Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

While I had my periods, they were usually preceded by both cranky, blue and achy PMS and downright crazy, life-has-no-meaning PMDD. Needless to say, I couldn't wait for menopause. However, my peri-menopausal years were not easy. I had memory problems and often lost my train of thought, which made my job as a lecturer difficult. I also had extremely heavy periods, and, as you describe, Olivia, migraines,not something I had experienced before. As they say, this too will pass, and it did, but not without anti-depressants and sleeping aids. Sleep hygiene did not work for me. In fact it made me so neurotic that I had to go through a professional sleep expert to undo some of the prescribed "habits" and often couldn't sleep unless the light was on. We're all different, of course, and you'll have to find what works for you, but it IS a difficult time that does get better.

I always notice I get very sad, crying spells and feeling down right before my menstrual? what are some of the remdies for this. I have been dealing with this consistently for the last few years. What is the difference between depression and depression linked to PMS?

Hi, @olivia22819 - I moved your post here to this discussion on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) you started previously. This is so that all the conversation on this topic can be in the same place and so that members like @merpreb @contentandwell @mscoyote @lioness could continue talking with you about your symptoms. Perhaps they have some further thoughts on the crying spells and feeling down you're experiencing before your cycle and what they feel is the difference between depression and depression linked to PMS. @lorena1egas also may have some thoughts for you.

Have you been prescribed any medication to help you with the premenstrual symptoms you have experienced, olivia22819?

@olivia22819 - Good morning. That's a great question about depression. Depression is a universal term describing many different "down moods" Your feelings of sadness, crying spells and feeling down just prior to your period are hormone induced. I do not think that https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-depression
How long do these periods last, 4-5 days? Less? I hate to say this but exercise is the best remedy. Get out and bike and hike, run or walk, swim. This will help with cramps too, if they aren't severe. What a miserable time that is, I remember it well. There are also medicines. Have you spoken to your OB?

@olivia22819 @lisalucier Prior to menopause, the only real PMS symptom I generally had was migraines. I did occasionally feel very slightly down, but nothing major except one time that really sticks in my mind. I was in work and everyone was heading out to lunch but I felt terrible, I felt like crying for no apparent reason. I wasn't sure what was going on. They all left and I went to the Ladies Room and sure enough, my period had started! I was so glad that was not a monthly occurrence because it really was difficult to feel that way. I am sorry that this is a regular occurrence for you.
It sounds as if you either have not discussed remedies with your doctor of your doctor has not had any that have helped. I think just knowing that it is a passing thing that will be better when you start menstruating is helpful. I am not a medical professional, but I believe there is a distinction between general depression that is a daily or almost daily occurrence and the depression you feel before menstruating. Your depression is not really neurological, it's from your hormones. When you can identify what is causing depression, and it's either hormonal like yours, or due to a specific situation, then I think that's different from depression that seems to have no apparent cause. I had some depression for a short time after a very upsetting diagnosis. My husband was concerned but my doctor told him it was justifiable, situational depression so unless it continued to not be overly concerned. Sure enough, it did pass and I was able to resume my normal life.
I think you really have to keep reminding yourself that it will pass, that's it's your hormones. For me, that would be a help.
JK

Good morning @olivia22819 When I ran across this this morning I thought of you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsQJoyn2vxo&feature=em-uploademail
How are you doing? Have you sought out any help for your symptoms?