Anxiety gets worse with PMS?
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| Thu, 03-29-2007 - 11:04am |
Hi, I am wondering if there are other women out there dealing with increased anxiety two weeks prior to their period. I have suffered depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I have never been on medication as I find exercise to be the best remedy for me. I have had 2 children (03, 04) and have noticed that in the past year, my anxiety levels have increased dramatically two weeks prior to my period. I really don't want to go on medication but it is becoming more difficult for me to manage. I am a stay at home mom and really need to be present for my kids. I wondering if anyone has gone through this and if it can be managed through a change in diet and/or meds? I just feel like jumping out of my skin until my period arrives. I can't focus and am always somewhere else. I cannot stand it when my husband kisses me or touches me and I love him dearly and would never want him to know how I feel. I would appreciate any insight as to why this happens or if it can be controlled naturally. Thanks for listening.
Michele

omg ! i have the same problem my period was a week ago and i am still having aniety. my cycle has been all messed up though from the b.c i was on.
good luck, im sure your relieved to know there is others suffering with the same thing.
melissa
Hi, Michelle! It's nice to have you here. You are NOT alone. Increased anxiety is common with our menstrual cycles. It's been a hot topic. Here are a few links that may help you.
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpanic/?msg=20708.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpanic/?msg=20868.1
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=iv-bhpanic&msg=22373.1&x=y
I have heard that soy products can be helpful & I had a gf who swore by evening primrose oil, but I don't recommend things like that. I have used supplements after doing alot of research from reliable sources(iVillage has a good Alternative Health board) & have sought advice from my dr. When my anxiety increases about a week before my period, I meditate more & use the belly breathing & progressive relaxation exercises.
Please don't suffer more than you need too. Perhaps your dr. has natural cures he can suggest or even something to regulate your hormones rather than antidepressants. We will be happy to support you in whatever method you choose. Join us in chat tonight. Post anytime. We care & want you to live the good life you deserve. GL & GBU! (((hugs))) jan
Thank you so much for the info. I have often thought about trying yoga and meditation. I took a yoga class several years ago and the instructor was pretty bad. Instead of helping me with my poses, she kept telling me in front of the class, that I was doing them all wrong. So, I am a little leary of that happening again! I am also going to try some supplements and laying off the caffiene until the anxiety subsides. I ran 6 miles today as quickly as I could because I really needed the high! I am so thankful to have discovered this board. I thank you for your support and the hugs!
Michele
I just have one really bad day of PMS. Sometimes I'm anxious, sometimes just totally depressed, sometimes both. My doctor recommended vitamin B12. I found that helps a little.
One idea is to keep track of it on a calendar, maybe even keep a journal for a couple of months. Sometimes once I realize why I'm feeling so jittery it makes me feel better. I know the reason for it and it doesn't seem so bad.
That's a great idea!
The journal is a great idea and it is how I came to realize when the anxiety reached it's peak. I started writing it down last August and quickly noticed a pattern. I too, tell myself it is just anxiety and this too shall pass. I also realize that it escalates when I have two toddlers in tow! I am hoping that taking some supplements and some minor diet changes (I am already gluten-free due to celiac disease) the anxiety will be much less.
Thanks for the advice and support -
Hey Michele...my anxiety def rears its ugly head even worse the week before and during my period...the hormones going wacky has a lot to do with it so know that you are not alone lol. My advice would be to talk to your doctor about it, ask about some meds like Xanax (which I am on, a very low dose, .25mg three times a day and it does help) if it keeps getting worse...I don't like meds either I actually see a naturopath doctor for everything else because I am very sensitive to meds, so that might be an option for you...they can help!! Which leads me to my other advice...if you talk to your doctor or a naturopath, ask to have a full thyroid panel done and an adrenal gland panel done...I have problems with both and those will def mess with your hormones...my naturopath has me on things for that and along with the Xanax and a good diet of whole and natural foods I am getting my anxiety under control. But you are def not alone with this, and just sit down and explain to dh about what you are going through and that it has nothing to do with him, you just need support. But know that we are here to support you!! You will usually always see me post during my period ranting and raving because of the "wonderful" hormones, but it def gets worse around that time. But consider talking to your doc and finding a psych for possible meds if it keeps getting worse....much luv and hugss!! God Bless and Good Luck
Krista
Michele, definitely try a different yoga class!
Sheri Ann