23 reasons why I want a hysterectomy for PMDD / severe PMS
by msjekyllhyde
Two nights ago I stayed up way too late doing extra online research into the pros and cons of hysterectomies, after foolishly ‘un-ignoring’ and reading some posts from a well known provocateur on the NAPS forum (I know, don’t feed the trolls!). I love research and I want to be sure I’ve covered all bases, but I got myself into quite a state! Luckily my jolly chap was there to give me a hug.
You see, there are some extremist propaganda sites out there whose motive is to scare women away from hysterectomy, as opposed to helping them make the right choice for their own body. In the past some women, particularly in North America, have been treated insensitively by the patriarchal medical establishment and there are some horror stories (like ovaries whipped out without consent just because you’re over 40, vaginas cut and made narrower without consent..*shudder*), I’ll post about this topic another time.
I woke up today feeling very well rested and clear headed, glad I didn’t fire off a letter yesterday postponing the operation! Instead I fired off this list:
23 reasons why I want a hysterectomy (including removal of the ovaries):
- Current thinking is that it is the only ‘true cure‘ for severe PMS/PMDD.
- Once the HRT is balanced I’ll be free of cyclical depression (joy!) and..
- Suicidal thoughts (experienced during the worst throes of PMDD).
- Jekyll & Hyde behaviour.
- Awful menstrual cramps.
- Birth control hassle (I’m child-free by choice).
- The hassle of having periods.
- No more smear tests.
- I’ll never get cancer in those areas (my mother had a hysterectomy in her 30’s after a smear test detected pre-cancerous cells).
- I haven’t had a bleed since June 2011 as I stopped trying any further different types of progestogens (I’m severely progesterone intolerant). (If you have estrogen therapy, which I do, and a uterus you need to shed the lining sometimes, otherwise you are at risk of developing ‘endometrial hyperplasia’=cancer of the womb lining).
- I won’t lose my partner to my extreme mood swings.
- I can make more work.
- I can make more money, see projects through, be consistent.
- I’ll be stronger / more resilient both in my personal life and in my career.
- I’ll be better equipped to deal with stress (I like big projects!).
- I won’t be the fearful, troubled person that I am in the throes of PMDD. She’s a real bore.
- I don’t want to ruin the rest of my 30’s or 40’s, a really key time in my career (parts of my 20’s and early 30’s were very difficult due to depression, which I now think was cyclical depression – part of PMDD, hormone-related rather than psychological).
- Less/no binge eating or cravings (130lb in 2005, I loved it!).
- No monthly crash / loss of confidence.
- More consistent sleep.
- No anti-depressants (I hate that ‘flat’ feeling).
- Less of a need to shop! (I’ve hoarding tendencies).
- If I don’t have the operation I’ll be perimenopausal (pre-menopausal) in 5-10 years time (possibly less), which will bring its own mood problems for someone with my history..
Downsides of a hysterectomy
- ALL operations carry some risk and I am not undertaking it likely, i.e. my surgeon says that there is a one in a thousand chance that when he goes in through my belly button laparoscopically he may accidentally puncture the wrong organ (I don’t have endometriosis so my organs aren’t stuck together, so I should be ok).
- It may well take some time to balance the HRT so I’ll probably have to deal with some menopausal symptoms poking through during this time – but I’m under the care of THE top people on the NHS.
- Ongoing use of HRT may bring it’s own problems (controversial topic), OR it may protect me!
- Psychological implications – however there are massive psychological implications for me NOT having the operation, see list above!
- No uterine orgasmic contractions (no uterus!), so orgasms may feel different.
- Possible lower sexual response/libido – but, living with PMDD is very bad for my relationship!
So my eyes are WIDE open! The hysterectomy is scheduled for 23 February 2012, on the NHS. Everyone needs to do what’s right for them, and this feels like the right choice for me.
Life after hysterectomy for PMDD / PMS [aged 35]. UK 
Hi don’t know if you’re still one this. I’d like to know how the surgery turned out. Any regrets? Contemplating this for myself.
Tara
It’s almost 5 years since my surgery. No regrets. But had to make some big life changes.. with the help of my primary care physician we had to find the right HRT regimen for me… my body went into surgical menopause which hit me like a truck! Extreme exhaustion and slowed down my libido .. and I but with the right hormones it’s much better but all the hormones cause a lot of heart burn..
it sounds like a lot but it’s still better than dealing with the PMDD issues!! Hope this helps!
Sooo…I’ve been doing non stop research about PMDD as I think I have been diagnosed wrong as an early teen. They said manic depression and bi polar disorder. But as I’ve been tracking my periods for some time now, the 2 weeks before my period when my ovulation starts to when my period starts Im everything described in these lists. My mom mentioned the hysterectomy and I’m wondering how you’re doing now? I’m in my early 30s so I’m skeptical about it.
I was one of those women that had PMDD. But of course, the male doctors all said otherwise.
I had my overies removed in 2010, it was the answer to the problem. I have a suspicious thought that having my tubes tied was what was the problem.
But, at least now I know why I would go “crazy” for almost 2 weeks of the month for years and years.
Ladies, please get a second diagnosis if your male doctor says your bi- polar, borderline or anything else.
It is not always black and white, if you know your body then learn for yourself. They just want to shove pills down your throat and make you go away.
I have decided to write a book about this, bad enough Being called “hormonal” but then told your crazy on top of that makes it worse!!
Hey there. Just came across this and it’s everything I’m currently dealing with. I too suffer from PMDD. I on birth control to help regulate my hormones but still find myself suffering at times. It’s now 2018, I saw you had your hysterectomy in 2012… do you regret it? What has your experience been like. Seriously at ththe end of my rope and considering this.
I’m considering a hysterectomy for all those reasons you pointed out. May I ask did it stop the horrendous PMS and depression or did it make it worse?
The op was a big success. Here’s my latest post.
How did you find a doctor willing to do it? Been wanting to get one for the last 10 years, but turned down several times.
Hi, I wrote a post about this, here. Best wishes
Hi. Glad things worked out for you. Can you send me a link to the fb page pls, I am having the today for the same reasons as yourself x
I had my overies removed and it stopped the “crazy” from happening.
Did you have your hysterectomy? There is more info now then 8 years again when I made my choice.
I am 23 living with PMDD and I’m at this point now. Thank you for sharing your opinion so openly!!
Hi. I have every symptom possible for PMDD, I’ve had a hysterectomy 7 years ago but seriously considering removing my ovaries. Please let me know how your op went and whether your symptoms improved.
Hi Atwitsend, I also had a hysterectomy but left my ovaries in. For me it worked wonders my PMDD has been reduced by 80% at least. Depending on how old you are….have you considered that your symptoms may be pre-menopause or full menopause symptoms? I have heard that having a hysterectomy can cause menopause to start a bit earlier (if you still have ovaries). Because I think that I too suffer from menopause symptoms sometimes as I am 46, so there are some days when I feel cranky/tired/confused etc… but it is still not half as bad or as often as before the operation. Maybe you should go to a Doctor that you feel comfortable talking to and ask if there are any treatments for menopause and see if that helps you – rather than going under the knife again. I have also heard of some horrible stories about going into ‘instant menopause’ when the ovaries are removed. This is why I opted to leave mine in as Hormone Replacement Therapy just seemed to me something that I wanted to try and avoid, and I wanted to go into menopause naturally. I guess there is no guarantee that your body will respond well to removing your ovaries…..it’s like flipping a coin. Isn’t it great being a woman!!!
Hello! I’m new to the group and have been suffering from PMDD for five years. I was remarried to the love of my life last spring. Late Sept 16 I finally went to the doctor and was put on Prozac. In two months I gained twenty pounds and was switched to wellbutrin in mid December. It’d not helping me, as I just started my period and I’ve been like a crazy person the previous few days. I live in Indiana, and was hoping someone could give me feedback on a Hysterectomy. I’m at the end of my rope and don’t want to lose my marriage. I’m worried a Hysterectomy may make my hormones worse, weight gain, lack of sex drive. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Hello I’m two years post complete hysterectomy next month… I’m not as crazy like I used to feel that’s for sure pre-surgery… about 6 months after surgery surgical menopause hit me Hard!! It took about 3 months or so for my general-primary doctor to find me the right hormone regimen.. my GYN Dr btw wasn’t completed excited about it. He had me start on estrogen from day one of my surgery and was hoping that’s all I would need … but it wasn’t. My general Dr added progesterone to my daily hormone routine and … ahhh it was like a miracle … still it hasn’t been a bed of roses even though I don’t suffer from my PMDD symptoms I struggle with fatigue… I did have to change my lifestyle habits as far as eating and fitness so I wasn’t feeling like I just wanted to rest all the time
I don’t regret my choice of surgery. I hope this helps
Hello,
I am about to legally become an adult in a month or so and want to see what advice or warnings you may have for my, shall I say, case?
Since I was a child, I exceedingly disliked children. I could never have children; they make me feel some visceral disgust I can’t explain. My periods are as normal as they could get with their gut-punching cramps and regular flow, but I have to admit that I have saved myself months of trouble with birth control. I’m on a birth control that allows my period to come only once every three months. Please, don’t strangle me for my privilege.
Now, I don’t want a hysterectomy just because it’s a more permanent form of birth control that eliminates the period entirely. I would like to have one because of my anxiety. Around and on my period, my state of mind changes dramatically, or, sometimes, not at all. I begin to get very paranoid, fearful, and doubtful. At times, I feel as though I’m spiraling into madness for the last time only for my period period to stop and I simply return to normal.
This unreliability, as infrequent as it may be, could seriously hinder my process through college as well. My third reason for a hysterectomy would be this; veterinary school is a challenge and I wouldn’t want to give up or fail because of one bad period. I can already feel my heart clench with anxiety over this.
Keep in mind, I would only opt for a partial hysterectomy and would like to have my uterus and cervix removed. The ovaries’ presence would keep the hormones in place so I would not have to worry about hormone therapy. Also, the thought of having a period until I’m 55 frustrates me beyond belief.
Thank you and sorry for rambling!
Hi all. Just had my partial hyst on the 10th just uterus left all else in place. So far so good. I also had one due to my anxiety levels during that time of the month and the fact that I started when I was 10 and have never had a normal cycle. Im saying it was on for a month off for 3 than on a week stop for 2 days back.on for a month ect…at 35 finally got someone to listen.my advice be your own advocate and tell them of you wont do it I will fond someone who will
I’m re-starting my trek through the latest information and experiences on hysterectomy. I had previously been scared away by 1) the horror stories regarding the medical practice 2) the experience of my sister-in-law and 3) my own lack of insurance coverage. However, in especially the last four years PMDD symptoms have increased exponentially and I know in my core that my extreme and cyclic depression is hormonal and not a serotonin issue OR a choice.
I had/have endometriosis and last had laparoscopic surgery when I was 18, while I had insurance and before I had three beautiful daughters. Around that time, I expected to have my uterus and ovaries removed, anyway. I chose to try to get pregnant, first. Pregnancy was easy and seemed to be the only cure for my hormonal issues; but, now I am 38. I have been depressed and suicidal for far too long.
I realize that my SIL’s difficulty with her hysterectomy was from the blood transfusion that she received. I would always prefer the safer and more educated bloodless option – and it is available in my metropolitan area where it was not in the rural area where she lives. My SIL says that her own depression problems were cured and she has felt great ever since. While she’s been a productive member of society for the past 13 years, I’ve barely functioned from month to month. In fact, I only have about 2 weeks every month where I CAN function as an adult. Your list hit home.
I realize the medical horror stories are rare. Yet, I will need to thoroughly investigate my practitioner and the facilities. I’m excited to finally have an insurance plan available to me after the beginning of the year. I know that my only regret will be not having done it sooner. I think a woman just knows some of these things about herself. I am in tune with my body. I just knew I was pregnant each time. I just knew that my baby’s cord was wrapped around her neck because I didn’t feel right in my body. I insisted on induction and discovered at her birth it was wrapped 7 times around – despite all the tests looking fine. I knew my ovary was constricted by the endometriosis and it was. These are only a few of many examples.
I have used no form of birth control for the last six months. I decided to try to get pregnant one last time. Pills and other prophylactics didn’t prevent pregnancy the first 3 times. As long as this month continues without conception, I will present to my new doctor all my research and my request and hope I get approved to have the surgery quickly. I don’t think I could take this much longer.
I would like to join the group on facebook. I look forward to reading more of your wordpress blog. I appreciate your insight. Thank you for sharing!
I’m 32 and I have made the choice to have a partial hysterectomy due to mood swings depression, severe bleeding that feels like it will never end also painful periods severe. I’m an adult and the only person that seems to have a problem with the surgery is my father which is rediculous he is a man and does not get any period nor have ever I have tried everything and it’s been 2 yrs I feel like it is ruining my relationship. He wants me to get a second opinion because he thinks that my dr is too busy and doesn’t care about my pain but she does. Also my surgery like yours is booked in Feb 20th 2016 2 days after my bday. I’m trying to make the right decision for me and I feel this is the right choice. I don’t have much support just 2 people in my family and my bf. Any advice? Should I get another opinion I just want to feel normal again and be able to get this over with and be able to be the best mama I can be. How was your energy level and life after surgery? I decided to do it and is there a way to get another opinion without actually going to a dr to get my dad off my back. Thanks for listening
Hi Kelly, I’ve sent you an invite to the facebook support group, where I recommend you also post this message.
