Severe Mood Swings

[piggie]

I dont know if anyone can help me, but over the past few moths about a week before my periods I am getting more and more moody. I am 28years old and never had this problem before. I cant even say why I feel the way I do, I am bursting into tears all the time for no apparent reason and once I start I cant seem to stop and it can be several hours before I can pull myself together again. I am getting concerned about the effect this is having on my relationship, my partner dosnt seem to understand it and seems to see it as its my problem so I should deal with it. I know i am being very unfair to him and am scared if this carries on he will leave me.

I dont know why this is happening or what to do ??!!!

[andy hughes]

Premenstrual tension affects women in different ways, from occasional cramps, and a bad mood for a day, to full blown and rapid mood swings such as the ones you are experiencing. My wife suffered terribly, and I asked the consulktant traeting her why it happened. he confirmed that there was a lot of literature on the subject, most of which he had written, and the short answer is, no-one knows!

Don't despiar - treatment of this distressing problem is increasing all the time. You need to see your GP who may well set you on a course of hormone intake, which will balance the levels of your hormones which are the direct cause of the mood swings.

I'm sorry your partner doesn't understand - I obviously cxannot empathise completely, but I do know how upsetting and debilitating this condition is. Ask him tyo be patient, remind him that it is an illnes, not some sort of hissy fit, and hopefully he will be more patient while you get it under control. Good luck.

[willowherb]

you could go to the doctor with the problem or try,these available from health shop...agnus castus or valerian tablets,,if you suffer with water retention also use dandelion tea ,,tincture,,or tablets..these are well worth a try..

[piggie]

re- replies from andy hughes and willowherb -

Thank you so much for your replies, I thought I may need to see my GP but was not sure if it was valid reason to go, I dont want to waste anyones time, I just know that I cant go on like this.

It's reassuring to know that someone knows (if at least vaguely) what I am talking about and how I am feeling and a little surprising that a man come out with something so sensitive on what is classed as a "womens issue"

[smudge]

Hi piggie - believe me you are not alone. I 'used' to suffer with PMT. I would be absolutely fine until a week before my period, then my mood would drastically change! I would cry over the simplest thing & find fault in everything. In fact I felt like a completely different person. The moment I came on, I would revert back to my 'normal' self, profusely apologising to anyone who had been in the firing line the week before. The only advice I can offer, is for you to visit your GP as everyone is different, along with the treatment. Chin up & good luck.

[smudge]

P.S. Fortunately, I have a very patient, caring husband who knew to steer clear 'the week before'. He always made a joke at being outnumbered & living in a house with three women!

[dirtyharriet]

I can be horrible just before a period and I think a large percentage of women have some symptoms of PMS.

Evening Primrose Oil works for me and I try to avoid sugar around that time too as I find it can make my moods worse. You may, on the other hand find a large bar of chocolate works wonders for you, it's just a matter of finding what works for you.

Your boyfriend doesn't seem very sensitive, and I am confused as to why you think you are being very unfair to him. Surely if you could prevent these upsetting symptoms you would? It's not as though you deliberately try to annoy him is it?
It feels as though, not only are you suffering from PMS, it also seems as though you are having to put on a front as you're afraid your partner will leave you.
You don't say if you have visited the doctor, but it may just help to talk to him/her.

[smudge]

P.P.S. It sounds very easy to say, but apart from visiting your GP - when you feel one of these moods coming on, put your coat on & go for a nice slow walk. This will not only give you time to think & clear your head, the gentle exercise can work wonders.

[JeN]

this is perfectly normal, loads of women get it so you're not alone for one! (i usually get one massive mood swing the night before I don't ever understand why until the next day!!) the others are right, going to your GP will probably help alot and maybe trying to explain to your partner that this isn't really your fault. sorry this answer probably isn't much help but just wanted to reinforce that this is normal and not at all uncommon :)

take care xxx

[andy hughes]

Hi piggie

Thanks for your kind words - I have three daughters, and I worked for about seven years as the only man in nan office with twenty-one ladies, so i do know how these tings go. i am classed as an 'honorary girl' for nights out and so on, and i get the full works on all matters intimate, so I know you are far from alone in this - as the other answers show.

I'm off back to the 'circumcision' question further down, on which i can speak with a little more authority. Sorry, too much information? Good luck with your doctor, I'm sure he or she will sort it for you.

[Hgrove]

A friend of mine who had very bad pmt was offered by her gp a choice between prozac or the pill.  She was not offered a hormone intake.  Andy Hughes if you read this, could you please tell me anything more about this hormone intake?  Many thanks.

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on, or wait for, advice from Answerbank users.

[andy hughes]

Hellp Hgrove - I'm sorry I can't add any detailed information on the 'hormone' treatment, except to say that I believe it is pretty successful in a lot of cases, and anyone interested should ask their GP. Sorry to be so vague.

[spanglepants]

i had the same problem and i spoke to a lady in a well known health shop and she suggested evening primrose capsules they take a while to work but they do....hormone imbalances happen althrough your life so dont worrie esp if you have changed your form of contraeptive pill recently or had a baby x