Thread: Wondering if this is normal

When I start my period I get crying jags and feel so depressed but the day I stop I feel happy and the crying stops, until my next period. I use to be able to tell when I was due by PMS happening a week before I start, but it seems that they are right on top of each other now.

Is this normal?

I started feeling this way for the past three months. ..c::

My Doctor wants to put me on an anti-depressant but I honestly don't think I need any.

wtf. Girl, I don't think you need anti-depressants.

Just a day or 2 before my period I would get what I call "the crazies." Extreme irritation, easy to cry, want to bite everyone's head off. Then period starts and I'm fine. I believe it's a fluctuation in hormonal activity. I haven't had it as severe recently but it was a very distinct pattern.

No, definitely not anti-depressant material.

Are you in your late 30's? I've noticed a change in my hormonal cycle - I get way more PMS than I used to, and I have days when I'm very close to tears a lot of the time.

BTW, I've been hormone-free (to borrow a phrase) for many years, and just had the Essure procedure (non-hormonal permanent BC) last year, so I know there's no external reason for it.

I've also had night sweats a couple of times within the past few months. Yay!

The other side of the coin:
I used to go through this every month, and a low-dose antidepressant has made a huge difference for me. Obviously, not everyone with monthly blues needs meds or should be on them, but if you find you have low-grade depressive symptoms at other times and they become severe once a month, your doctor may not be off base. There's a useful screening test here:
Welcome to depression-screening.org
It's worth checking out for educational purposes if nothing else, since depression doesn't always manifest in the most obvious ways, and it's not something that can be ruled out based on a couple of lines online. Take care.

When I reached my 30's my period shifted into getting a full blown migrane the day before my period started and now it has changed again. I don't get the migraines anymore but my hormones are WAY out of wack and I will cry at the drop of a hat and I want to be super snuggely and I feel "needy" to the extreme. The day my period stops, I feel like my normal self. Personally, I'm not too worried about it. I know it will pass just as the migraines did.

I'm not depressed until my period and the day after I'm "normal" again. I am in my early 40's. It use to be where I would be a total b#tch a week before but now it's BAM! Right on my first day.

Thanks, I can always rely on my fellow Bhuzzers to let me know that I'm not alone in how I feel.

I have the same problem, so I understand how you feel... I take primrose oil to prevent PMS depression. I also take natural serotonin and Bach Flowers...

I should try that primrose. I've been taking L-Thionine, which doesn't seem to help all that much.

i dont think u need anti depressants..i'm only 20 and i get the worst pms and periods ever. i am in crippling pain for a couple of days to the point where i can't even get up or walk. i get pretty hormonal right before my period and the day of and i've just gotten used it now. i know thats the least of problems with the amount of pain i feel later on lol

maybe you can get a second opinion from another doctor?

Originally Posted by Azhia

wtf. Girl, I don't think you need anti-depressants.

Just a day or 2 before my period I would get what I call "the crazies." Extreme irritation, easy to cry, want to bite everyone's head off. Then period starts and I'm fine. I believe it's a fluctuation in hormonal activity. I haven't had it as severe recently but it was a very distinct pattern.

No, definitely not anti-depressant material.

I agree 1,000% with Azhia - no anti-depressants for you! ...And I also relate very much to the pre-menstrual extreeeme emotion swings...

Add soy to your diet. In some form every day. this will help with some of the hormonal shifts. I have been doing this for two months now and no migraines! A friend of mine who is a Dr of Asian Medicine wants to track this!

{{{HUGS}}}

Originally Posted by Azhia

wtf. Girl, I don't think you need anti-depressants.

Just a day or 2 before my period I would get what I call "the crazies." Extreme irritation, easy to cry, want to bite everyone's head off. Then period starts and I'm fine. I believe it's a fluctuation in hormonal activity. I haven't had it as severe recently but it was a very distinct pattern.

No, definitely not anti-depressant material.

Same here, and totally agree. I'd try other alternatives than anti-depressants.

I suffer from depression....and the Rx never help me.
I'm not saying they don't help some...but sometimes, they make things worse too.

I hope you can find something that will help, other than Rx's.
Maybe more exercise might help (if you feel up to it).
I hope you feel better!

Tahira, I'm allergic to soy, but I have friends who do swear by it.
Thanks Gothique. I do dance or take walks when I feel down - it really does help... plus side is that I'm dancing more this week then I have in the entire month, so far ;)

I think I will find another GYN doc.

i'm an emotional basket case a week before my period, snippy, touchy, overly sensitive, grumpy, tired all the time, could eat all the carbs on the planet, pretty much a ripe ole b*tch...lol.

word of caution using alternative treatments like primrose oil though yes it's natural some can interact with with Rx meds.

Here's some information for you:

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits and Side Effects | NaturalHerbsGuide.com

Wow! So glad to see I'm not the only one who can lose it during my period! Thanks ladies!!!