When you say ‘partial’, do you mean that they suggest leaving your womb/cervix? My surgeon recommended removing everything (ie ovaries + womb + cervix), and said that some surgeons suggest leaving the cervix because they are not skilled at removing it (of course they won’t want to tell you this), or if the body is weakened after child birth.
Both ovaries and the womb MUST be removed to cure PMDD. The ovaries are the culprits re PMDD. And if one keeps the womb, you HAVE to take progesterone HRT to shed the womb lining – and our acute sensitivity to progesterone (either naturally made by our ovaries, or HRT version) is what causes PMDD.
Life is great without PMDD. Energy levels are normal. The surgery is the best thing I ever did for my mental health.
Hi Kelly,
I had terrible PMDD for 8 years (after having my second child it got worse, at about age 36). My periods weren’t terrible but still I did get some pain and felt rubbish during it….. the combination left me with one or two ‘normal’ weeks a month where I was feeling ok.
I had finished with having babies, and made the difficult decision to have a hysterectomy at about age 43. I am in Australia, and had robotic keyhole (robotic is new here). BUT I decided to leave my ovaries in – as I was not mentally prepared for instant menopause.
My way of thinking was that I could handle one or the other…. PMDD or Periods, but not both every month. So I took the gamble of keeping ovaries. The operation was not terrible for me, taking it easy for 3 weeks or so, and then gradually over 6-8 weeks coming back to normal.
As commonly believed that you have to remove ovaries to stop PMDD is not necessarily true for everyone…..my PMDD stopped by 90%.
I have the occasional grumpy mood, and sore breasts…. but the bloating, headaches, food cravings, memory loss, horrible depression and angry outbursts have gone and I still feel somewhat like a woman as I have my ovaries!!!!
I have also heard of women having trouble balancing instant menopause, struggling with different (HRT) drugs…..so I guess it’s a gamble either way.
I think now I have slight symptoms of Menopause, but so far it has not been terrible and I am thankful every month that I don’t have a period to deal with.
Depending on the type of surgery you are thinking of having…. you may want to ask your doctor about the risks of “Laparoscopic Power Morcellators” and the recent reports on the risks of cancer when used…. if that is what your surgeon uses…. there are articles on the internet about it.
It is a difficult decision for you, and you are a lot younger than I was, but only you know yourself what quality of life you have. My surgeon said it was an extreme option but it would bring me better quality of life….and he was right.
It was two girlfriends that had hysterectomies and said their lives were wonderful afterwards that made up my mind for me.
I really believe that a positive outlook on the procedure helps too….I think sometimes (but not always) the physical after effects that some women have afterwards can be psychological.
I was worried about sexual function and all of that, but I went back to my GP just before the operation, because I was worried – and she went through the whole anatomy with me – explaining that all of the nerve ending for sexual pleasure were in the vagina and not higher up……. It seems all to be working properly…..and we are actually having more sex than before the op, because I feel better mentally and physically.
This is a common operation – just make sure you check out your surgeon’s qualifications and that you are on the same wave length with her.
I can understand your father worrying, any operation has a small level of risk to it….. but like my GP said to me I could have my period until I’m 55 years old (NO THANKS)!!
All the best with your decision.
Linda R.
Hi Janelle,
After Having my second child i had a mild hemorrhaged. the nurses didn’t pick up on this until about 4 hours after i had complained i didn’t feel right and then a change of nursing staff. I had the most painful experience.
I had two children naturally with no drugs. the procedure i went through after my son was horrific. I have since had a period night mare.
I have had every treatment and pill on the market with no result. I had a period every day for 7 months. I cant cope with the side affects of the pill. i dont want to be near my kids and i wont sleep in the same bed as my partner when i am on them but i have to take them. My periods are so heavy I will go through 2 packets of maternity pads every 3 days.
The pain i am in is i constantly feel like i am in labor and only panadine forte or endone cures the pain.
Two years after my son i am now considering a hysterectomy i am 35 yo.. I am looking at a full hysterectomy as i have polo-cystic ovaries.
My Doctor said this is normal and am awaiting to see my Gyno next month.
My Question to you is did you have to go through a psychological evaluation? I have been told that they will not give me a hysterectomy unless i have one.
I’m interested in your feedback?
Many thanks
Did anyone leave both ovaries? If so does that still help with depression?
Hi Janelle, Yes, I left both in….. had heard of women struggling with hormone replacement therapies and as I was 43 I didn’t want to go into instant menopause. My PMDD was still reduced by 90% after the operation – so for me it did work. As for depression….it’s probably best to talk to your dr – make sure it’s hormones causing it and not some other reason.
Thank you Linda! I have been seeing someone about anxiety and depression for 3 years . I had been asking and asking for my hormones to be checked with my gynecologist to no avail. Finally switched and yep I’m a big mess. Now they are trying to figure out if i was experiencing the depression and anxiety from the imbalance of hormones. Hopefully the hysterectomy will help me out.
Hi Janelle, I reckon PMDD caused me to become depressed…..I was running my life around it, moving the dates of my kids birthday parties, holidays, social functions – just so I could find days when I knew I would be able to cope.
I thought this was normal (to plan your life around your period) until my Dr told me that it wasn’t normal. I was kind of shocked as I had been doing all of this planning for like 8 years!! It was kind of a relief though when she told me.
My memory would suffer badly during PMDD, I would have these dark moods where I believed that there was no place for me in this world, that I didn’t belong. Then there was the sugary food cravings, insomnia at night, anger tantrums, throwing things, screaming at everyone and not wanting any physical (skin) contact at all and a lack of libido – as the last thing on my mind was sex. This would last approx. 1.5 to 2 weeks every month, on a bad month even longer.
Then came the period for another week – with bloating, sometimes cramps, lethargy and pretty much feeling crap. So when you add up the PMDD and Period that was 3 weeks out of every month.
Anyone would go nuts having only one good normal week every month. So if this is similar to you…..then you probably do have depression and anxiety from PMDD.
Since my operation, I have had a few very mild PMDD moments, but nothing like before – and no periods (wonderful).
Like I said to my Dr, I could probably cope with PMDD or a Period – but not with both every month.
This is why I opted to try and keep my ovaries….. I had heard of women struggling with HRT, and I just didn’t want to go from one struggle and right into another different struggle.
For me the operation worked wonders….and I really believe that a positive attitude toward the procedure and an understanding DR and Surgeon really helped me make the difficult decision.
The operation (for me) was very smooth, no pain- just a little discomfort afterwards, but I did take it very easy for the first 2-3 weeks, then gradually over about 8 weeks was back to normal. (took a bit longer as the surgeon told me I had quite a lot of internal stitches). I was terrified beforehand, even wanted to run out of the hospital in my backless gown…but like I said, positive determination and I was certain that I would have a better quality of life afterwards.
And I have.
Do some research, ask questions about the procedure. I went in with a double sided A4 sheet of questions to ask the surgeon….ask and search until you find a Dr or Surgeon that is on your wavelength. And check their background – for any law suits etc… it may seem crazy, but it is better for you to feel confident and make an informed decision about your own body!!!
Write to me anytime you want!! Best of luck.
Hi Linda, I am going in for a partial hysterectomy on the 31st and i am terrified. I have the same exact PMDD problems that you had. I just want it done. I have endometriosis. My Ob said its just in my uterus but why do i have the pain in my ovaries all the time?. I am so glad that im not alone in this. Do you have any advice? They are doing mine with the Divinci Robot. Thanks Sara B.
Hi Sara, so they are only removing your uterus? This is what I had done. I had some period pain as well, for me I think it was the build up of hormones/nutrients in the uterus that was too much for my system……. it seemed to be true, as the PMDD has almost entirely gone even though I still have ovaries. I have had some hot flushes (but I am 46 years old, so that’s probably normal menopause symptoms). Apparently the op can bring on menopause a bit sooner – but seriously it would be hard to tell. I’d much rather hot flushes on rare occasions than PMDD every month. Just watch your weight afterwards, as I have put on quite a lot of weight – but also some of this is my own fault. Make sure you keep up a moderate exercise routine (even just walking) and don’t eat too much junk. Now I have to try and lose some – I think the operation may have contributed a little bit, just as long as you know about it. And take it easy after the operation, bending over should be avoided, get someone to put socks on for you for the first week or so – maybe get a pair of sandals that you can just slip into easily. And no cleaning- picking things up. Clean before you go into hospital so you don’t have to worry too much afterwards. I didn’t have any problems, and not a lot of pain (but I have a high tolerance) def take pain killers if and when you need them – especially just after the op. It kind of felt very similar to how you feel after having a baby (like you’ve been stretched inside) but if you give it time to heal it doesn’t take long to get back to normal. Apart from the negative comments or issues people have had, remember it is a very common operation these days – there are always risks but if you feel you have a good surgeon I’m sure you will be fine. If you feel scared, go back and talk to your surgeon and ask them to go through the procedure with you so that you feel more comfortable. I went back to my GP the day before the op and she guided me through what would happen….this really helped me mentally. Best of luck, ask me anything you like. Linda.
How hard is it to get a doctor to do the surgery? I’ve been on every anti-depressant under the sun, and I always face the same problem. I don’t have depression. I only get depressed around that time of the month because I am so.. self-loathing and ashamed of my behavior. My doctor says I can’t take antidepressants intermittently, so that’s out of the question.
I’ve also tried birth control several times and it just makes me a lot worse. My moods go beyond my normal extremes,
I’m only 25, but I don’t want to birth children. My mother has this and she had 7 kids. My sister has this and she has 8 kids. I have this, and I don’t want to.. subject any child to my behavior nor do I want to pass this on to possibly another girl. That would kill me inside knowing my child would suffer as much as I have. It would be hard for me to live with myself.
At this point, the disorder is completely interfering with work, school and relationships (I’m told I act possessed).
Hi Arie, I had the same problem with birth control pills….as they are progesterone based, some women’s brains react to the progesterone – that’s what my Dr told me. So BC pills were not an option for me either. It may be hard for you to find a surgeon as you are so young….and haven’t gone past the age of fertility. I was on Zoloft (a low dose) for the PMDD and it did help – maybe you should talk about dosage amount when it comes to anti-depressants as well – it’s a hard balance to get right. I have heard exercise can help as well (if you have the time).
This mixture of minerals below are the only thing that stopped the worst of PMDD/PMS. I have slight symptoms instead of severe ones, and some have completely stopped since I’ve taken the mixture below.
It’s Black Cohosh, Don Quai, and Soy Isoflavone Concentrate.
Its called, EstrAval and sells through Melaleuca.
However, Melaleuca ( https://www.melaleuca.com/ ) doesn’t sell to the public unless the buyer becomes a member for 19.95 yearly, or monthly. Or you can buy the bottle of EstrAval from a Melaleuca distributore.
If you don’t want to go through Melaleuca and the whole membership deal, try looking for something similar to this in the health ffod store, at Trader Joes, or similar stores: You can also get your own of the minerals below and mix it yoursel:
Soy Isofavone Concentrate: 150mg
Dong Quai: 100mg
Black Cohosh 50mg
Note: Too much Black Cohosh can hurt the liver.
I’m going to have to get one too. As soon as my PMDD starts, I’m dangerous, and I’m not kidding. I keep my Dr. Jekyll side inside the house until my symptoms stop. Now that I’ve chronicled the pattern on a calendar of these PMDD symptoms, I’ve found they are the reason for these personal disasters over the years: psych visits to hopitals (period start the day after admission); altercations with others; homicidal ideation and suicidal, in which my meds have to get boosted; 7-10 day bleeding each month, with an extra 3 days of spotting; depression; that feeling that I’m ready for a big fight. This is why I stay in at home. I can swing my fist really easy before my period, and I’m a mature, intelligent woman who’s writes novels and does nobel things, plus two college degrees. But come that PMDD time, I’ve turned wild, a wildness that does not agree with me at all. I am going to request a hysterectomy at my next appointment as both my periods and PMDD have made my life lag in my career, ruined my relationships, made me crazy, and have become even worse now that Menopause is on.
Hello, I am 31 years old and a wife and mother to a beautiful 6 year old son, and I believe this was the answer I was looking for, see all my life I have suffered with depression and then post patuam after was born and I wish this on any one. Note* my periods were always irregular to begin with, it was a trail to haVing, during and after a baby. But when I was put on medication for my post patuam I felt better for a good while until my menstrual did come along and my world turns to hell. But I thought to myself why was I going through this again and it hit me only when I was on my period it seem to affect me more emotionally, not the good kind mind you. So after reading this made me think, Could getting a hysterectomy be the cure to Depression and Post paturm?
