My PMDD each month is getting worse

Hello ladies!

I've never done this before, so bear with me, but I need help. My PMDD each month is getting worse. I take sertraline and alprazolam, I've done all the things that I should do. I did well on a birth control pill for a few months, but then the symptoms returned. I am beginning a new one next week. I'll be seeing a psychiatrist shortly, but honestly at this point I have been through the wringer with it so much that I just want to have a hysterectomy. Nothing could be worse than the suicidal thoughts--totally out of character--the relationship strain, the terror and feelings of doom. Nothing could be worse. Help me with your stories if you have any. I'm exhausted. Thank you all and take care.

--Julie

Im sorry you are suffering with this. I had severe problems at one time, before they called it PMDD, so I can relate. If BCPs helped briefly, perhaps another combo would help? A hysterectomy is just removal of the uterus, you would need removal of the ovaries, called a BSO, to stop the hormone shifts. Unfortunately, then you would have surgical menopause to deal with, with its own set of issues. Some women with PMDD opt for trials of medication to simulate menopause, to see how they might do, when considering a BSO. Once the ovaries are gone, there's no going back, and HRT has its own issues, so you are wise to check out all your other options. Possibly the psychiatrist can do a med tweak that can help. I know how disruptive and miserable this can be, my heart goes out to you as you search for a solution. I hope you can find a treatment right for you.

Thank you so much for reaching out to me! I'm trying a new bc pill tomorrow and seeing a psychiatrist in Sept. about a better mood stabilizer that can target this part of the month better. But if by November I'm still suffering this, I don't know..... I do fear that the emotional and mental effects of induced menopause would be the same if not worse. I appreciate you letting me know that could really be the case. Thank you so much.

Julie,
I'm a previous PMDD sufferer. For years, an antidepressant helped, but once that stopped working, it was 2 years of medication trials....different antidepressants, anti axieties, BCP's. The only thing that worked for several months was Lupron, which puts you into a medical menopause. It was wonderful! But then that stopped working as well, so my next step was surgery to have my ovaries removed. I've never looked back, and that's been several years now. I'm taking estrogen, and have never had a problem.
Stay strong!
Deanna