I will say that the Rocky Mountain Soap Company, Rocky Mountain Soap Company - 100% Natural Skin Care, has created a therapeutic roll on for PMS, it is 100% natural and thanks to them, I now have painkiller free periods. I get wicked cramps for the first day and a half, but when I roll this stuff on my abdomen and lower back, the cramps subside after about 20 minutes and I can relax. I will admit that I am a fan of theirs as there is a retail shop in my town so I have loved RMSC for a very long time. I use almost everything they make in the way of bath, skin and foot care, but I never dreamed that a vial of essential oils would actually work on cramps that usually require an extra strength pharmaceutical! I have also had success with their cold and flu line, and they are always developing new products. You can shop online on their website and if you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, you can return it for a full refund. (I don't work for this company nor am I affiliated to it in any way other than a being a loyal customer due to the quality of their product and their service, I swear)

And I don't know your health history and I'm not a Dr., but I have heard that some of the following can be helpful with depression and/or PMS:
Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamins B6 & E
Fish oils/Omega 3's

Many of us don't get enough Omega 3's in our diet so a supplement is a good idea providing you do not have any other conditions that would be worsened by taking this type of supplement. Although I think you would have to have a pretty rare condition to not be able to take this supplement; Omega 3's are pretty essential to good health.

And since I live north of the 49th, my Dr. has instructed me to take 2000 IU's of Vitamin D daily to make up for the lack of sunshine my body gets during the winter. I call it my "sunshine pill" as I find that I am in a better mood when I take it than when I don't.

Also foods rich in polyphenols are great for this time of the month, or anytime you are in a bad mood, so indulge a little with some dark chocolate, as long as it's at least 70% cocoa.

In Canada we have to be cautious of purchasing supplements as they are not yet regulated by our government; ensure that you purchase any supplements or vitamins from trustworthy source and that they have gone through proper regulatory controls, (if they exist). And if you are taking other meds or supplements, check with your Dr. and/or pharmacist before you start taking anything new. Crying or being bitchy for a few days once a month is better than getting really sick...or worse.

Geez, this was longer than I intended. Sorry for blabbing on and on. hope someone finds it helpful ;-)

Originally Posted by Zana

The other side of the coin:
I used to go through this every month, and a low-dose antidepressant has made a huge difference for me. Obviously, not everyone with monthly blues needs meds or should be on them, but if you find you have low-grade depressive symptoms at other times and they become severe once a month, your doctor may not be off base.

I second Zana - I take a low dose antidepressant every day (5 mg of Prozac - the lowest mg out there) for PMDD. It has made a world of difference for me.

I know that people hear the words "antidepressant" and their knee-jerk reaction is "No, you don't need it! It's just PMS!" Most likely, your doctor is referring to 5 mg of fluoxetine (brand name prozac, also marketed as Sarafem) - it's such a low dosage that it has no daily effect. It does not completely alleviate my PMDD, I still feel sad, but not that "OMG everything is hopeless" feeling. I feel more normally down, and not quite so crazy - if that makes sense.

Obviously, do what feels right for you, whether it is homepathic or an rx, but I don't think you'd need to find another GYN because they suggested fluoxetine for PMS - it's pretty standard to do so. (But of course find another one if there are other factors.)

I never get very depressed before but at one time I would get so crazy that I am surprised I didn't end up in jail I got so b*tchy. So I got a prescription for Paxil that I would take only three days of the month, the three days before my period. It was just enough to keep me from killing somebody, it gave me enough time to think that I could just pull back. Even though I knew my bad mood was from PMS I couldn't always stop myself; I would see myself doing and saying things that I really didn't want to do. So my doctor thought that was fine for just those three days. Otherwise, Paxil makes me sick to my stomach.

Originally Posted by phillyraqs

I second Zana - I take a low dose antidepressant every day (5 mg of Prozac - the lowest mg out there) for PMDD. It has made a world of difference for me.

I know that people hear the words "antidepressant" and their knee-jerk reaction is "No, you don't need it! It's just PMS!" Most likely, your doctor is referring to 5 mg of fluoxetine (brand name prozac, also marketed as Sarafem) - it's such a low dosage that it has no daily effect. It does not completely alleviate my PMDD, I still feel sad, but not that "OMG everything is hopeless" feeling. I feel more normally down, and not quite so crazy - if that makes sense.

Obviously, do what feels right for you, whether it is homepathic or an rx, but I don't think you'd need to find another GYN because they suggested fluoxetine for PMS - it's pretty standard to do so. (But of course find another one if there are other factors.)

anyone who says PMDD is the same as PMS don't know what they are talking about. the two are very VERY different. your right we have to do what's right for us & nothing wrong with taking antidepressant. there's such a stigma attached to them.

I had these issues and while a low dose anti-depressent did help me, the side affects made life worse. I am on the pill and had to 1) find the right pill for me, some pills made it MUCH worse, and 2) switch to a cycle where I have only 3-4 periods a year. Life is much, much better now. :-)

Originally Posted by GypsyStacey

anyone who says PMDD is the same as PMS don't know what they are talking about. the two are very VERY different. your right we have to do what's right for us & nothing wrong with taking antidepressant. there's such a stigma attached to them.