Good for you. At least you kept a man and had kids. I have been to unstable from PMDD to ever get married and have kids. I’m too cyclical. Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde
Have any read Dr. LEE book on hormone therapy made simple? The Hormone Cure: Reclaim Balance, Sleep and Sex Drive
by Dr. Sara Gottfried?
I have PCOS and PMDD and did 5 years of IVF. Was dumb enough to do an abaltion for heavy cycles and now on depression meds and metformin. I asked why don’t u just take the ovaries since they are the cause instead of curing the symptoms and they keep saying my age. So I can try the books or a new doc
Hi,
I’ve read this post a hundred times and everything you say is familiar. I’m due to have a full hysterectomy/ooperrctomy next month for PMDD, but so worried about gaining huge amounts of weight. Please can you tell me if you’re still happy with the decision you made and did you gain weight? It’s a bit shallow, I know, but I couldn’t cope with it.
Thank you
Elle
Hi Elle, yes it was the best possible decision for my mental health and I have no regrets. Because I don’t have PMDD, my weight is much easier to manage. At the end of 2015 I discovered Overeaters Anonymous, now I attend occasionally. I’m currently just a few pounds more than I when I was a bride (2005). I’m now in a brilliant new relationship and enjoying a fantastic sex life too.
I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago mostly because of bad pmd I also had fibroids and a cyst in my ovary.. Since having it done i have tried hrt but it’s putting hormones back into my body and giving me all they pmd feelings again.. I still need to have smear tests as I still have my cervix .. I sometimes wish I never had it done as am finding it hard to cope with the flushings. Does anyone else have this problem with hrt ?
Thank you so much for this. My full hysterectomy is scheduled for May 31st, and I’m so excited! I’ve dealt with so many issues for more than half of my life (I’m 32). PCOS, endometriosis, PID, enlarged tubes, crazy hormone levels, loss of babies, etc. I’m a happy (but CRAZY EMOTIONAL) Mommy of two amazing boys. I can’t wait to be a fully functional, happy (not constantly depressed) Mommy. I had a laparoscopic exploratory surgery 3 years ago where they removed most of one of my ovaries due to the damage from endometriosis. Then I became pregnant with my second baby soon after. Miracles all around here. I’m ready. So ready. So again, thank you for this article!
I am considering one as well. But I am concerned of “turning into a man” !!!(facial hair, etc) But, this issue with PMDD has ruined everything I’ve ever tried to do in life! (jobs, schooling, relationships, etc.) I am also concerned about going through this and it NOT working due to “ghost” symptoms….symptoms that have created grooves in my brain from reacting to this my whole life.
The brain is incredibly plastic and doesn’t need a whole lot of time to learn new things, even old brains. The idea of brains calcifying or wearing grooves is largely a myth. What a brain will do is create new neuron paths by coating certain often-used pathways with more myelin, which basically makes that neuron fire faster. So you can rewire things with a little effort.
As for “turning into a man”, gender is a social fiction, sincerely. Hormonal imbalances can already cause the problems you describe, and “about 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 births” are statistically intersex. Gender suits the people in charge, so it stays, but it isn’t based on real science.
I came across this because I am doing some research. I got a partial hysterectomy 2yrs and 1/2 years ago and for the 1St few months I was o.K, not many cramps, not any mood swings or anything and then about 6months in I started cramping again but it wasn’t regular so I was OK with dealing with it, I noticed about 6months ago I started cramping every month and my moods where getting worse, I will say last night I almost hit bottom, I was crying , yelling at my children and didn’t want to talk to my fiance at all.
I was diagnosed with PMMD about 7yrs ago but I didn’t understand it and didn’t want to believe it,so needless to say I just dealt with it best way I knew how until I got my surgery, but now that all of my symptoms are coming back I am terrified because I know how bad this can get…It just literally felt so surreal to me that someone besides me is suffering through this. I had to tell my fiance what this is and I had to show him that this is a real thing. I had to tell my daughters that Mommie is back feeling “crazy” again. It just hurts my heart to know that this is something we can’t control without medicine or getting our Woman parts removed,but I am with the author on this the only way I see this being cured is removing the rest of Womanly organs,I’m already on Anxiety medication due to the 1St surgery and then 6months later being told that I had made it to the hospital just in time because my appendix had burst(didn’t even know it) so I don’t want to take anymore medication at all.
I have just had one of the worst bouts of pmdd I’ve ever experienced. I’m not sure what the deal is with the month of April, but I’m guessing some sort of cycle within a cycle. I am not sure why this didn’t occur to my sooner being that my 3rd and final boy child has knocked my health so far back that i will never ever do that (pregnancy) again. I only just thought of having a hysterectomy to combat the raging hormones just yesterday, but i definitely would like to never ever feel the way i felt again. I will go back and read the comments now.
Thank goodness for this blog 🙂
I am having a hysterectomy in a month and am reasurred by reading the positive replies about post op.
Constant bleeding, vertigo, anxiety and related IBS symptoms have left me a shadow of my former self since the menopause started two years ago.
No one seemed to understand and just thought I was a neurotic, doctors simply wanted to treat me with anti depressants, but I knew it was my hormones! Finally I was diagnosed as post menopausal and the end is in sight.
I have found great comfort from the brave people who have posted and shared their stories, I feel reassured I am doing the right thing and I’m am looking forward to getting back to my old self again after the operation.
Thank you!
How are you feeling now?
I suffer so horrifically I’m in tears just reading this.
Jaclyn.. I just got to your post. It immediately hit me to respond to you. I have been in tears all day, gosh… most days it takes an act of God for me to continue through the day. If not for my kids, I may no longer be here. I am on and have tried every type of anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, mood stablizer… I am exhausted by it all. So, know what you mean, I suffer horribly as well. I am having a hysterectomy in a month. I am not diagnosed with PMDD, but I think that is only because none of my Drs have a freaking clue. One minute I am ok, the next I am so depressed I want to die… I just ran across this blog and I hope that the hysterectomy I have will correct my issue. I am having the surgery due to precancerous cells. it is a full hysterectomy. I hope to hear back from you… your post worried me.
Please reply if you see these comments.
Hi I was wondering if this helped you I’m desperate to do something?
I think I worked out the answer to my own question… “If you have… a uterus you need to shed the lining sometimes, otherwise you are at risk of developing ‘endometrial hyperplasia’”… which would mean taking progesterone and you are intolerant. Is that right?
I’m now wondering if an ablation, which someone else mentioned, would reduce the risk…
Hi, yes, that’s right.
I don’t know about an ablation.
I am now in a new relationship and having a wonderful sex life, my orgasms are powerful, I rarely notice any difference – I’ll do a new post about this at some point.
When getting an ablation, you are at risk of having to get another ablation at some point (the lining that they scrape out can grow back) and down the road need a hysterectomy anyways. There are so many risks with ablations, they scare me.
Hi.
Wondering if keeping one’s uterus and opting for bilateral oophorectomy only is something worth considering for some PMDD sufferers? I realise keeping your uterus potentially means increased risk of uterine cancer, but apparently I have that anyway due to PCOS (first detected in puberty). I have just started researching hysterectomy +/- oophorectomy as a potential solution to the ‘cyclical’* increase in severity of my long-standing depression/suicidal thoughts (something has to change; I can’t go on like this much longer). I am 39, and also nulligravida – a state that I have no problem with.
So far I’ve learnt that oophorectomy does not ‘cure’ PCOS (since polycystic ovaries are considered a symptom rather than a cause of PCOS), but I figure getting rid of my otherwise useless/problematic ovaries could be the least invasive surgical solution, for me… since my understanding is that oestrogen and progesterone are secreted mainly – solely? – by the ovaries.
Ok, I will admit that I mainly want to keep my uterus because when I am feeling well, I am very fond of my orgasms the way they are.
Perhaps you have addressed the reasons behind your decision to have your uterus as well as your ovaries removed in treating your PMDD somewhere on this blog already; if so could you please direct me to the relevant post? 🙂
*I type “‘cyclical'” because my cycle is far from regular, but I have certainly noticed – usually after-the-fact, but I’m getting more clued-in to it – that my dysphoria increases in the weeks leading up to menstruation.
Hello all,
Sat here crying as I read this post. Crying just because it feels nice to have someone understand what it is like to have PMDD.
Since June last year I have been going through ‘low weeks’ I have endometriosis and don’t have a usual monthly cycle (my periods are all over the place) so it has taken me until this January to realise that I get scarily low 5 days before I start my period, within 2 days of starting I feel back to my usual self.
I will explain what I mean by scarily low. I am a mum to twins and have a good job and a lovely (and very patient) husband. I go from being absolutely fine to just dropping of the scale. I stop going to work, I don’t get out of bed to even say goodbye to my children, I can’t eat/sleep and spend the time feeling extremely suicidal (twice I have put myself at extreme risk). In those dark days I feel so overwhelmed by life, feelings of guilt for being a bad mum/wife/employee. Then a day or so after starting my period I am back to my normal self, being a good mum (so I’m told) and wife and going to work and doing a good job.
I am having difficulty finding anyone in the NHS that has heard of PMDD. Does anyone know why? On Tuesday I had a laparoscopy for endometriosis and discussed what has been happening with my gynae consultant. He stated he has never heard of PMDD but asked me to go back and see him in 6 weeks to discuss hormone treatments and a possible hysterectomy.
I have already had GnRH treatment, I had Zoladex injections for a year back in 2011. They really helped my endometriosis but the mood swings, hot flushes and night swears were hard to manage.
I am frightened. The five days before my period in January were so bad that I really scared myself and my husband. I think if my husband wasn’t home I would be dead. I truely believe that. What happens if I get that bad and I don’t have anyone nearby?
I had a new mirena coil fitted on Monday during the laparoscopy so I am not sure when my next period will be but I feel like a ticking time bomb…when I am scarily low I can’t control my thoughts and actions. I just want to die and then suddenly the fog clears and I am okay again.
Sorry I know this is a really depressing post, I just feel so scared of what is happening to me. Does anyone have any advice about getting PMDD recognised?
Thank for reading my blurt, it feels good to get it out. Xx
I know how you feel. I just got out of maybe 5+ days of this. I can’t do it anymore. I’m a good mom, i love my boys, and my husband. If there’s a way to not feel like this ever again then sign me up.
twinsanemummyx, Hi, I read your post and felt your pain – about nobody really understanding or even caring about PMDD. I found quite often my girlfriends (who obviously have periods) seemed to be the least understanding. I’ve had them say to me…’well we all get a bit off during our period’.
“A bit off” is an understatement for somebody suffering from PMDD. I think the small percentage of us ladies that have it need to realise that unless a person suffers from PMDD, there is no way on earth they are going to understand what it is like….. like opening the gates of hell.
My husband used to just call me a bitch….and tell me I should be grateful because there are children starving in other parts of the world (don’t know what that had to do with it)……. even though all I really needed was someone to say, it’s ok, I’ll help you through this and we will find a solution to this. Of course those words never came.
But I was blessed, as one of the local Doctors in my town is a woman, and thank goodness had experience of women coming to her with PMDD. I probably owe this woman my life… not kidding.
keep searching for a dr that knows about PMDD, female ones seem to be more understanding.
After twenty plus years of struggling with PMDD and the last ten being extreme, having tried every other therapy, drug, diet or possible treatment (all doing nothing) my new Gynae Consultant has agreed to do a hysterectomy, removing the uterus and one ovary. It’s by key hole surgery and because I’m 41 he has said he would prefer to take just one ovary to start to prevent me plummeting straight into menopause. As this will stop my periods hebis hoping it reduce my PMDD symptoms too.
Can anyone advice if taking both and putting me straight into menopause is a better option or the gradual approach safer approach?
I’m so confused! In Australia this condition is not recognised like it is in the UK and US.
Hi, I’m going for a hysterectomy in a few months and doing a lot of research and talking to a few different doctors it’s better to leave an ovary or 2 (as long as the ovaries are healthy to leave) so menopause doesn’t happen right aways. Having he ovaries taken out usually means you have to take hormone pills which sucks. It basically puts you into menopause state right aways. Leaving the ovaries can prevent that.
Hi I was wondering if this helped you?
Hello, I’m 30 years old with three children and I suffer horribly from pmdd! It has ruined my 12 year relationship and I have tried every natural remedy out there! I have also tried anti depressants and I’m not a fan of them at all! I hate the way they make me feel . I’m debating on whether or not I should move forward and get a hysterectomy. My question is, I’ve heard and read a lot of different opinions and two which concerns me and they are , the loss of wanting to have sex and your breasts dropping. Has anyone experience that?
