Aspergers ADHD and PMT/PMS

When I was going though the perimenopause and menopause I had massive problems in terms of mood, and the amount and frequency of bleeding. The attention paid to such debilitating symptoms reflected a lack of interest in, and awareness of, what are often dismissed as 'women's problems'.

When I reached a point of utter despair one GP said she had an easy solution: "time travel, you just need to fast forward in time to when it is all over". I felt devastated. For a moment I thought there really was some hope. Various medications were tried and I had a coil fitted but it wasn't done properly and had to be taken out two days later. I declined to let the doctor "have another go".

Eventually I came through it. In my case it went on for over 10 years. When you are in the middle of it no one seems to be able to tell you when it is going to end. Had I known how long it would last I would have insisted on seeing a consultant. The NHS had a really annoying video of a smug middle class woman so busy horse riding that she "hardly noticed the menopause". Watching this made me even more angry! 

I am so glad your GP is providing the kind of support you want. It is really good that you were brave enough to be honest with her. Do hope everything goes well. With the right treatment the menopause does not have to be a nightmare. I'm enjoying being on the other side of it now.  

Hi, thanks for the reply. Helpful.

iv had a period 2months ago and again the pms was very bad, I kept a very detailed diary as best as I could and was very honest with my gp. She is always helpful , just I’m always afraid of telling her about the self harm and suicide stuff in case she sends me to the psychiatrist who then will keep me in the psychiatric unit and I hate being locked up. But this time she listened and didn’t freak out, instead referred me to a gynaecologist. There is 6months of wait but I’m good to wait. Gp suggested I either try the coil or go all the way and have a hysterectomy. I guess all that’s left for me to do is wait. Keep you posted. Thanks for the help.

I can see you posted this a while ago but take comfort in the fact your not alone, I also have Aspergers and adhd and suffer from everything you have spoken about, I will say the pill has helped a lot, I take loestrin20, so it’s a very low does, apparently your more likely to get depression on this does but I actually think the lower hormones calm down my sort of mind, doctors aren’t always helpful because they look at your behaviours and don’t associate it with someone with pmdd or mental health issues as the symptoms manifest themselves differently in us neurodiverse people, but I think If you tell them he serverity of your symptoms they will put you either in the pill or and anti depressant, anti depressants unfortunately made me manic and have bad nausea but Iv heard they’ve helped other aspies, hope this helps, sorry you’ve had to of been dealing with this for so long, I’m 21 and been suffering for only 4years 

Your symptoms sound extreme and they could be Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) as Jonesy has suggested below. 

It's not normal to be so low that you feel suicidal during your period.  Please read up on PMDD and go and have a chat with your GP. 

I use a period tracker app called Clue to record and predict my menstrual cycle and symptoms. It's free and I've found it to be useful. In addition to recording the bleed days, you can also track mood, bowel movements, energy levels, sleep and add other categories. 

https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z?subcategory=pms-and-pmdd

There's some info about PMDD on the link page. 

Saz

A friend of mine suffers from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which sounds a bit like what you've described above. I'm male and no expert but it might be worth you checking this link out.... www.mind.org.uk/.../

Thank you for the replies. All really helpful

Don’t think I’m quite there yet...but they are seeming to become shorter and lighter!!! ... but so am I! 

You will know when you reach the 'perimenopausal' stage in your forties but it's not an easy time either and a former colleague thought she was dying...I am waiting for mine to stop now, unfortunately they recommenced in February and women in their fifties are counting down...The menopause is when you have not bled for a whole year, I shall celebrate when that day comes!  My perimenopausal period begun when I reached forty, a period every three weeks and heavy with it too.

Theccontraceptive pill will help to regulate the timings of your period and help reduce heaviness of flow which in turn will give you greater predictability and also help you when making plans.

DragonCats suggestion of supplements are good, and also look into diet, 

https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/features/diet-and-pms

Bardic.. thank you for the words “perimenopausal”... I’m 43.. and can’t wait! ..,. :)

Hi, I am also on the 'Autistic Spectrum' and since reaching the perimenopause with irregular periods, heavy ones etc, my moods have got worse with emotions like you have described.  Many women on the change of life have been denied HRT but are on anti-depressants, I am them for anxiety and stress.  However as 'DragonCart16 states you are not alone both neuro typical women go through this trial as well as 'Autistic' women. If it persists or you have heavy bleeding, go back to your GP as problems can occur once you reach the forties, many women start going through difficulties at that age, at fifty I have hot flushes too and night sweats.  I also find that off the counter tablets like minerals and multi vitamins help.  I hope that it improves and that you get to the bottom about why it's happening, it's not easy being a woman at times, especially a woman on the spectrum.  Take care of yourself.

Lots of women get these sorts of symptoms, not just those on the spectrum. There are certain supplements you can take to regulate hormones, such as evening primrose oil or B vitamins.