• Replies 29 replies
  • Subscribers 86 subscribers
  • Views 2575 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

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

  • Completely understand your fears of not wanting to take certain medication, and that is a decision you can make for yourself with your GP/health provider for sure. Though i would agree with others to speak to your GP if this is a regular experience for you. I remember watching a talk online about periods (I like researching things...) and they said if your period symptoms cause disruptions to your life to any degree, then to not accept it as normal. If you're worried, you can ask for a female GP, or at least one that has a good understanding of menstrual issues. 

    I never struggled with mood on my periods, but I did have Dysmenorrhea. Which, just means 'painful periods', but what it actually should mean is extremely painful! I had extreme back pains that caused me to miss school, work, and basically lie in bed all day. On top of that, I'd often faint, have cold sweats and vomit. They never did find a cause for it, even with scans. Thankfully, that has stopped since my mid 20s (im now in my early 30s). They're still a bit painful, but painkillers and a hot water bottle do the trick now lol. 

    I think also, one important thing to take away is, regardless of proprioceptive differences, pain thresholds, emotional thresholds- if it is YOUR experience and it's not pleasant for you, that's what's important. You don't have to put up with it.

Reply

  • Completely understand your fears of not wanting to take certain medication, and that is a decision you can make for yourself with your GP/health provider for sure. Though i would agree with others to speak to your GP if this is a regular experience for you. I remember watching a talk online about periods (I like researching things...) and they said if your period symptoms cause disruptions to your life to any degree, then to not accept it as normal. If you're worried, you can ask for a female GP, or at least one that has a good understanding of menstrual issues. 

    I never struggled with mood on my periods, but I did have Dysmenorrhea. Which, just means 'painful periods', but what it actually should mean is extremely painful! I had extreme back pains that caused me to miss school, work, and basically lie in bed all day. On top of that, I'd often faint, have cold sweats and vomit. They never did find a cause for it, even with scans. Thankfully, that has stopped since my mid 20s (im now in my early 30s). They're still a bit painful, but painkillers and a hot water bottle do the trick now lol. 

    I think also, one important thing to take away is, regardless of proprioceptive differences, pain thresholds, emotional thresholds- if it is YOUR experience and it's not pleasant for you, that's what's important. You don't have to put up with it.

Children
No Data