I hope someone replies to your comment cause no one has to mine 😦
Hi Leslie… I’m forty and in two weeks I will anniversary my total hysterectomy! The first 6 months were a cake walk and then… Menopause, which I knew would come, hit me like a freight train! It took from August-October for my primary Dr not my Gyn to help me find the right hormone balance. We finally did. Now I apply testosterone cream in the mornings and pop an estradiol pill, then every night I take an progesterone pill. Sounds like a lot but I feel my normal self. Yes, my sex drive has changed. But it’s not horrible. I have no symptoms of PMDD and pms most importantly I’m not feeling crazy or hormonal.. I’m pleasant calm. Or at least that’s what my husband says. But I feel great. I have no regrets.. I have my annual follow up next month with my gyn and I plan on asking him how long I can be on my hormones. I hope my experience helps you some. Best of wishes and prayers for you Leslie!
Hi Leslie I have pmdd also its terrible what I go through for 2 weeks before and a few days into my cycle, I myself asked the Dr.s if I were better off with a hysterectomy and they reply NO because I will go right into full blown menopause. What’s worse than this that’s my ? I’m on the same boat as all of u on this post waiting for a miraclde
Hi! New here and stumbled upon this post trying to research hysterectomy. I’m 35, unable to have anymore children and suffer severe PMS. After my last trip to obgyn he said if I want to be out of pain it’s the only option. The older I get the worse my periods are. It’s gotten to the point I’m physically I’ll for 1-3 days. My poor child and husband have to deall with mood swings anyway because I am bipolar. But once a month it’s 20 times as bad. I have cramps periodically throughout the month and occasionally after Intercourse. During my period my cramps are so severe I’m in bed for at least a day, often missing work. I have debilitating back pain, exhaustion and nausea. I’m at my wits end. I need some other women to talk to that have had this done and get some advice. My doctor said he would only want to remove my uterus but after reading things I want to know what others have experienced. Do the PMS symptoms go away? Will orgasms feel different? I don’t have much of a sex drive to began with. Will this make it worse? I’m just looking for some caring women who will take a few minutes to answer some questions about their own experiences. Any advice will help.
Hi, I can somewhat understand how you feel. I am 32 and getting a hysterectomy in a few months because my periods are getting stronger and stronger. There’s no warning signs for when I get my period anymore, bam it’s just there. The cramps get so bad some days. I’ve discussed this with my surgeon and my family doctor and a hysterectomy is the right thing seeing as I am fully done having children and I am fully done with bleeding so bad I can’t leave the house. My ovaries will be left in (they are healthy so why take them out) which will still make you ovulate but no more period!!! Talking to my doctor about what to expect after, he said a lot of his patients have a better sex drive after. If there ever was pain during intercourse or any other discomfort, that should ease up. Usually pain gets worse the closer you are to your period.
My mom had a hysterectomy when she was 36, that was 32 years ago. She said it was the best decision she made. She had to have it done but she is happy she got it done then. If you have any questions or need to chat you’re welcome to email me hunibee23@yahoo.com
It is a life changing decision that’s Forsure but it doesn’t mean it’s a bad decision 🙂
Today after a long and difficult road I am finally going into hospital to have an hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries! I have suffered so bad and increasingly got so bad after the birth of my son that suicide was an option on my mind!
My partner of 15 years(never married) prob due to my Jekyll and Hyde moods every month has stood by me through all of this and I pray that I can regain my life back and hopefully get married now?
I will be on oestrogen only hrt after the op but I feel the benefits outway the negative as so much bad press out there about hrt!
To all you women out there I didn’t think I would ever be referred and listened to as been put under the mental health window and shunned so many times but there is hope if you keep strong and persevering.
Here’s to a new brighter calmer 2016!!!
Good luck to u all!
Julie
Great news, best wishes Julie!
I was glad to read your story and know that I am not alone. I feel that way because my DR will not listen to me. I know my own body and she refuses to give me a hysterectomy. I have PMDD severely. I am an older woman and it’s just getting worse. I go see a OBGYN next week but i am sure they won’t listen either. DR’s think they know whats best for us but clearly they don’t.
Hi Lisa, I think you will just have to keep searching until you find a surgeon that is understanding and can see what you are going through.
My surgeon (in Sydney) was wonderful and could see that I had been on anti-depressants for PMDD and back to my GP many times over the years about PMDD. He said that a hysterectomy was an extreme solution but that he could see that it would bring me “quality of life”. I had a robotic hysterectomy and left my ovaries in. He was right, it did bring me great relief.
I found the recovery not too bad – it took 8-10 weeks to feel back to normal, but I think you need some support at home for the first week or two (to help with home chores).
A lot of women worry about sexual function… but it all seems to work fine, as the nerves for all of that are lower down and not near where the operation takes place. I had no adverse problems and I was determined to go through with it come hell or high water!!
Stand up for your right to choose – do your research, ask questions. And don’t listen to all the negative stories about hysterectomies – as most people will report bad outcomes, the people that have good outcomes do not as often tell their stories. Some bad outcome stories may also be because of more complicated issues with the patient.
Choose a well qualified surgeon who is able to advise you and do a search on the net and read up about them before going ahead.
Good luck, I hope you find some relief.
Hi Linda,
I’m an Aussie pmdd sufferer too. I’m based in Brisbane but will travel to see the right specialist. I’m very much looking into seeing a gyno to start the process of histerectomy. Can you help?
Hi Linda,
I am a PMDD sufferer based in Brisbane. I noticed you’re in Sydney, I’m very much entertaining the idea of a hysterectomy…any advice for a fellow Aussie? Will travel.
Renee
Hi Renee,
Did u find someone in Brisbane to help with this? I’m on the Gold Coast
Hi Karen,
Email me on reneeconnolly20@icloud.com
I’m happy to help if I can.
R
Hi Linda,
I’m in Sydney too. Who did you see to agree to yours?
I have suffered horrendously with PMDD for the past 13 years and it’s now out of control physically and emotionally.
GP’s know nothing about it. I’m considering just having one ovary removed and the uterus to prevent a sudden early menopause.
Thank you for your story x
How ironic that when we have pmdd we feel so horribly alone no matter how many are there for us. This is such a relief to read all these posts!
I stumbled upon this article as i am googling pmdd because i am in desperate need of some advice. My newlywed wife and i just had our first thanksgiving which was ruined by pmdd. It really leaves me broken hearted because we’ve talked about the holidays as we were dating and how much we can’t wait for them so we can do them as a family and so on. Of course everything is my fault, even when i am at work, i get screamed at and things thrown at me for things i have no control over. Everyone on her side of the family warned me she does this every holiday……i love this woman so much. I am so good to her, everyone tells us what the perfect couple we are, we tell each other how we were meant for each other ( i still believe we are). When this is all over she will cry and apologize and i will forget i was even mad at her ( which i think is my biggest problem). She will text me like 10 times a day telling me she loves and misses me, and thank me for loving and spoiling her like i do. But then pmdd hits, and every month for about weeks, i have to say goodbye to my wife, and she wants nothing to do with me, and she hates me and everything that happens i get blamed for. I am not one of those husbands or boyfriends who can just leave for a while or just ignore her. We’ve invested so much into each other before we got married, and to be honest i thought the comittment of marraige would make things better. I love this woman so much, please lend me some advice someone, how to get through this. I will say she is aware of all this and has seen a gynecologist earlier this week, but she doesnt seem much help.
I am so sorry you are both going through this. It really sounds quite familiar to my situation. Your wife needs to keep a diary of these moods and push to see a gynaecologist. I had my op 2 years ago and was the best thing I could do for me and my family. Hugs for you both xx
If you have the funds take her to see Professor Studd in London, he is the leading expert in this field and he diagnosed me with PMDD, he is amazing. I had a complete hysterectomy with removal of both ovaries a year ago and my husband says its like I’m a different woman, he has never seen me so happy and stable so continuously (been together 21yrs). I take HRT on a daily basis (I’m 38yrs old) If funds are a problem at least go to his website and read up on PMDD, don’t give up on your wife, together you can beat it, if we could do it so can you, stay strong and good luck! Feel free to email me to talk about it (or your wife obviously!), my email address is fiona @ richardsonfencing.co.uk
Best wishes, Fiona
Your wife was me….
For the past 3 years my PMDD got so severe that every month the rage I felt for my husband scared him and me. I yelled, screamed, blamed and cursed at the man I loved the other 3 weeks of the month. Then would follow the dark days of depression ending in suicidal thoughts and 2 attempts. Depression so severe I could do nothing but lay on my bed and cry for 2 days straight. I also had huge anxiety and needed medication to control that aswell.
BUT I had a full hysterectomy with both ovaries removed a month ago and I am cured, the PMDD has fully gone, I have not had any of the above symptoms since a week after the surgery. My husband is absolutely thrilled and feels like he finally has his wife back, and we are happier than we’ve ever been!
Although your situation being newlyweds is very different from ours, as we have children and have finished our family so a hysterectomy was an easy choice, for you guys it may not be something you can think about if you are wanting children. But my point is that there is a cure when the time is right. Until then keep trying until you find a doctor who understands PMDD, they are out there. There are many things that can be tried to reduce symptoms including anti depressants, birth control, therapy, and there are support groups on Facebook that can help your wife to understand her illness and that she’s not alone. It sounds like you love your wife very much, she is very lucky to have your support.
How amazing that you would reach out to help your wife. Many of us get absolutely no help, because we don’t even know what is going on… and our husbands are caught in the middle. I just stumbled on this blog and am blown away. I am getting a hysterectomy for a totally unrelated issue, but am experiencing PMDD (no doubt) have not been diagnosed with it, but I FINALLY know what is going on. I used to be a happy go lucky woman until about 6 years ago when I started with slight depression, weepiness for insignificant things, then I would have mood swings, then rage and recently I am experiencing suicidal ideologies… finally now, I am making plans for suicide. I have tried every drug, anti-depressants, anxiety meds, mood stabilizers… blah blah blah. Nothing worked. I have poured over the internet trying to find out what is happening to me. I guessed that maybe a menopausal hormone imbalance might be part of it and stumbled on a few random PMDD articles and finally this page. OMG!! I am actually hopeful again. I am scheduled for a hysterectomy next month…. I think I can continue to breathe until then. The comments on this thread have hit home so hard that I cannot deny this is what I am going thru. I hope you were able to get your wife help. I understand that you might want children since you are newlyweds, so I will just offer this option. I adopted all three of my children. They are 100% mine. That is an option. I think if your wife has been suffering for this long, she might need to get help ASAP if you haven’t already. You are amazing. I hope that my daughters will one day have a husband who loves them “for better or for worse.” I pray blessings for your lives.
Hi
I have to make a decision whether to have an hysterectomy with removal of my ovaries. I next see gynaecologist on 9th November who has agreed to give me the operation if I decide to go ahead. I am currently on prostap injections which have been a godsend from pmdd symptoms but having other side effects such as itching and insomnia. I’ve also frightened myself silly researching about the operation and really worried about developing other long term problems such as vaginal vault prolapse?
I feel so troubles by it all and can’t decide what to do for the best its just my quality if life is so diminished by the pmdd symptoms. I am 45 years old with one child and I have completed my family just don’t want to cause any long term damage by going ahead?? Any advice greatly appreciated!!
Here’s how I came to terms with dealing with my decision! My PMDD symptoms were horrible! And there was no answer to how long it would last but for certain I would also go through menopause. I no longer needed my ovaries or uterus, my family was complete. My decision would take my PMDD away as well as my chances for ovarian cancer. It has been over 7 months since surgery. My menopause which I knew was coming has begun, I currently need to take an oral los dose pill of estrogen and apply a daily cream. My symptoms have been manageable and I have no PMDD symptoms and the ugly thoughts of dealing with my period are completely gone! I would lie to say menopause has been a walk in the park but I have no regret of my surgery! Everyone is different. The support of my friends family and my strong faith has helped me through! Best of luck to you and whatever decision you make!
I have severe P.M.D.D. my Dr. stated the insurance company won’t pay for a hysterectomy for me because it is no a valid reason. How did you do it?
Hi, have a read of this post. All the best for your treatment.
I had to go through 6 months of trying other things first so that it was documented that other treatments were tried and didn’t work before the Dr approved and submitted paperwork to insurance. Then yes they did approve it.
I am sooooo glad to have stumbled upon ur blog 😄
I too have severe pms & severe progesterone intolerance. My periods have become erratic too (possible perimenopause) so some cycles I only have a few ‘good’ days where I feel like my normal happy self before becoming an evil demonic monster & my gyno had recommended TLH, starting with a dose of oestrogen to see if the TLH will work. I’m 37 & have 4 children & have been sterilised so fertility isn’t an issue. I do have persistent cin1 abnormal cells on my cervix so that’s probably going to be removed too. Did u keep ur cervix ? I made the same mistake as u did & read some awful reports online & it’s really made me nervous now. I don’t know anyone close enough that’s gone through this to ask any of these questions…
Hi, I did not keep my cervix. My surgeon advised me to have it removed, and said that he was skilled at doing so (and that the reason some surgeons may advise keeping it, is because some surgeons are less skilled at removing them). Best wishes to you.
What is TLH? Does it help?
