreme enough for me to make this thread.

 

[Canticle]

I have always been more symptomatic just before my period but it is becoming more extreme. The problem...

Please do not think I am lacking insight because I am a male.

First of all I want to thank you for sharing this and reaching out. I can relate with the the rush of blood and the emotional chaos.

I was two years old when I was first injured and faded into my lonely PTSD out of faze reality. I suffered trough five more PTSD shatter my soul events in the following years. From sexual abuse, death to extreem violence. My soul was shattered time after time and I could not catch my breath.

I had to move far away from all the apathy and shame. I traveled to Alaska when I turned 18. I was alone here; but, it was a real alone. Not like being alone standing right in front of those that should accept and love me. Regardless, the stress and fear of finding my safe place, pushed my mind beyound a dissacociative event. I went weeks without sleep working 18hr days and tic tocing around the clock. Reality shifted way out of faze. I ended up dancing down the streets naked thinking I could save the world and stop the apathy.

I spent 6 months in a psychiatric ward learning how to tie my shoes and speak like a human again. I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and bi polar type 1 schizo effective.

The cycles come and go like a flash back of thunder storms within. I can not take medications. They grind down on me and take the wind out of my sail, or they hyper agitate me into a nervouse wreck.

I have been a survivor with a relentless determination to be the best me that I can. It is no easy endeavor to have the thunder crackle within me whenever the cycles decide to snap me too. I have no control over that. What I can and always will do; is hold onto my love within.

No matter how dark the storm and I mean DARK! No matter how terrifying the fear, no matter how intensely I feel. Good or bad, I adhere to my love within and make it back to calm shores. Mother Nature has blessed me and healed many of my wounds along the way. She always makes my heart smile. Beautiful ones that are strong enough to turn the darkness to light and love with true conviction; give me hope and revive my heart smile.

Love has been my only solace and greatest blessing. Despite all the hell fire, despair and sorrow; I am greatful for my life and the opportunity to love!

Thank you for sharing yourself and reaching out. I was truly able to connect and find purpose within my malady. The greater the light the darker the storm and I am ready to take the next step. Love, respect and honor beautiful one. Thank you for the blessing and showing me the way.