Extreme hormone ups and downs around AF

[Indadhanu]

I know this is probably a dumb question, but having just finished my AF a few days ago, and feeling the 'after AF low', I have to ask...

Is this unusual? I mean, SERIOUS lows. I was diagnosed with a major depressive episode when I was 17, and the 'after AF low' rival what I felt during that time. I also get a fairly low period before AF too, and it pretty much the only symptom that AF is on her way. It's a serious low, not just moody but like I get that 'black cloud, I'll never feel happy again' kind of feeling, and get some realy dark thoughts during both times.

I was diagnosed with PCOS when just starting TTC Jazz... does anyone else with PCOS have these kinds of terrible lows before and/or after AF?
Is there anything you take to help?

Both Shel and I want to get this under control. I've been to the GP and they said 'go on the pill' which I'm not really wanting to do...

[MrsFabuloso]

Leasha, I am getting some pretty serious moods with my cycle too. I have never been diagnosed with depression and I have just recently really relised what it is. I get really depressed adn cry at the drop of a hat and just feel so low and down. I have started taking a multivitamin and having rescue remedy again. It is seeming easing the symptoms before AF, but after I am still quite low. I am bfing DS still and don't want to go on the pill again, so I don't want to take anything stronger than these sorts of things til after I wean. I am trying to walk, using relaxation techniques and having epsome salt and lavender baths to try to relax and have a little time for me and do all the natural stuff I can to help it. HTH, and I hope you feel better soon

[indie24]

I don't have any advice Leasha but wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. I am very much the same way except mine starts just before AF arrives. Usually it finishes just after AF. I tend to cry at the drop of a hat and feel like nothing is ever going make me happy again. Hoping that someone can give you some more adivce that might help us both

[Indadhanu]

Thanks to you both Sorry to hear you feel the same around AF.

Anyone else have any advice?

[BekZ]

I have suffered AF related mood swings for years and they got worse after each baby. I did seek help from a naturopath who took me through an extensive questonaire. She diagnosed a hormal imbalance and prescribed a herbal formula plus supplements. It took 3 months to work but I improved out of sight. All medical docs wanted to do was put me onthe Pill which is not an option

[Beth-n-Sara]

Hi there!
I don't get "real" periods very often (where I can say that I have ovulated and get a proper bleed) but when I do I notice this as well. I have Bi polar so my situation is a little different to yours but the hormones around AF trigger major manic episodes and can plunge me into depression that lasts 7-10 days after AF.
The one thing I have found the most effective is being really careful with my diet in the week leading up to AF- making sure I get HEAPS of fresh fruit and veg and plenty of iron. I think low iron can be a trigger for depression and your iron levels will drop around AF (I think).

I hope you find a solution that works for you soon *hugs*.

[tan32]

Leasha i hear you girl.

I get the worst downs just before Af, I mean i get terribly stressed and feel like i can't cope. Everything gets on top of me. I cry at the drop of a hat. My babies stress me out , i Can't handle them crying or being sick.
I have PCOS and insulin resistance.
I have found when i am on the pill it makes it ten times worse.
One thing i have found that is helping is metformin as this helps to reduce my symptoms of PCOS and brings my hormone levels to some form of normality.
I have huge testostrone levels normally and the swing with AF drives me crazy.