Hi there! This is the first site I found when I googled “PMDD and Hysterectomy” and wow, so informative. I’m 37 with four children and I’m a complete maniac half of the month. I only feel “good” the two other weeks out of the month. I’ve been on antidepressants off and on since I was 19. Never feeling that much better. I have an appt. with my doctor next month to discuss uterine ablation because my bleeding is so bad. My doctor put me on YAZ to try to control PMS symptoms but it only left me anemic after causing almost constant bleeding. I want to deal with my bleeding and my PMDD. But after doing a bunch of research I feel that a complete hysterectomy may be the answer for me. Can I have the link to the private FB page? I would love to get in touch with others in this same journey. Thank you so much ❤
I am scheduled for a hysterectomy due to Endometriosis issues and PMDD. I put it off for a couple years, however I’m at the point where the PMDD is uncontrollable even with meds or natural remedies. I really hope this helps.
Hi. Long term sufferer here of PMDD. Misdiagnosed for over 20 years. Currently on nasal spray (syneal) to attempt to shut down my ovaries…on a massive dose I have a significant reduction in PMDD.I am also on HRT.
The only cure for PMDD is totally hysterectomy ….this is my next step. I am progesterone intolerant…(classic of PMDD sufferers) with my ovaries and womb I cant avoid this hormone. The week I take prog to cause my womb to shed..I sadly almost return to the madness.
So how is it as of now?
Hi was very intrestingreading your post.. I suffer very badly from depression/lack of confide/anxiety/mood swings/night sweats ect week before am due on my period and a week while am on my period my doctor won’t refer me for hysterectomy as am 34 even though i want one he has suggested having my ovaries removed do u think this would help? I have 3 children and don’t wish to have anymore as my oldest is disabled am rely’s on me for all his needs.. I also got pcos.. Hoping someone will reply to my comment am sick of the doctors not listening to me and putting me on antidepressant’s I no my own body I feel fine 2 weeks in a month and hate myself the other 2 it’s not fair on myself children and partner 😳
Hi! So I am three months exactly post total hysterectomy and still the best decision I’ve made! No regrets! No menstrual symptoms no depression or anxiety! I take my estrydyal hormone everyday same time! I am in menopause, I only know this because my Dr. says I am. I can’t tell. I am 40, with three kids. My life is too busy to not want to be active for my very active family! I did as the Dr suggested and tried Zoloft and Yaz together for 90 days! I hated it! He suggested removing my ovaries with my uterus but left it to me! I was very nervous at the same time excited that there was a solution to my anxiety and moments of depression! I also believed it would be difficult to get my dr to agree with the surgery, but after I willing tried what he suggested exactly as he prescribed and then told him No I’m still not happy he then agreed and said okay let’s do surgery! If you have a good trusting relationship with your Dr he will listen and be open to you! I have no regrets! I know this is a huge decision, for me it was the right one!
I to have been contemplating a hysterectomy… However if you would just get your ovaries removed I think you you would go into menopause and have to do hrt. I was told a hysterectomy leaving the ovaries in gives a huge amount of relief. I have a terrible week and a half before my cycle and just recently have started having extreme anxiety and mood swings during my cycle.
Hi was very interstellar reading your post.. I suffer very badly from depression/lack of confide/anxiety/mood swings/night sweats ect week before am due on my period and a week while am on my period my doctor won’t refer me for hysterectomy as am 34 even though i want one he has suggested having my ovaries removed do u think this would help?
Btw I’m also 34 and have not found any dr who wants to give me a hysterectomy. $ is also an issue, but hell if I’m paying for it, just do it. I have 3 kids and my tubes tied
Hi Lauren,
That disappoints me to know that you can’t find a doctor that will consent to a hysterectomy. I’m 32, I have two boys and had a severe ectopic when I was 22 years old, had my last child at 23 and my tubes tide before I was 24 years old. My doctor sent me to see a surgeon about an endometrial ablation but I outright refused that because of he pain and complications it can cause. He agreed that a hysterectomy is in order even though I don’t necessarily need one. My periods are heavier than they used to be and cramping is a bit worse than normal but he said as long as I’m done having kids and I’m done with bleeding every month he will do it lol. Hang in there, you’ll find someone who will help!
Thanks so much for this wonderful warm blog site.
I’m due for a histo due to anaemia and v v heavy bleeding and man the pms is just outta control ! I did a brain fry and ended up with pad ( post natal depression) the good strong kind, so on meds for that, wouldn’t that be wonderful if I could lower the dose down the track too. Escitaplopram awesome for anxiety and depression, but daily pills is a bit of a hassle, but better than the hermit pnd made be!
Wish me luck, I’m sure my hubby and kids will love the change, so fingers crossed!
Hi. Is there anyone on here who has had a hysterectomy in the United States due to PMDD? I need and want one badly but I fear it’s not going to be something a doctor here will do. Thanks.
I also wondered the same thing every dr I’ve talked to has shyed away from talking about a hysterectomy because of the hrt. But if you keep your ovaries do you have to HRT? Another reason they don’t recommend it is age. I’m seriously contemplating it but can’t see. To get a dr that would support it. I have been on progesterone even tho my gyn thinks I may have some intolerance to it. And here lately I’ve fallen back into the same symptoms.
Lauren, I had a hysterectomy because of PMDD (robotic keyhole) and I decided to leave my ovaries in as I was 43 years old and was terrified of instant menopause. For me the operation reduced my PMDD by about 90%. I had a very understanding surgeon who could see I had been to the Dr many times about PMDD and on Zoloft – he said that I would gain quality of life, and he was right. Search for a surgeon who is on the same wavelength as you and who understands what you are going through. Best wishes!
Hi Amy…
I’ve had a complete hysterectomy due to PMDD. Had my uterus and ovaries taken out.. I live in the US. After all the reading and researched I did I felt my Adr wouldn’t be so willing to do the surgery. But he was! I’m in my 8th week post-hysterectomy.. And I haven’t felt so “normal” in so long. In the past 8 weeks I’ve had two “bad” days! That’s it! So far no regrets! I tried Zoloft and birth control exactly the way the Dr asked. I didn’t like how I felt after sometime of trying anti-depressants and changing my lifestyle to better eating and more exercise It still wasn’t making much difference! I was miserable at least half of the month.. Every month! Knowing I was going to have the surgery gave me a sense of relief! But then I quickly learned everyone has their opinions on having a hysterectomy! Boy did that stresse out! Needless to say I went thru with the surgery and it wasn’t that bad recovery went well. Honestly I think I psyched myself up to thinking recovery was going to be rough and painful but it really wasn’t so bad! Good luck to you.. It’s not for everyone and your dr will probably tell you that everyone recovers and reacts differently but for me it’s been great! No regrets! Best wishes
Hello, There are Doctors that they will do it for PMDD. I am schedualed for August 7th. I am scared, but my doctor told me that will be my only solution to my problem. My doctor told me regulating my hormones naturally with bio-identical hormones my life will be perfect. I am so excited and nerveous at the same time.
Hi thank you for posting above info. Like yourself I have suffered for years with pmdd I am 43 and reading up about having an hysterectomy just wondered if it was a difficult process to go through to finally have the operation? I am trying to find gynaecologist in Manchester with the NHS to be referred to as seen two before and wasn’t taken seriously!!
You know your own body
The best thing I have ever done.If you see an understanding gynaecologist to agree to the op.Good luck x
I am 43, have the worst PMDD – it causes horrible depression, mood swings and audio hallucinations. I am bipolar as well. I truly wanted to have a second child but I just can no longer deal with my symptoms and that outweighs my need to have another child. There’s a very emotional side to this and I’m just not sure I am ready to give up my uterus and ovaries. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
You will probably find your not bi polar
Reproductive depression mimics the illness.Google Reproductive depression. Article by John Studd
I was on mood stablizers until I received hormone injections prior to the op. X
In week 4 of post total hysterectomy no anxiety no PMDD systems! And recovery so far so good! I’ll continue to keep posting! I never knew of PMDD until I was diagnosed and it was horrible to live with. So far I haven’t regretted my decision… I hope my post and this site helps other women the way it’s helped me..
I’m with you Erica. I had a hysterectomy a year and a half ago due to PMDD. The surgeon noted that I had been on Zoloft for some time and had been back and forth to my GP with PMDD issues. He said a hysterectomy would give me ‘quality of life’. Boy was he right!! Although I kept my ovaries, still my PMDD has been reduced by about 90%. I had less invasive keyhole surgery, so the recovery wasn’t too bad. I would do it all over again if I had to….just to save my sanity.
It sounds extreme to some people, but it was either surgery or another 10 years plus of being a total nut case for half of every month. It is a brave decision to make – but if you find a surgeon that you trust and is on your wavelength then it is worth considering.
Hi Linda! Was your procedure done in the US or the UK? Thank you!
Hi Sol, I’m in Australia – and I know we have a different health system over here than US or UK. It was robotic Keyhole, much less invasive than the full stomach cut, and I imagine faster recovery. I didn’t find the recovery that bad, just uncomfortable for a couple of weeks, then it’s just a matter of taking it easy until you get back to normal.
Bravo Linda 🙂
You are courageous to go through with your hysterectomy. I have a complete, but not radical, hysterectomy scheduled for August 31st. I will keep my ovaries, but not cervix.
I am nervous but excited at the same time. I have awful PMS/PMDD, menorrhagea (heavy bleeding) to the point of anemia, and horrible cramping. My poor kids have found me on the bathroom floor several times with cramping that has me in fetal position. I have poor quality of life and I have to FINALLY do something! My husband deserves better, my kids deserve better.
I am an RN and I know the medical community is bad about judging women who, as they see it, have “unnecessary elective surgery.” Screw those people. Unless you have been there, you cannot judge!
Hi Amy. It is imperative that both ovaries are removed to combat PMDD. It would be a shame to have to go through another surgery down the line. Best wishes to you
Ladies, I know that pmdd is a terrible illness to live with, but have any of you considered genetic testing? Look at comt gene, Progins gene mutation (progesterone receptor gene) and other alternatives, before considering such a drastic surgery.
Hi, speaking for myself, this sounds like it would take ages, and involve lots of £ and complications (at this point in time). I needed to feel sane again, and move on. The surgery is not drastic compared to what it’s like living with PMDD, which makes you feel like you have NO future.
It’s an interesting idea though, thanks for your comment. I hope more resources are put towards researching this.
Thank you for this article. I am seeing my third GP for the umpteenth time in five years. After extensive research on the Internet I now know I suffer from PMDD. It is debilitating. I have been violent towards my partner and daughter, slammed doors off their hinges and binned crockery and pans in my horrendous mood swing times. This cannot continue anymore. My medication (anti-depressants) have been changed numerous times but to no avail. I live in fear of my period coming round as I know what lies in store for us all. I will go armed with my arguments for a hysterectomy at my next appointment and hope my doctor will have the sense to understand that this is doing no one any good.
This condition is so overlooked it’s pathetic. Tired of being made to feel like I’m the one who’s crazy! It’s so sad. That’s it’s not taken more seriously!
Lauren, I’m so sorry to hear of your struggles. I “AGREE” with you PMDD is real. Beginning 2013 I was fortunate to find my surgeon who I felt understood how serious my PMDD was and how it was getting worse. Also, I had 2 cervical pre-cancer scares and PCOS. After much research and then finding this amazing blog I felt string enough to make my decision. June 2013 I had a radical hystrectomy at age 49. This June will mark my 2-years post op. During surgery my surgeon found excessive scar tissue and that I had endometriosis. Today no more PMDD (or Hormona I would name it) not to say I don’t have moody days, but not like before. I am not taking any hormones, I tried and I didn’t feel well. This was the right decision for me. I hope you can get relief and find what works for you.
Regards, Karen (no more Hormona)
I have been struggling with pmdd for 14 years. I’m over it. Is it Necessary to have the ovaries removed? I take progrsterone 10 days before my cycle and that has been for the last 3 months. Before that I did hcg injections which made my cylcle 14-15 days long. Freaking fantastic!!!! Don’t know how much the progesterone is working… In some areas good and in others it sucks. Seriously contemplating a hysterectomy… I’m 33, have 3 kids and had my tubes tied after a c-section with twins. Really not worried about not being fertile.
Lauren, I had a robotic (keyhole) hysterectomy due to PMDD. Everything inside was healthy, no physical issues – just severe life affecting PMDD for two weeks + then another week of period every month. Leaving only one week of normal life. The most difficult decision was to leave the ovaries or not??? I decided at 43 I didn’t want to go into instant menopause – so I decided to leave the ovaries in.
A year and half later on….PMDD diminished by 90% only occasional sore breasts and a bit cranky (but this is very rare to happen). With no more counting down days until my period, no more planning my life around ‘when’ I could mentally handle certain things like putting on a kids birthday party, or going on a holiday etc. My life now has a freedom to it that I haven’t had in about 10 years +. With less invasive surgery options these days the recovery was not horrible or terribly painful – just uncomfortable for a few weeks.
