How lovely it is to be a woman...

bthnown · Post by **bthnown** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:32 am

It is a few days until I get my period and I woke up with anxiety/panicky feelings. I have been fine for the last few weeks and all of a sudden it hit me hard. I have the shakes and I am fearful (of what, I couldn't tell you). As soon as I start feeling better, it is about that time again.

I don't take birth control because the estrogen made me crazy (although I feel like I am anyway). Do any of you lucky ladies out there suffer the same way I do? Obviously there is no way of getting rid of the periods, but is there a way of getting rid of the hormone-related anxiety?

Beth

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:42 am

lately days before my period i feel an overwhelming sense of dread. It's so heavy that I almost want to stay home and hide out. I am only 37. How long have you been dealing with it. I have been this way since my last child 3years ago.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 12, 2008 4:57 am

It is definitely your hormones fluctuating around. This all started for me at 39. Anxiety out of no where, dread...of what I don't know. Worry over every little ache/pain/twitch you name it. Off-balance feeling....the list could go on.

After many doctor appts and charting this whole thing for 2 plus years, it is definitely HORMONAL. Sometimes I feel it pre and sometimes just after my period.

The first thing is to not let it scare you (I know easier said than done). Just feel it and let it float on by, donot apply a secondary fear (Claire Weekes..hope and help for your nerves)

My doctor suggested staying on my monophasic birth control pill to help and so far it has to some degree, I still get the anxiety, but knowing what it is, helps to make it go away.

Hope this helps some............

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:40 am

30 here and yes! deal with the same things. There are some amazing posts on here about PMS and PMDD. I posted last week on one reply that I've started taking the week before my period as a mental vacation. I don't think about anything. I make no big decisions or try to figure anything out. I just tell myself that my hormones are wonky and I'm just not gonna make any sense for a few days. So, I don't try. It has been a big help to me.

I keep track of my periods at "The Cycles Page" <A HREF="http://www.cyclespage.com" TARGET=_blank>www.cyclespage.com</A>. It helped me figure out my pattern of when I am at my worst PMS. It's very helpful. Maybe check it out?

Shal416 · Post by **Shal416** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:55 am

I can sympathize. I have the same symptoms every month. I just accept that it's going to happen and I roll with it for the week. I alter my diet, too, and make sure I am eating less sugary things that might make me anxious. I also eliminate chocolate during that period because I know it will make me anxious. I try to eat a lot of vegetables and protein to keep me balanced. I hope this helps! Oh - I also listen to the relaxation tape every might before I fall asleep - it helps to calm me down.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 12, 2008 8:49 am

I understand. I have PMDD. Every month I am 2 different people. Reading/learning about it has helped. I've been misdiagnosed & on so many different meds over the past 30 years! Some things I was misdiagnosed with were bipolar & "intermittent explosive disorder"!! Birth control pills caused me to be committed to the hospital for almost a week. That's where those 2 diagnosis came from. Sometimes I wonder if they even know what they're doing... well, I've read about it, use no meds anymore. I do have a med. just in case of a panic attack, but also have teas (check out "Traditional Medicinals" for tea) and I have a calming Essential Oil and some homeopathic pills. I try to predict it & "lay low" that week. Sometimes I just have crying jags, am drained afterwards, but somehow that is also cleansing. Every month when it goes away it's like being "reborn" and a "new lease on life" and then I have SO much energy & positive outlook. What a roller coaster, but I accept it now and "flow with it." Hubby understands & pampers me. I wouldn't make big decisions during that time. Otherwise I am just fine. Best hopes 2 U!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon May 12, 2008 12:25 pm

My symptoms always seemed to get severe the week before my period. It's a horrible feeling. I never really found out if I just have general anxiety or PMDD. I am taking birth control now for other health reasons, so I guess if it is PMDD, it should help some. You should try talking to your doctor or gynocologist about other alternatives (instead of birth control) for dealing with your symptoms. Everyone tells me exercize and doing something active helps.