Onset of PMS after WLS!

I am one miserable person sometimes. I have come to realize as my cycles have evened out that something I never really experienced before (or at least was recognizable by me due to hormonal imbalances) i****ting me with a full vengence at the ripe old age of 38. Almost 39. I have been finding that I am EXTREMELY moody about a week or two before my period now. I can't help it. I try to pull myself out but I am extremely tearful and very dark feeling much of the time. Some moments are better than others, but all it takes is a change in the wind to put me down again. I find myself bordering on irrational during these times. I spent last month in such a funk that I *needed* to quit my job, sell the house and move. Yes, I have a stressful job, and yes the stuff I was going through was not right, but as time went on I realized that I overreacted and was looking for an escape. Now as I'm going back into it, I'm mad over any other thing besides that and feeling extremely moody. For those of you who have had PMS before you had the surgery - what helps you? How did you get out of it? I can't see taking anti-depressants for 7-10 days of moodiness. What on earth can I do? How do I keep myself from overreacting to everything? Dina

Your horomones may be a bit low. You might be better on low dose birth control pills. Or you may benefit from an antidepressant. You may have to try both and see which works. But you are obviously in a chemical inbalance and need to do something to alter your brain chemistry. I found a hysterectomy cured mine! Joy

Dina, I don't have any personal advice to give because I've never suffered from PMS, but I did find this: ****************************************************** Basic PMS treatment Experts recommend that all women with PMS start by keeping a menstrual diary, making lifestyle changes, and using home treatment measures. After a few menstrual cycles, you should notice some improvement in symptoms. Whether or not you then decide to add medication treatment, be sure to continue helping your body weather its premenstrual days by: Taking daily calcium [1200 mg]. and vitamin B6 [50 mg to 100 mg]. Both of these nutrients affect the hormone-producing endocrine system. Calcium is strongly linked to PMS symptoms and relief. Although research and expert opinions are mixed, daily vitamin B6 is thought to improve PMS depression and physical symptoms. Reducing your caffeine, refined sugar, and sodium intake, at least during the premenstrual phase of your cycle. These substances are linked to emotional and physical PMS symptoms, such as insomnia, tension and anxiety, food cravings, pain, and bloating. Getting regular exercise. Exercise is proven to reduce depression. Women often report that exercise helps relieve tension, pain, and mood-related PMS symptoms. Reducing stress. While stress is not a cause of PMS, it may worsen your symptoms. In turn, coping with stress can be more difficult during the premenstrual period. Using nonprescription medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for headache, joint or muscle pain, breast pain, or cramps. ****************************************************** I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you are at the age where you might be going through perimenopause. You might want to have your gyno check your hormone levels. I hope you find some relief. Connie

Dina, I am 51 & Oh yeah dealing with the hormone thing right along with you. I have been dealing with BIG mood changes as well a couple of weeks before mine as well. I am close to being done & that makes things even worse. One month don't have one at all, then the next it's real weird. I am on anti-depressants, but during this time they don't even seem to help much. I am working on getting an appointment with my Doc to find what can be done as well. I take B-complex & started taking some Black Cohash (suppos to help with the night sweats & stuff) so far haven't notice a change, but I just started them. (we'll see if they help) If you get an answer from your GYN let me know what it is. I am right there with you sweety & no exactly how you feel. If I get an anwer I will let you no as well. Marilyn, the Bearlady :wave;

if you try the natural stuff and find it doesn't work for ya, there is something called PMDD I think basically it is pre mestrual depression.anxiety and you can take meds for it. I am leaning that way...if my cycle isn't completely regualr it is EVEN worse...for some reason I skipped last month and MAN I WAS EVIL. I made an appointment with the gyno to talk with him about what is going on. hope you are feeling better! Nic 291 161 150

Dink, I have always had horrible pms!! Now it is worse than ever!! Talk to your PCP. There are meds out there that can help take the edge off!! There is no need to suffer. I have a script for zoloft. I take it when I need it and I can usually tell when I am going to need it. I understand not wanting to take anything for 7-10 but if it helps why not? I also have horrific cramps as well and most always have to go get a shot. All I have to do is call and say that I need to come get my shot. I feel for you. PMS is not fun at all!!