You won't get any argument from me. This is not funny ,f::

You could try Sam-E, a natural substance in our bodies, works very well for mild depression, along with vitamin B 12 and omega 3s... Also sweetie, it has been unusually cold and grey this winter...you may just have some winter blues :-)

yes, sonja 2. I agree about the winter blues! I am just waking up from the slump now that there has been some sunshine!
Jasani, I noticed my periods and the hormonal fluctuations have changed a lot as well with me. I am almost 30, but my teens and early 20's periods were more predictable. Now, they seem less predictable as far as mood swings go. Sometimes I have no pms, and terrible moods during the periods. Other times, terrible pms and no mood problems during my period. It seems terrible when you are going through it, so I understand. I think it is all "normal." It sucks, but it's normal. Obviously, you can see so many of us go through it too, so that shows you are not alone. I often feel worse when I think I am the only one. When I know there are others suffering, I don't feel so hopeless or guilty......take heart and do what's right for you!

Why are doctors so quick and happy to prescribe drugs??? If you only have these symptoms around your period, then they're obviously connected. Anti-depressants will not solve it, but maybe get you hooked on them and give you other side effects. ??

I don't have these issues, thank God !! I've never experienced any grumpiness, bitchiness :) or sadness, or at least not anything unusual around those times :) But I know it might start and end at any age. I think I would try to cope with the symptoms with natural ways, as long as I know a headache or mood swing is due to something, and it will be over, it would be easier to deal with it.
But drugs are never the answer.

Marianna, the problem is that when you are in the middle of that mood swing you CANT mentally relate it to your period. Not at that time. Later you can look back and say "oh yeah, thats what caused it", but when your BF says something (that you would normally laugh at) and you either go into hysterics or try to strangle him, you dont KNOW to step away and figure out the cause of your reaction.

Its just NOT that simple. For many, many women, meds during that time of the month or seasonal birthcontrol really IS the answer. Its not worth ruined relationships or lost jobs or - lol - jailtime because you unleashed on the wrong person, when a pill CAN solve the problem.

Its usually a hormone imbalance or intolerance (yes, you can be intolerant of the chemicals produced by your OWN body!), and while sometimes you can regulate that with diet, exercise or natural remedies, sometimes you just cant. . .

There have been a few recent studies indicating that increasing your calcium intake the week leading up to your period can help reduce PMS symptoms; I've been doing that for a several months and it has helped a lot with minimizing my mood swings, cramping, headaches etc., but I find I really have to be proactive about increasing calcium the week before my period starts, otherwise it's not as helpful.

Originally Posted by Marianna

But drugs are never the answer.

Except...you know...for when they are the answer.

My thyroid doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, so I take artificial thyroid hormone pills. And no one had better give me grief about using scientifically-proven drug therapy to improve my life!

But some some people who understand that disorders in the thyroid or the heart or the kidneys that could benefit from drug therapy, think it's just beyond the pale to suggest drug therapy for brain disorders. ,m::

If you don't want to take pills, don't take pills. No one has the right the force or shame you into doing what you don't want to do to your body. If you'd like to try pills, then be pro-active and remember that the first pill you try doesn't have to be the last pill you try. Be forthcoming about side-effects, and always ask your doctor about other options. Don't let them off the hook if they just shrug and keep on going--keep asking, or get another doctor.

But no one should ever, ever, ever be scared or shamed away from drug therapy by the ignorant or the judgmental. That's just wrong.

Originally Posted by Juniper

Except...you know...for when they are the answer.
...
But no one should ever, ever, ever be scared or shamed away from drug therapy by the ignorant or the judgmental. That's just wrong.

Thank you for stating this so well. Of course people who don't want drugs and don't need them shouldn't take them. The anti-medication propaganda has got to go, though. It's not just wrong -- it's ignorant, intrusive, misery-prolonging, and potentially deadly.

Actually, the more I think about this thread, the more I think the original question should be addressed differently.

No, all of those symptoms mentioned by the OP, in that extreme - are not NORMAL. They are, however, not at all uncommon.

And they are, often, treatable. For some, diet, exercise or natural remedies are the answer. For others, medication. There is nothing wrong with either as the idea is to find your best way to a "normal" life ;-)

Originally Posted by GypsyStacey

there's such a stigma attached to them.

I'm not worried about the stigma as much as the unwanted side effects of pharmaceuticals. I've taken antidepressants before and was not happy with them.

Originally Posted by Marianna

Why are doctors so quick and happy to prescribe drugs??? If you only have these symptoms around your period, then they're obviously connected.

That's exactly how I feel. I feel like we are experiments and if that pill doesn't work they have a pill to combat the effects of the other pill.

Originally Posted by NazirahDances

Its usually a hormone imbalance or intolerance (yes, you can be intolerant of the chemicals produced by your OWN body!), and while sometimes you can regulate that with diet, exercise or natural remedies, sometimes you just cant. . .

I understand that - I've had hormone imbalances before and now I have a gluten/wheat allergy that I just recently found. Combine the food allergies and SAD, I think could be the problem.