Autism/ADHD and PMS

Well - I wouldn’t (if we’re in your shoes) say ‘unfortunately’ - as I think that youth is still preferable to being older but without periods! Having said that I’d say that every stage of our lives is to be valued and treasured - having once faced a life threatening illness I so treasure every day that I’m alive - life is precious and even a bad day is still a day we actually have, and can at least try to enjoy

Sounds like I just need to look forward to the day they are no longer a thing. But of a way off for me unfortunately.

I’m in my 50s now and it’s a great relief to not have periods and pmt anymore. I did struggle a lot with pmt - and I can relate to how you describe its impact on you. I’m sorry you’re struggling with it. Many years ago I was prescribed anti- depressants and had a terrible experience with dreadful side effects - so I’m no fan of them. I never found a ‘solution’ to my PMT symptoms other than to try to avoid stressful situations at that time in my cycle and to practice a lot of self care and relaxation techniques. I had a difficult relationship with my parents (they were very critical and argumentative people) so I definitely tried to stay miles away from them when I had pmt! I used to find that when I had pmt I would crave carbs - and eating them seemed to help a bit. I must say that now I am free of the menstrual cycle it’s an improvement for sure. 

That is interesting. I must admit, I'm a bit cynical of such things. I think there's a lot of people out there either looking to make money or truly believing they're helping but with no science to back it up. I'm not always the best at being open minded. Good this worked for you though. 

When I was perimenopausal I went to see a medical herbalist who listened to everything I said and made me up a bespoke medicine, it didn't taste very nice, but not only did my perimenopause symptoms get better but so did a lot of other things that were rumbling away in the back ground.

I most definitely will not be going for the baby option. 

I will think about talking it over with the doctor. I just don't want to waste their time saying no to all their options.

Thank you. I have fairly recently been to the doctor's because they had become more painful and was checked out for that and they didn't find anything amiss so I think physically I'm fine. It's the hormonal changes I'm struggling with. I will consider bringing it up with the doctor. I'm just wary of a situation where I say I don't want any of their options and then it feels like I'm just wasting their time.

We aren't allowed to give medical advice here, so I would suggest talking your options over with a doctor, either your own GP or one at a family planning clinic. They can discuss any possible side effects of any hormone based medication with you.

However, if you are interested in hearing my story and opinions (not medical advice) - I always had pain and PMS, but when I got to my mind 40s it became unbearable. A hospital examination showed fibroids but I was told they didn't do anything about them. I became so depressed I looked into options and discussed it with my doctor, and as I couldn't take the combined pill due to blood pressure issues, I chose the depo provera (progesterone only) injection. It was a life changer for me - no more pain or PMS. Hormones change in our bodies all the time, and a hormone treatment is basically mimicking pregnancy, and the pills, injections and implants used these days have been well tested - however every one is different and any drug could have risk factors for an individual, which is why it's necessary to discuss this with a doctor.

I'm glad I'm post menopausal now and that's all finished. I hope you find a solution that suits you.

I used to suffer terribly, menopause can be such a blessing. I tried various things, some of which worked and some didn't, antidepressants did help a bit, they didn't get rid of it totally, but enough to make an impact. I had a testosterone supplement for a while which made me feel amazing, even if it did give me some terrific spots, some people respond to it better than others. I tried things like evening primrose oil which made things worse, as it turns out that I react badly to progesterone including my own, some people find it helps though, but if one of your symptoms is sore boobs then it probably won't. I tried just about every pill going and that made me worse as I had two cycles the one from the pill and my own natural one. I read somwhere that some women can need up too 500 more calories a day in the few days before and around thier period, this did help a bit, if you think about it, thats like missing a whole meal a day and that is going to make you feel bad, it suggested low carb and high veg and protien during the first part of the month, equal carbs, veg and protien mid month and high carb in the last week of the month as a way of controlling weight as well as period problems.

There is a newer diagnosis Premenstral Dysmorphic Condition, I tried looking it up online and most of the stuff that comes up is from the USA which may or may not be helpful, you could ask for a referal to the gynae dept. DOn't be put off by the sort of ignorance that seems to think the pill, anti-depressants or a baby will sort everything out though, a baby will give you a hormonal reset, but it might not be for the better and is a bit extreme.