If you’ve had a C-section then this would be a walk in the park for you. My family was suffering along with me – there are risks involved but if you find a surgeon who is highly qualified and understands your situation – then go and have a talk with them.
I have no regrets and my quality of life is now beyond words compared to how I was. Best of luck – do some research and ask questions.
I am 43 going through menopause and have severe mood swings and cramps through the hole period that usually lasts a week, for years and they are getting worse, at one point diagnosed with PMDD. I now get cramps even before the period starts which makes me even moodier because I hurt. I literally become a raging bitch and the littlest thing sets me off. I went 6 months with no period or moodiness and felt great. Then I got one period that was horrible, finished it and now a week later I am getting symptoms of the next one coming on. I am thinking about talking to my doctor about getting a hysterectomy, but am wondering if this would actually help with the mood swings. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
So did you have it? And how are you now?
I went to the doctor and spoke with him and for now we are trying Effexor. I’ve been on it for a month and a half. The mood swings are much better so far. Still have really bad cramps, but I’ve had them for many years, that will be the next issue to deal with for me the mood swings are a huge thing.
Yes I did! I had my total hysterectomy last week. It will be one week tomorrow. I’m in recovery it’s going okay. Not in as much pain as I’ve expected at all. Which is a great thing! Making progress from bed to shower to the couch. The most painful thing has been having to take a bowel movement! I know, gross! But what I have noticed is I have had no emotions of anxiety irritability or frustration! I know it’s still early but ice noticed. My hot flashes have started they’re not so bad. I’m taking my hormones and iron daily. So far so good and I don’t regret a thing!
Hi,
So happy I found this blog. I am considering having a hysterectomy my PMDD has recently become so bad. As soon as I turned 40 everything changed. My mood swings are horrible, my husband tells me I’m a different person. My main issue is I only have one week after my period ends that I feel great. Then the severe breast swelling and pain is unbearable. I couldn’t even sleep last night. Before I turned 40 I had mild breast pain but it would not be every month. Now it’s so severe I cry and I’m so uncomfortable. Thanks so much for sharing I am starting to just do my research to see if I am a good candidate for this. I just want my life back!
Hello
Thank god after goinf crazy on and off for 4 years after the birth of my. Youngest child… I have suffered from bad pms and in the last year extreme pmdd. To the point. Were four days or so before period i become possesd by another person. I am on the floor in tears.sobbing. And anxious like something bad is going to happen. Its very very scary. Then my period comes and it stops. Went to docs and they put me on anti depressants and.cbt ???? Ummm .. This pmdd is some scary shit! More needs to be done!! Wonder if its linked to pnd? Nice to know there all of you to talk too.
Yes post natal depression is one of the factors for reproductive depression
I have 2 kids and became worse with each pregnancy.It becomes worse with age.11 months since my op.Truly the best thing I have ever done
Hopefully one day teenagers will be able to get screened for this terrible, torture of a condition
THE Beast
Hello. Are you still here? I just had my tubes tied earlier this year and begged for a hysterectomy because PMDD is ruining my life. They were very concerned but had no idea what I was even talking about. I am 37 and have 5 children as I could never tolerate birth control – it made PMDD worse. I have moved away from entire life to try to solve this but upon finding these posts…I do not believe there is anything that can be done naturally and that misinformed doctors have done me a horrible disservice. Now I will have to have 2 surgeries and the scar tissue will hurt worse. However, that would be a small price to pay to be able to live a life I have never had. The patriarchal medical community has been mishandling women since the time time they outlawed midwifery and began to try to figure out the mystery of the female body on their own. They have no place trying to tell us how our bodies function and they need to stop interfering with the the natural essence of child birth as well. It is NOT a medical emergency and doesn’t even have to be painful for 90% of women. The information in itself is fear based and nonsense for the most part. Women do not have to be wheeled in on a gurney screaming at the top of their lungs because simple understanding has been robbed from them about what their bodies were born to do.
I started my period in the 5th grade and also tried to kill myself that same year. What 5th grader does that?? I have spent my entire life fearing that I was certified as well, but I’m not. I am actually brilliant and my brain gets attacked month after month as I suffer in silence. I too have been put on antidepressants 10 years ago but PMDD is NOT depression. On the days when your brain is normal, those drugs are doing far more harm than good and robbing you of feeling anything. Turning off the brain of a woman with PMDD is not a viable solution by any means and antidepressants can often intensify suicidal thoughts making this a horrible misdiagnosis and treatment choice. Which one of us wants to admit to wanting to die 12 times a year because I never have wanted to. What a scary existence to have lived in the shadow of my own life feeling utterly alone and fearful for what it would mean for me as a mother to admit any of this. Enough is enough and I have not had the opportunity to embrace the full beauty of my life and I did not know why!
Last year a girl named Gia killed herself and it was brought to my attention. This girl had everything going for her and she did not have to die. I think of her everyday and my life is somewhat dedicated to her now. Everything I do, will be for her so that she will not be forgotten. The non-supportive people around us who know even less than the doctors do, can be the biggest danger to us and I have completely isolated myself to avoid these types of triggers. For Gia, it was her father, whom she felt did not love her – the escalated abandonment issues are unbearable in my opinion – and when her boyfriend said that he too did not love her anymore she went straight home and hung herself. Last month, when I could not get up off of my bathroom floor, I googled her again. It was a vacuum.. a vacuum cord and a spiral staircase. Did she use the vacuum for weight…? I just cannot believe it. I keep her very close to my heart and I have moved away to stand up for her. For myself. For all of us. We need a voice. We must find the way to govern our own bodies. This condition is dangerous and I bet you there are women locked up because of this. We need a voice. That is why I am here. I hope everyone one of you will join me.
Hi, yes I’m still here. Here’s a new post.
I agree with you entirely!
I’ve blogged your comment as a new post, to highlight it.
Thank you so much for your help. I first read your posts more than a year ago when I was desperate having been demoted at work. I have struggled for years with PMDD but never had any answers. Doctors thoughts I was bi-polar which i knew wasn’t the case.
After finding your site I booked an appointment at Nick Panay’s clinic and started Estradot patches that day. However, the balancing progesterone I needed to take made me feel awful and I had to stop it after a few days. I am now on the oestrogen HT only. I still get the Jekyll-Hyde swings though every four months so although I am only 32 without children I think a hysterectomy may be the answer given these swings are so debilitating.
But how do I make more people aware of this? I talk to so many women every day who have traits of this and when they tell me their symptoms I feel disgraced that this isn’t common knowledge.
Wish I could help more women!
Hi there, I wasn’t demoted at work, in fact I resigned because I couldn’t take another day. I was suffering mood swings, anxiety, memory blanks and just could not take another day. That was over a year ago, and in the 2 years leading up to my resignation I really thought I was going crazy. I think what has attributed to my getting well, and I kid you not, it has been baby steps, but I tried every herbal concoction available on the market, I have also read multiple books and the posts on this blog.
The day I visited an obstetrician and said to him that I wanted to induce menopause because I was so desperately miserable was probably my lowest point. He prescribed a nasal spray and hormone patches. When I handed in the prescriptions the pharmacist was so alarmed at the combination that he would not give me the script until he spoke to the doctor. I went home that day and just burst into tears, I could not believe what my life had amounted to. I asked myself “have I tried everything out there; is there anything else I could try”. Just as an aside, I wanted to keep my brain active and enrolled into an aromatherapy course – on every single day I was miserable or in a mood, my oils eased my distress and made me happy and continued to make me feel at ease.
I began to try every single herb or herbal complex for pms or menopause, I didn’t even know what was happening because I started getting hot flushes. I tried Remmifemin, Promensil but even after months and months of these and countless others such as St John’s Wort I was no better off. So when did I start feeling better, you may be asking? As I was suffering from anxiety and memory blanks I decided to try 5-hTP which I buy from biovea online, I started with 1 per day and I swear with the first one I felt like a flower that was blooming. I have since increased my dose to 1 morning and 1 night and sometimes I double this a week before my cycle is due. Another product I have experimented with for 10 years but without success, is Progesterone cream, I never felt any better using it until recently. I read an article online written by a doctor who said that if it is rubbed on the skin then the body stores it in our fatty tissue and the body can then become unbalanced as it does not utilise it properly. She did say that if you apply it to your membranes eg, cervix, then the body reacts as though it has produced the hormone itself. I use an applicator and insert the cream vaginally from day 14 to menses.
It has taken me a very long time to find a combination that relieves my symptoms by up to 90 % but I was really determined to not lose my body parts without trying every thing else known to the natural world first. My motivating thought was that by inducing menopause I would just be exchanging one set of problems for another and didn’t find that very comforting. I of course take other supplements like Vitamin D, E, Evening Primrose and as long as you take them daily, they definitely help.
This is my story and I am now feeling the best I have in years and this blog for PMDD helped make the decisions I made and I support whatever works for each individual as we are all different. I hope this information helps anyone reading know that anything is possible. One more thing, there are some essential oils that are specifically balancing for women’s hormones eg Clary Sage, Geranium, Vetiver and continuous use may also be an adjunct to assisting with mood swings, I know this as I have used them countless times, along with countless combinations with many other oils.
Take care and I hope you find the answers in the wealth of information and reading material on this site, as I did.
I can’t pluck the courage up to go see my doctor about this, because I know what he will say!! I’m 29 I’ve had a tubal, so I’m not having anymore children anyways but my body just doesn’t listen to anything.. Contraception never worked and after 3 children I barely stopped bleeding ever!! After 4 my doc agreed to let me be sterilised, I hoped the constant bleeding and mood swings would stop and after baby number 5 came into the world I finally got to the op!! But the periods and mood swings never went away!!! But I lost my partner because I took everything out on him!!! BUT the bleeding after 5-6 months regulated and I know that my now ex was probably causing them to be constant!!!! But now once a month I can’t Handle myself I get so angry fir no reason and then cry because I know it’s been for nothing!!! 2 years I’ve been like this now!!! 😦 but yeah all thee above on the list applies and probably more 😦
I am hoping you see this soon. I finally got a doc to approve a hysterectomy for the birth control device Essure giving me problems. I talked to him about taking ovaries for PMDD. He advised against it. Talking about the whole surgical menopause, and the life expectancy is shorter with woman without their ovaries. But since he is booked up and can’t do my surgery I have a pre-op appointment with another doc tomorrow. What would you say to her to convince her that taking the ovaries is the right choice for ME? I can’t live like this anymore 😦 Been dealing with PMDD since I hit puberty. I am 40 now, and it’s effecting my marriage. Any advice would be great!
Hi,
“Talking about the whole surgical menopause, and the life expectancy is shorter with woman without their ovaries.” – Dr Nick Panay told me this was untrue (if HRT is used).
Please see the links I put right at the very bottom of this blog (scroll down) ‘For Doctors’.
Best wishes to you
HI STACEY,I SUFFERED FROM PMDD SINCE PUBERTY SO IS MY MOTHER AND SHE STILL HAS IT. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS A CHILD SEEING HER FIGHTING WITH MY DAD FOR THINGS AND CHASING HIM WITH A KNIFE 🙂 I WAS YOUNG TO UNDERSTAND WHAT MY MOM WAS GOING THROUGH UNTIL,I STARTED MENSTRUATING.IT TOOK ME ALMOST 20 YEARS TO FIND A DOCTOR THAT FINALLY TOLD ME “TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY WILL CHANGE YOUR MISERABLE LIFE” I AM SCHEDUALED FOR AUGUST 7TH AND I AM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS. AT THIS POINT I DONT CARE ABOUT THE HOT FLASHES ANYMORE, RIGHT NOW I FEEL LIKE A 100 YEAR OLD WOMAN ANYWAYS.I AM SO TIRED OF DOCTORS TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME BUT I KNOW THAT EVERY MONTH 2 WEEKS BEFORE MY PERIOD AND EVIL BEING TAKES MY BODY AND TRIES TO DISTROY MY MARRIAGE, MAKES ME DISABLED,MY BODY ACHES,I GET FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS, GAIN 8 LBS OF WATER, ETC…YOU NAME IT. IN CONCLUSION, I JUST HOPE TO PUT A FINAL TO THIS SYMPTOMS THAT MIMIC RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WHEN I DONT HAVE IT. I REALLY UNDERSTAND YOU. FOR ME TOTAL HYSTERECTOMY IS MY LAST CHANCE. BEST REGARDS 🙂
Hi my name is Sharon im45 and really struggling with my periods my mood swings are beyond control and my partner does not understand, I sit and cry all time and I’m thinking bout the op, I have two children but not with my current partner I would love a child with him but my health has suffered due to mood swings and just being a horrible person to live with, would u think this op would benefit me Sharon x
Hi Sharon, have you talked to a Dr about the horrible time you are having with your periods/mood? If you have been to a Dr and they haven’t been much help then a second or third opinion to get some new ideas on how to deal with it may help. At 45 you are probably suffering the beginnings of menopause – this could be why you are feeling so bad.
