PMS Stigma

[Anonymous]

Being "moody" is a joke in pop culture and I've always thought of it as a joke, not a serious medical issue. But I also think I have PMS. I get bad fatigue in the few days leading up to my period, have severe anxiety during my period, breakout on my face and have long-lasting headaches for days at the end of my period.

Because it's ingrained in me to be a joke (and because my period has always been like this, so this is my "normal"), I haven't talked to my doctor about it. I'm afraid I'll be told that it's normal and/or that there's nothing to be done about it.

Has anyone actually gotten help for PMS? Someone assure me I'm not crazy (or that I am crazy).

[Anonymous]

You're not crazy, but good luck finding a doc to actually treat this as a medical problem and not a psych issue. You might get short-term prozac for the moods. You may get better help if you get a formal diagnosis of something like PMDD, or there's some kind of underlying physical dysfunction that shows up on labs or imaging.

Otherwise, "lady problems".

[Anonymous]

Yes, it took asking a GP and three OBGYNs over the years. I was ignored until my current one recommended Mirena. I was reluctant but it turns out I have NO periods anymore, and while I still have a cycle of sorts, I mostly have barely noticeable PMS, just some increased food cravings and a bit of sadness/anxiety but not remotely comparable to before.