I am sure I won't be the only one who has been to the Gp in a state of mental anguish only to be faced with a doc who doesn't quite know what to do with them. Sadly I have been told by a female Gp that 'its just part of being a woman' imagine my low mood getting even lower on the way home. Many many women are referred to mental health teams or given prescription drugs when infact Pms/Pmdd is a health condition in its own right. HOWEVER Naps is making a difference and spreading the word, there are a few fantastic specialists across the country both NHS and private who truly do make a difference.

My advice to anyone reading this trying to pluck up the courage to go and try to explain this to their doctor is to get some charts for tracking Pms symptoms (there used to be a link to one on here or if you google Pms chart you will find some) and take 2 or 3 months worth. Even though I suffered over 20yrs before I sought help I still was astonished at my charts and to see in black and white how obvious my symptoms were and when they appeared. It is also an easy way to prove to yourself that you are NOT mad. Finally mention naps to your Gp, I did and we are being paid attention to.

Please add your contribution, no such thing as a silly question. We learn from each other but more importantly We understand and are here to offer support.

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Pms-pmdd sufferer for over 20yrs. Tried several natural therapies and medical ones for years. Total hysterectomy and oopherectomy 15.8.13 I'm FREE!!! On oestrogen and testo only now, life has begun

I completely agree. Even if you are 100% sure that you have pms (which I did) if you chart it then its down in black and white for your GP to see. They can't argue with a chart that shows that you only feel well for part of the month. If they are still unsympathetic then change your GP. It is possible to find one that understands and is willing to help.

Hello, I know this discussion is a few months old, but I wondered how you found a PMS specialist - were you referred by your GP, or did you find someone through NAPS? I've also had the experience of GPs being completely unhelpful (telling me it's part of being a woman, telling me it couldn't be PMS because I was on the pill, but mostly just telling me to take antidepressants) and it would be great to talk to someone who actually understands the syndrome. Thanks!

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I'm 34 and have had severe PMS for 5 years. Trying to manage it with medication (currently 4mg Prozac) and lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, stress management).

Hi Alanna,

NAPS have a list of specialists available to see for paid members. After finding one, you would ask your GP to refer you. Antidepressants are one of the first treatment options advised on the PMS guidelines. Have you tried them? they can work very well for some women and you don't even have to take them all month long.

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38 years old. Suffered PMDD for many many years. Had very successful treatment on GnRH Analogues and oestrogen only HRT. Had TAH + BSO 15/11/12 for severe complex atypical hyperplasia. Hopefully now completely symptom free permanently.