I had robotic hysterectomy at age 42, but left my ovaries in. It definitely stopped the mood swings and no more periods. The full recovery for me was 8 – 10 weeks, but generally you can get about alright within about two weeks or so.
It is a very big decision for a woman, I am glad I did it and would do it all again without hesitation if I had to.
But for you if you are considering another child then the decision is a lot harder.
I guess you have to weigh up how much you want another child, your age factor, and how you could handle a child whilst feeling the way that you do at the moment . And/or if you would want the operation afterwards. Generally I found when pregnant the hormones change in your body, which may or may not relieve your symptoms.
If you are crying all the time, then you really do need to find a doctor that can understand and reasearch what you are going through.
Don’t rush into any decision, research it, find out exactly what is involved with the operation as there are a few options available.
Good luck, I hope this helps a bit. You are not alone!!
Hi Linda! Can you share more about robotic hysterectomy?
Hi,I am so sick and tired, I’ve suffered from anxiety for so long & I know its my hormones! I’m on fluoxetine & cerazette ,I have said to my family that I will glady have a hysterectomy but i’ll keep on keeping on x
P.s. I just read one of your other posts. I too am a patient of John Studd. Originally, I approached a GP at my surgery re: my PMS and he gave me a leaflet on mental health & told me to go to anger management!!!
Hi there & firstly thank you so much for writing this blog which I just stumbled across. It’s so reassuring to read someone else’s description of my own symptoms 🙂
I was diagnosed with severe PMS/PMDD after having my first child and it returned after my second, but much much worse. I am having HRT – transdermal oestrogen & testosterone plus monthly Norethisterone (progestogen) tablets.
However, after a particularly nasty bout of eczema recently after progesterone tablets and having had a Mirena fitted (& since removed), I am wondering if the hysterectomy/oophorectomy procedure might be my only way out…. I believe that I am progesterone intolerant but really could do with proving it!
How do you know you are progesterone intolerant, please? I saw my NHS dermatologist last week & asked for a patch test but they say they can’t do one.
Thank you for any help/advice x
Hi there, here’s a good post about progesterone intolerance: http://endowriter.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/cant-stand-pill-brief-introduction-to.html.
Make sure you track your symptoms against your cycle / your use of the Norethisterone tablets, to show doctors. All the best for your treatment.
Removal of ovaries and full hysterectomy has been life changing.Treated for depression since late teens.Had breakdown after birth of my second child
I was put on mood stablising drugs with anti depressants.I was a complete mess who was barely functioning
I have lost my mother and sister I believe to be the same illness
A living hell.No woman should have to go through this unecessary suffering.Mood drugs changed my personality.Strange how hormone imbalance change mental health
I was intolerant to proestegene
I dont want to put it on my FB page. Secret FB page ??? Dont understand
Hi, I’ve emailed you.
I am 23 I have 3 kids I flow heavly im changing every 1 to 3 hours I cant stand it anymore I go threw more cloths then a baby kid and preteen combind the aches and pain I just cant do it any more how do I get it done I want it out bc does nothing for me so its out of the question how do I get a hysterectomy please help me please !!!
Hi, can anyone help me I am 21 and have suffered with PMDD for over 10 years but have always been told it was just depression. It has only been diagnosed as PMDD for the last two years for which I am being treated with Zoladex (chemical menopause). The hospital refuse to do a hysteroctomy as I don’t have kids. As a result of PMDD I also have severe depression as I felt so embarrassed about my symptoms. Please can you help???
Thank you for this! I have PMDD and no one understands — I sometimes don’t understand how it is that I cannot control my anger/depression when I know I’m scaring my kids with my tantrums. I have been considering hysterectomy because of BRCA gene, but everything I have read to-date scares me about the risks of heart/bone/brain health post surgery. But most days I don’t care! I want my life back, and will be happy to take the risk if it means more stable moods. Your 23 reasons are great perspective. THANK YOU again!
Hi msjekyllhyde,
I just want to start by saying what a wonderful thing you have done here by writing about your story – it gives me some hope that I will find the answer to my issues.
I am most interested to hear how you are now that you have had the full hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries.
For me, I can’t remember the last time I felt normal around the time of my period (about 10 days of hell and each month it gets harder to recover from feeling so much anxiety and panic). Life as I know it now includes lots of anxiety, panic, headaches, all wrapped up as a sweet little bundle around the time of my period.
I have tried synthetic hormone treatments and every herb known to treat stress and anxiety and PMS under the sun. I have even tried 5-HTP as a way of treated my anxiety attacks and taking the pill makes me want to climb up a building and jump off it. Enough is enough, I really want something that will stop the root cause, which of course are my hormones wreaking havoc on my brain.
You have said in many posts above that you are getting on with life now, and I would love to hear how it is going and what you have to do to support your body now that you don’t have your ovaries any more.
Your support in this way would be greatly appreciated. thank you.
Hi, thank you for your kind words.
I will do a proper post about this at some point. The reason I hardly ever post now is that I am busy NOT being depressed!
I use HRT, I currently have 6 monthly implants of estrogen into my buttock, and use testogel (testosterone) gel rubbed on the skin every other day. I have no plans to ever stop taking HRT. I take calcium supplements, and am advised to have a bone scan every 5 years. That’s it currently!
Post-op I am very intolerant to alcohol, in that even 1 glass of beer or wine means I can usually feel it the next day (it makes me feel slightly below par). No-one knows why this can happen to women post menopause. It’s a very small price to pay. If I get run down / very tired / or have say 2 or 3 drinks it can cause a dip in my mood.
My brain is certainly different without ovaries, and that is a joy!! There is a chapter in the book ‘The Female Brain‘, by the American neuropsychiatrist Louann Brizendine, about the post-menopause brain. This perfectly sums up how I feel = it’s a feeling of not wanting to waste time, wanting to plough on, not wanting to be distracted, being more able to emotionally detach – in a good way. I don’t have any children (or even pets) to care for, and nearly every day I am grateful for this freedom.
Let me know if you have any specific questions re life without ovaries.
Wishing you all the best.
I Had my hysterectomy only 3 weeks ago, and like you I listed my reason.My recovery has been awesome! I only had a one night stay after surgery and that night walked myself to the rest room, I drink plenty fluids and did as my doctor told me. I have no regrets,and I am looking forward to a healthier new me! At 43 I was having periods for 23 days at a time and PMS so bad that my family was miserable. My mood swings were so bad that my husband and kids would say oh no it must be that time of the month. Now I am looking forward to being happy mom , happy home!!!
All the best for your recovery, Rachel!
4 days until total hysterectomy. Tonight is the first time I’m not alone in my decision. Thank you SO MUCH for posting your 23 Reasons List. I’ve been going back and forth… Cancel or do it. But the PMDD is worse each month. Hermona (named my monthly condition) is scaring my special needs teenage daughter and my husband. I’m 49 years old, had 2 pre-cancer (cervix) pap results in past 10 years and PMDD. Not receiving a lot of support removing my ovaries and going on HRT. I rarely put myself first. Wednesday I WILL!
I wish you all the best for your operation. Nearly all the women I’ve been in contact with, and myself, have had these last minute wavers. I’ve messaged you privately about a secret Facebook support group.
Hi Msjekyllhyde
Your story has touched me very deeply. It could have been me. I am 54 and have suffered as you have. I now feel like I am in the grip of a monster as I transition into Menopause. My ovaries are dying in a pretty spectacular way. I have been treated with mind numbing antidepressants although am no longer taking any. It is so clear that my terrible mood dips are completely linked to the rollercoaster homonal swings. My Migraine has reached a new level that is very scary. I have just had to give up my work as a psychotherapist as I believe I am often in a worse place than my clients!
I have been terrified of doing what you have. You are incredibly brave. I wonder if you still feel the operation was worth it. My mum died 2 years ago from breast cancer my grandmother of the same disease. I feel like I am in prison every month as i seem to have exhausted every avenue execpt the op.. My gynae wants to use a chemical nasal spray to shut down my ovaries but I am scared as I am Progesterone intolerant and will have to take this and Oestrogen after. I really feel that a total Hysterectomy is the only way out. Sounds like you are doing good. Are you getting on ok with the post op hormonal supplements to help with Menopausal symptoms? So glad you posted. I feel inspite of what others tell me that there is only one way to go.
FeatherB
Hi Feather, thank you. Yes I am doing very well. I am certain that I made the right choice for me, and I’m thankful nearly every day that my mind is my own! I’ll PM you about an online support group.
Also, my understanding (as a lay person) is that given the history of breast cancer in your family, you’ll need to research the risks of taking estrogen HRT post-op. Best wishes to you.
Yay I’m back. 9-months post-op (total hysterectomy) and again thank you for your well wishes and for sharing your story (it made all the difference and confirmed I made the right decision). 8 days post-op, I rode in our car for over an hour up and back after enjoying a fun overnight weekend. Recovery was amazing and I’m feeling a lot better without mood swings. However, 1 weeks ago I had another surgery this time a neck fusion. This was far more challenging a recovery. But I can laugh at myself that I’m even comparing the two. 🙂 From just Karen… Drop the Hermona
Im just now discovering this site and your comment is so pertinent to my situation! Could you share the FB site with me as well?
Hi, I’ve emailed you.
Hi thank you for your story, it has helped me tremendously this morning. I am suffering from PMDD and I’ve tried the Mirena, cipralex and now I’m on Prozac. I thought the prozac was helping but I just had a horrible episode last night with my boyfriend that has just rocked me. My doctor has suggested a complete hysterectomy but I am sooo afraid that I would be just trading one problem for another. Of course I’ve heard the horror stories about HRT, that if I’m progesterone intolerant then the HRT will wreak havoc on my moods again. I’m so confused and so worried that I’m going to lose the man of my dreams..Could you please share the fb page with me so that I can learn/hear more from women that have done this…the good and the bad?
You’re such an inspiration! Will you please allow me on Facebook so I can obtain more information? Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself.
Hi,
I’m going in for my surgery (here in the U.S) next Wed., October 19th, 2016. My plan has been to keep my ovaries BUT now I’m seriously rethinking it.
I could leave a REALLY long post here about how I’ve suffered over the past 20+ years of having my period, but there’s no need 🙂
You all get it…the feelings of suicide, being a psycho, the anger, the insane mood swings…etc.
I’ve been doing pretty good-ish for the most part since getting diagnosed in ’08 with PMDD, but lately it has gotten SO bad!
I’m terrified that I’m going to switch into a completely different person and do something horrible that I would NEVER do when not having my period.
I love my family and my life (except for some relationships) and I realized that I need something more to help me with the anger I feel and try to hide.
Can you please email me about that secret FB group you mentioned? I really need the support of other women to know I’m not going crazy and losing my mind.
Thank you SO much!! ♥
– The UnPerfect Mom
Hi, I’ve invited you to the FB group. Best wishes for your recovery.
Hi, Facebook invite sent
Hi all, i’m 43yrs and have been suffering from pmdd for at least 20yrs. I don’t have any children but have had 6 failed ivf cycles. I have severe endometriosis but my Husband and I have decided that we would like to try another ivf cycle using a donor egg, that’s still about 6months away. I’ve always known I’ve had pms, but lately I feel like I don’t have a break from it at all,,which led me to this site and self diagnosing myslf with pmdd.
This is the first time I,ve really reached out for help, I am so ashamed of myself. my Husband has a terrible life with me. sometimes its so bad I just want to die, I just pray for peace, to feel normal,, I have all of the symptoms that’s been described, I am so sensitive all of the time am constantly argumentative, am sensitive to noise,but I scream all of the time, high pitiched.!!!.. I feel constantly stressed,.am so unhappy ,all of the time but at the same time I feel so trapped because my husband and I want a family so much. We have been trying for the last 10yrs and i cant imagine my life with out a child, and at the same time I think I would have a hysterectomy and my ovaries removed in a heart beat if it meant that I would be happy, stop making people miserable around me. feel normal..
Please pray we will be successful in achieving a pregnancy so I can have a hysterectomy and pray start having a normal life..
Hi Tract I’m in exactly the same boat, I believe so much is still unknown about this condition, I’m trying for a baby and all the Drs want to do is put me back on the pill. However i am ready to give up.
I noticed severe pms/PMDD symptom after going on the pill, so i came off the pill and all normal. Then wetried for a baby but had a miscarriage last year, the symptoms hit me again like a brick in the face, as i am TTC i was put on fluoxitine.
Symptoms were so severe that I now know what it is like to be on the brink of madness, I was certifiable. Following few months off work 20mg didn’t touch it, so up to 40mg this worked for 6 months unfortunately it then cam back last month as i am still not pregnant and want to be. There is nothing i can do apart from give up.
