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Autism/ADHD and PMS

Expecto_Patronum

I know this isn't a topic that everybody is comfortable with so apologies in advance for that. But it is something I am struggling with and I've read some things that say that PMS is more common with neurodivergency.

I have periods of low mood anyway but it absolutely plummets during my time of month and I just can't snap out of the feeling of total despair. I know that it only typically lasts a few days and will pass but it's really unbearable whilst it lasts.

I know the logical answer would be to go to the doctor but I don't think I'd like their solutions. I believe they'd either suggest antidepressants which I have tried and tested and not had a pleasant experience with. Or they'd suggest going on the pill but this idea makes me very uncomfortable. I'm wary of medication anyway because I've had bad experiences with side effects but something about a pill that impacts on your hormones worries me. I've also heard people say that it can increase your risk of certain cancers etc which makes me wary. I know sometimes these things are just scaremongering or a rare risk but I can't get past my anxiety of something happening.

Does anybody else have similar struggles? Has anyone found success in a solution? Or tried things that haven't worked?

Parents

  • Hi. My anxiety and low mood can massively worsen when I'm due in my period. I understand your reluctance to go On the pill, I'm the same, it seems the only thing offered by doctors. 

    I looked in to anti inflammatory food as I read articles that they can help with cramps, if this is something you suffer with? Slightly changing my diet to include more beans/ pulses did help. I know it May not be an option for some with texture or tastes issues. 

    I also notice I  difference in my mood and anxiety with exercise. I was never a very active person but once I started at home short YouTube workouts I was really enjoyed them. There are even 5 minute boost workouts and 10 min walking workouts to start off with. I like EMKFit, she has fun theme dance type workouts that are about being healthy. 

    these might.not be for you but a little.of this really helped my PMS. 

Reply

  • Hi. My anxiety and low mood can massively worsen when I'm due in my period. I understand your reluctance to go On the pill, I'm the same, it seems the only thing offered by doctors. 

    I looked in to anti inflammatory food as I read articles that they can help with cramps, if this is something you suffer with? Slightly changing my diet to include more beans/ pulses did help. I know it May not be an option for some with texture or tastes issues. 

    I also notice I  difference in my mood and anxiety with exercise. I was never a very active person but once I started at home short YouTube workouts I was really enjoyed them. There are even 5 minute boost workouts and 10 min walking workouts to start off with. I like EMKFit, she has fun theme dance type workouts that are about being healthy. 

    these might.not be for you but a little.of this really helped my PMS. 

Children
  • in reply to GreenGardener

    Thank you for the advice and sharing your experience.

    Diet is tied to so many things but unfortunately I do have huge sensory issues with food and so I'm extremely limited in improving it. And the things I do like do not fall under the category of healthy. Any time I've tried to make some changes, I've just ended up not really eating properly at all because I don't like the taste/texture so I've concluded I just have to live with an unhealthy diet.

    I am trying to get better at exercise but I give up very easily. Ideal world I could do with a personal trainer but financially that isn't going to happen. Sometimes I do find it helps my mood but other times I don't find it helps. I will keep trying to persevere with this one as I feel like I have to do something to counteract the diet issue and I know sometimes it does help.