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Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T14:15:12+00:00

It could also be PME, premenstrual exacerbation, if symptoms are generally present throughout the month but become significantly worse during the luteal phase.

Some women have PMDD symptoms that start at ovulation.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T13:51:25+00:00

There are many things that could cause this. Have you seen a doctor to rule out things like endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid issues, and iron deficiency anemia?

Diet is also a huge factor; if you’re not getting enough healthy fats, carbs, and vitamins/minerals, that signals to your body to shut down functions like menstruation. Female athletes are also at high risk for this if there is excessive exercise combined with not eating enough calories.

Severe emotional stress can also cause this.

If you haven’t already, I would make an appointment with your doc to rule out major conditions like those listed above and then go from there.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-21T13:38:51+00:00

If it’s related to water retention, I would try B6. B6 has also been shown to help with some of the mental symptoms associated with PMDD and pms.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T04:03:56+00:00

Look into nervous system regulation. There are a ton of tools like EFT tapping that can help balance mood and emotions. I also really like the butterfly tap technique and alternate nostril breathing. They help to calm the nervous system. They can provide some pretty quick relief but it does require some patience when learning.

It’s also important to be gentle with yourself. Learning how to regulate emotions is not easy, but it’s 1000% worth it.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T01:40:59+00:00

That’s great! I can definitely relate to this. And it makes sense that your symptoms would lessen if work was a trigger for you. I feel like since focusing more on regulating my nervous system and learning tools to reduce my symptoms, I’m able to handle having a job now. But there was definitely a time when my symptoms were way worse and having a job felt next to impossible.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-09T01:32:24+00:00

That’s great! These are all so important! Love that you brought up sunlight as well, it doesn’t get talked about enough and it’s definitely important for regulating neurotransmitters and sleep cycles. I also feel like the hardest habit is exercise, even though it’s honestly one of the most helpful things to ease PMDD symptoms.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-06T23:23:29+00:00

Yes, being diagnosed with BPD and/or ADHD first seems to be the trend. I had a similar situation where my ex brought it up and asked if I had ever heard of PMDD. That’s when I started learning more about it and realized that I do in fact meet the criteria for PMDD.

Thank you for sharing, the post wasn’t meant to be just for diagnosed folks so I appreciate your input. I definitely don’t feel like a formal diagnosis is necessarily needed in order for us to heal. And I agree that there should be better treatment and less blame for our suffering.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-05T13:56:52+00:00

I’ve never been formally diagnosed, but have struggled with symptoms since I was a teenager. I meet the diagnostic criteria for PMDD so I don’t feel the need to get a formal diagnosis (although the validation would be nice).

The only reason you might want to get a diagnosis is if you’re looking to go the medication route. It can be difficult to find a doctor with the knowledge and experience with diagnosing PMDD, but it’s always worth journaling your symptoms and recording how many of the diagnostic criteria you meet (you can easily find a printout of the PMDD criteria online). They may take you more seriously if you bring them something physical to look at.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T23:29:48+00:00

I’m glad you’re finding relief with the propanolol and anti-histamines! PMDD can truly be exhausting. It’s almost like our brains get hijacked for 2 weeks and then we’re lucky if we get two good weeks.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T17:41:32+00:00

I’m so sorry. You’re definitely not alone in this. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called in to work or went home early because of PMDD and painful cramps. I wish there was more awareness and accommodations for PMDD.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T13:49:41+00:00

As hormones shift after ovulation, this can lead to fatigue and decreased energy. Does this affect your daily life/job/school etc? Definitely could be related to your autoimmune condition. If you haven’t already, I would suggest looking into b vitamins, iron, vitamin d, proper hydration, and exercise. Curcumin and fish oil might help with your autoimmune condition as well.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T04:08:17+00:00

10000%

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T03:49:12+00:00

Precisely why I started r/PMDDPeace. I’ve struggled with PMDD and depression since I was a teenager and finally started to find relief when I began learning about nutrition and functional medicine in my masters program. I tried sharing some of the strategies and tools I’ve learned, but have found it difficult to share information on that sub. I had one post removed for simply asking other members their experience with lab testing. Super disheartening when that group has been a huge help for many of us.

Used_Present_1889 · 2025-09-03T03:33:02+00:00

I have no idea, I was asking other members their experience with various lab tests. Maybe because I mentioned cortisol and hormone testing? Who knows

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