PMDD & the Pill

[MillieMcG]

Hi there

has anyone had success on the pill for PMDD. I’m on medication for clinical depression but about 10 days a month it doesn’t help at all. Thanks in advance!

[Doolhof]

Hi MillieMcG,

Can you please explain what PMDD is? Is it what used to be called pre menstrual tension?

I am wondering if you have discussed this issue with your Dr or the person who prescribed the antidepressant, they may have some answers and solutions for you.

A chemist may also have some ideas for you that you could check with your Dr to ensure it is compatible with your medication.

On the days when the medication does not seem to be effective, can you take other measures to help yourself deal with how ever you are feeling on those days? You might need to be extra aware and give yourself a bit of slack if you feel worse.

All the best. Cheers from Dools

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi MillieMcG,

Welcome to the forum. I am going to assume you are referring to Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and when you refer to the ‘pill’ - I am going to assume you are meaning the Birth Control Pill. Please advise me if I am incorrect in these assumptions.

Having PMDD can be very challenging and I am sorry to hear that you are not getting consistent relief from your symptoms of depression. I can imagine it would be like riding a roller coaster each month. Understanding the impact a woman’s cycle can have on mental health is not always addressed well. It is great you have brought it up on the forum as I know many other woman have difficulties due to their hormones and cycle each month especially if they are recovering from depression and/or anxiety.

It is not an easy question to answer in regards to taking the pill as treatment options are not straight forward. Different treatments will work differently for each individual. There are also many types of birth control pill (BCP) and again, everyone responds differently to each one.

The best approach I would advise is to visit your GP and discuss using the pill as a treatment option and also explore what else is available as there could be some other strategies such as exercise and/or diet that may be more supportive. Your GP will be able to complete a health history and review your current medications prior to starting a new treatment strategy and if they are not current in their knowledge in this area, they may refer you to a woman’s health specialist.

It would be great if others could offer you opinions on their success or failure in treating PMDD, however it is also really important to start this conversation with a medical professional as well.

I have attached a fact sheet from the Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria for your reference on pre-menstrual conditions.

https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/periods-overview/premenstrual-conditions

Good luck at your GP visit and let us know how you go.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[CodieM]

Hi Millie

I was on birth control when i first for symptoms of pmdd. I am just about to switch to another one I've heard it helps...

[GracieAl]

Hi Millie

I just wanted to say thank you for posting up your experience with PMDD. I like you have 10-14 days out of the month which are horrible emotionally and physically due to PMDD; even though I'm on antidepressants. This diagnosis is new for me but comes as a relief as I've been struggling with this for years. I'm only just starting the journey to recovery. I would like to hear how others go with their experience, and hear all success or challenges people have. I'm about to change my pill as apparently it's really good for regulating symptoms. I hope you all find relief soon!

[Knxwomen]

This is the first post I have made regarding my PMDD, my symptoms started after my children were toddlers, prior it’s was diagnosed as pms. I had to keep a journal for my pain, migraines, hip, legs, pelvis, anger, depression, laziness, weight gain before a Doctor prescribed anti depression medication explaining it was psychological (hormonal) over physical, I went through extreme pain hips (before meds) in my legs, pelvis and abdomen to the point I would tie my legs over my body for relief for 10 days every night, I was told to loose weight as I was heavy, I had surgery (sleeve) to combat the pain. I had to stop taking medication and pain killers it was making my impulse control after menstruation a concern as uncontrollable. I haven’t taken medication for the last few years but no use I’m back shuffling my body in bed, blinding migraines and depression, insomnia and anger. Then afterwards I’m back to my funny, perky hard working self again. I still go to work, still care for my family especially my children but for a week each month I feel energetic and outgoing but the rest of time I’m either angry (to push what needs to be done daily) depressed and crying thinking why then pain, pain trying to push to complete daily routine, I am also very fertile (2 terminations whilst on birth control) Doctors told me migraines due to pill, changed three months ago and I want a hysterectomy but was told that won’t solve this. PMDD is worse now! Anyone have any suggestions please thank you