Ihave 2 childtrn from a previous relationship and none with my husband. Hubby has no idea what hell i go through for almost 3 out of 4 weeks by trying for this baby and i am off work again so i am letting my colleagues down, my husband down because i cant conceive and permanently moody,weepy and tired the kids down because i’m a naff mother and the dog down because she’s not getting walked! I’m ready to give up and further let my husband down by getting this treated.I believe my health now needs sorted. As far as i can see am not going to get pregnant quick enough and the only answer is a hysterectomy with ovaries removed
Wow to say this blog has been helpful is an understatement. Part of me feels validated by all the comments about how PMDD wrecks your life. I was diagnose with PMDD about 6 months ago but I’m still having a hard time accepting it as a true illness…I mainly think that I’m just been a wimp 😦 which I turn it affects my self esteem even more. As I read the 23 reason I laughed because I totally understood what you were talking about and for a minute I did not feel crazy. This week has been a hard week stared with excessive tiredness, massive migraine and today my cramps were so bad I couldn’t walk and I even cry( I normally don’t cry). The thought of a hysterectomy crossed my mind-that is how I found this blog. I will be honest it terrifies me but living this way for the next 15yrs also terrifies me. I have two boys 4 & 9 I can’t afford to be a good and available mother only a couple weeks a month :(. My husband is amazing. He listens and is understanding and I don’t want to tire him out. Haven said all that I’m still wondering how real is PMDD…I don’t know why 😦
Hi I’d like to start off by thanking Ms. Jekl & Hyde for starting this blog and to all of the women that have shared there stories. They have all been very moving to me. I am 33 years old and married with two kids. I have known my wife Laura for 20 years and is the most amazing individual I’ve ever met. I guess you could call us teenage sweethearts. We have been blessed with two wonderful kids, boy (12-months)and girl(3). We too go through many of the exact symptoms of PMDD. My wife has never been diagnosed but this is definitely it. She has battled this for many years and we together have been battling this together for the past 5-years that we’ve been married. She has tried all kinds of therapies and has taken a holistic approaches and as Toni said no matter what this beast is truly uncontrollable. I feel her pain and the strain that this has in her life so I’ve been doing some research and found this blog which i will share with my wife so she can feel what I felt reading all of your comments, a sense of hope. I commend all of the brave women that have done the surgery and those who are scheduled to go for it. Congrats and good luck.
The Husband.
I really wish my husband was as understanding If he was i may be able to hold out a little longer but I’m now going to have the surgery
Hello Ive been bleeding off and on for weeks now. Almost 3 months ago it started. A year ago I bled for 4 months. And nothing was ever done. Seven years ago i had my second C section with my last child. I was fixed with it. Since then I have lived with this bleeding that makes me feel exhausted. And torn apart. I cannot play with my kids. Cannot join in anything that takes energy. I have gone to my OB. She has done a smear Sonogram External/internal. 2 nights ago I ended up in the ER due to what was like Hemorrhaging. I filled 8 pads from noon to 7pm. The last pad was filled head to toe in under an hour. They said they dont see anything wrong with my uterus or blood work. All i want to do is cry. I feel so helpless. What should I do. I want this over. I want to play with my kids without feeling tired and dizzy and sick to my stomach. I want to live again. We called my OB and asked to schedule an appointment. They said they would call us back after they get the info from ER. We never heard from them. Kevin my BF says maybe they will call tomorrow. I dont believe it will happen. They never cared enough to call after my results. I only found out in the ER what they were. I feel like they are just waiting for me to die.
Katlin
stjoe missouri
Hi Katlin,
I am not sure if you have figured out what is wrong yet…but I just read your post and had flashbacks to what I went through about 4 years ago….I had two trips to the ER due to similar bleeding issues and I bled nonstop for most of the year before I was diagnosed with a giant fibroid. I was extremely anemic (so tired I could barely get up to do anything…slept ALL the time)…it took so long to.diagnose because they were waiting for me to stop bleeding in order to do the ultrasound (but I was bleeding almost nonstop!)…anyway, I had the fibroid removed and the heavy bleeding stopped (still left with the horrors of PMDD though)…anyway, just thought I would post about the fibroid just in case you are still dealing with being diagnosed). Best of luck to you (and everybody else that suffers from PMDD, It sucks!)
Jen
In the interim …….. Go get your iron levels tested. I as well have these horrendous periods with this heavy heavy bleeding. Losing that kind of blood will definitely affect your iron levels leaving you with no energy whatsoever. Also to lose your hair and make your heart beat very fast. I have to get iron infusions once a year that are sooooooo helpful and rejuvenate me. Please go get your blood work checked for your ferritin levels.
Melval9201
Hi Ms Jekyll & Hyde! I too suffer from terrible PMDD. I am 45 and have had it for over 10 yrs (diagnosed) Probably have had it my whole life! I am done having children so a hysterectomy would not be devastating. I have tried Serafem, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, B6, B12, Multi B. birth control pills and therapy, yoga and excercise. Every month I am a completely unstable emptional monster! Although I am well aware of it coming on there is just no stopping it! I get so irritable and moody! I hate myself, I cry, I don’t want to do anything, I feel like I could sleep for days, I get cravings and bloating, terrible headaches and joint pain. It’s no picnic! What makes it worse is that i have an 8 yr old boy who has some special needs, I really need to be calm and patient. He has an anxiety disorder, ocd and tourettes.
Is there risk of decrease in libido with a hysterectomy? I already have zero sex drive as it is and I fear its from all the SSRI meds. I have not taken anything for a yr and I thought I could control this terrible beast but it is truly impossible! I fear it will only get worse as I progress into menopause, perhaps I have been in perimenopause and that is why it has so bad. A hysterectomy sounds like a very good option for me.
I AM SO GLAD YOU POSTED THIS INFORMATION. I AM 46 AND FOR THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF, I HAVE WANTED TO HAVE A HYSTERECTOMY. EACH MONTH I DEAL WITH SPOTTING IN BETWEEN CYCLES SOMETIMES THE SPOTTING IS HEAVY LIKE A CYCLE. WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK IS. I HAVE NO INSURANCE TO COVER THE COST OF THE SURGERY. IS THERE HELP OUT THERE FOR ME?
Hi Georgia. Are you in the US? I’m in the UK, and I don’t know what options are open to you, I’m afraid. I wish you all the best, Ms Jekyll & Hyde
Gorgia, I had a hysterectomy two weeks ago. It was a robotic laprosopic technique. I kept my ovaries etc. only the uterus and the cervix were removed, so no more periods.
I suffer from PMDD, and it can last about 1 week or 1 1/2 weeks if a bad month. – then the period would come along with the bloating, cramps, bleeding, lethargy, bad eating habits etc.
I still have the hormones, but now I am free from one week of mensturation misery! Which will give me space to cope with the PMDD. I now have a sense of freedom and I am only two weeks into recovery.
I took the decision very seriously, looking on the net, talking to my Dr and finding a fantastic and highly skilled surgeon to do the operation. I was so scared the week before the operation (after hearing about sexual dysfunctions, losing feeling, short vagina etc) that I went back to my Dr (famale) and went through the whole anatomy, muscle structure, where the stitches would be inside and all the ins and outs of the operation and recovery.
My Dr has dealt with many women who have had this operation and she said that none have complained of sexual problems or of life being miserable. It seemed to me, from my investigations that women who elect to have this done opposed to those who for health reasons had to have a hysterectomy – that the outcome for the elective surgeries was most often positive, with improved quality of life and quite often improved sex life.
Of course there are risks, and I went in knowing this. My operation went very well, I was expecting pain – but when I woke I felt only mild discomfort and tiredness. (either I am very blessed, or my surgeon did a great job). Two weeks gone and every day I am feeling better. Am back to driving (short distances) and am gradually taking up short walks.
I can’t tell you about the sex yet… but am confident all will be ok.
The feeling of relief I have is fantastic, I have no regrets at all. Some people saw it as an extreme measure, but they weren’t living life around monthly misery. They were women who didn’t suffer PMDD.
Follow your gut feelings, be informed and don’t put it off if you feel it is for you, because every year that passes is another year of misery. I felt like running in pre-op but said to myself – I made the choice all will be fine and I am going to commit to the decision. And I did.
Best of luck if you choose or have chosen to have a hysterectomy. x
Hi Linda, I am curious to find out more about your story.
I am a PMDD sufferer but have only ever used natural remedies and natural hormones to try an tackle the severe symptoms I get. Needless to say, nothing has helped and I only seem to be getting worse every month.
In this blog, msjecklyhyde talks about removing the ovaries as a way of removing the cause, but I note here, if reading correctly, that you have had a hysterectomy to deal with the heavy bleeding etc and will deal with the PMDD as a separate issue.
I don’t bleed when I get my period anymore because I had an ablasion years ago which means they removed my uterus lining, but I still get every other symptom to do with PMS and PMDD.
If you don’t mind me asking, did you discuss the option of removing your ovaries as well and did the hysterectomy help you with your PMDD symptoms?
Gosh, sorry, so many questions here. I want to get as much information as I can when I sit down to discuss my options with my OBGyn because this stuff is ruining my life and I need to try something more radical.
Hi PMDD Girl,
I only just saw your reply – after months. I decided to leave my ovaries in (depite thinking they were the main cause of PMDD) – because at 42 I didn’t want to go into instant menopause, as I had heard of many women struggling to find hormone replacement remedies for their new menopausal symptoms.
It was a gamble, the surgeon said that there was no guarantee which symptoms would be aleviated and which would not.
But I figured I felt like rubbish anyway – and any relief would be better than none at all. I felt that at least removing my period, would give me a week extra in every month to deal with the PMDD – as dealing with both was taking up most of every month, leaving only a week or two where I felt human.
6 months on, and I can say that it was all worth it. I do still from time to time get bouts of PMDD but usually only for about 3 days or so, and it is def not as severe as it used to be.
I used to get a build up of (mental and physical pressure) just before my period, and I would also bloat up and feel lethargic and eat like a pig. Now all of that horrible build up beforehand has not come back. This in itself has improved my life enormously. Not to mention that I no longer watch the calender and try to work out when my period is coming – that is no more!!
On occasions I get sore breasts, but that seems to have died down a bit lately.
There are no guarantees either way (leaving ovaries in or not) and menopause can come a few years earlier if you have a hysterectomy and leave the ovaries in. But I don’t know when menopause will start anyway.
I am so grateful I was able to have this operation and with such an understanding and professional surgeon. I would do it again 3 times over if I had to. The recovery was probably to feel normal about 8 weeks, but you can still get around ok after 2-3 weeks but you really have to take it easy.
PMDD Girl, I don’t know if you have made any decisions yet, and it is a difficult one to make – but personally I think if you are really miserable and you are able to find a great surgeon then go for it… Good Luck, Linda.
Finally, some really good reasons for me to consider the surgery! I have been very cautious about looking for ways to lower my libido level. I don’t want this disgusting feeling anymore and now I have a very possible way to get rid of it. Plus I’m intolerant to children and getting cancer.
If you don’t mind my asking, how did you manage to get your doctor to give me the surgery? I’m a 22 year old woman who has been wanting this surgery for more than a decade for many of the exact same reasons you’ve listed (and some more besides), but as far as I’ve ever been able to research, it’s impossible to get a hysterectomy without there being some moderate to severe physical health issues to have the surgery preformed. Heck, even my sister’s doctor refused to preform it after she’d already had two children that she could hardly afford to support. I’ve always been completely infuriated that I haven’t had rights to my own reproductive system (my sister got pregnant the second time despite birth control AND condoms, so I have very bad trust with contraceptives) and I’m wondering if you actually found a doctor with sense or if there were other circumstances allowing you to have the surgery.
Hi Gale, I’ve replied to you in a new post: https://msjekyllhyde.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/how-did-you-get-your-doctor-to-agree-to-a-hysterectomy-for-pmdd/
How did the op go? Reading your blog it could be me! Except I’m 52 and the peri menopausal element adds a whole new unbearable dimension!
Really hope you are in a better place now
Take good care
Feather
Thank you Feather! I’m sorry to hear you’re having a tough time.
The reason for the lack of new posts on this blog, for now, is that yes, I’m in a FAR better place and have been cracking on with life! Will update properly soon.
Thanks for this, it is really helpful. I am looking into the pros and cons of a hysterectomy for my awful PMDD and am stuck.
How did your op go? And how are you feeling? Glad?
Hi Julie, sorry for the very late reply. The reason for the lack of new posts on this blog, for now, is I’m in a FAR better place and have been cracking on with life! Will update properly soon. I believe that the operation was the best possible thing I could have done for my mental health, which I value above everything else.
How are you?
I need a hysterectomy as well and am also child free but I need a willing doctor. What country or area are you in if you don’t mind telling me. I also have pmdd and under 30.
Hi, UK.
The pros clearly outweigh the cons. Number 22 brought a smile to my lips. (And a shudder down my spine, thinking about all the catalogue bills I ran up.) Like you say, preparation is the key. x
Guess what? My surgery for the same thing is scheduled February 22nd. Amazing!
What country are you in? I need to get a hysterectomy asap. I’m also child free and under 30, but I have pmdd and now also ptsd so it’s a double whammy.
Hi, UK.