Thoughts on how to treat PMS and/or PMDD (premenstrual dyshphoric disorder)?
I am 26 years old and for the last year or so, the few days before my period have gotten steadily worse for me emotionally. The mood swings are intense and have begun to even affect my social life and relationships. I don’t know how to describe it…I just feel like a completely different, worthless lump of a person…it’s terrible.
I have never really monitored my monthly cycles; it was actually my boyfriend who noticed the pattern and brought to my attention. We decided our first course of action would be to track the symptoms.
Also, I have never been on birth control and have a history of depression.
1) What factors could contribute to these debilitating mood swings?
2) Is there anyway to holistically treat and balance hormone levels (I got laid off and have no health insurance…I just can’t afford a doctor)?
3) Would going on birth control help steady hormone levels or actually make them worse?
4) Any other thoughts to help get through that pre-menstrual time without wanting to walk myself off a d*mned bridge every other moment?
Related Blogs
Hi There,
First, there is nothing wrong with you. Feeling out of control when you are about to start your period is perfectly natural. There are some methods that I use every month to help me cope with my PMS symptoms.
First, I get my mind on the body’s schedule so I know when to start expecting these symptoms to come. Then, I can take steps to help myself feel better and not like murdering everyone I pass on the road.
Second, realize where these depressed, angry feelings are coming from. Try and keep your mind in this moment and rememer that your hormones are taking over your body and there is nothing that you can do about it, so you may as well accept it instead of trying to fight it. There is nothing “in your head” about these symptoms. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have the power to stop all these negative feelings.
Your PMS is like a cold. You can’t cure it, but you can take some herbal supplements and practice calming methods to help you ease your symptoms until it’s over with. I take Dong Quai tea twice a day beginning on my first day of PMS until my period is over. This tea is available at most stores and is made with herbs that are natural hormone balancers in women.
The second thing I do is cut out sugar and caffiene - as these are known to intensify PMS symptoms. Finally, I practice mind calming techniques such as yoga, meditation, and praying while listening to soft music in a dimly lit room. Also, nice warm baths by yourself feel great.
Despite these bad feelings and pains I get once a month, I love being a woman and I thank God for the opportunity everyday for everything that He has given to me in this life. I try to keep this mindset when I’m feeling the worst. This seems to help and manages to get through the muddiness of mind during this time.
If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to contact me. My husband and I also have a website for women’s issues called. It’s based on a book about where women’s gifts come from.