A few weeks back, through friends of a friend, I was approached by a lady who was beside herself with worry and concern for her beautiful young daughter.
Tammy was just 26 years old and had lost her smile, was increasingly depressed and was suffering from anxiety. I have to say, this concerned me a great deal, and I was only too happy to give my opinion. We met together (both mum and daughter) and I gathered as much information as I could in the hope of finding a reason for her gradual and increasing melancholy.
At first, it was hard to ascertain whether her symptoms were hormonal in origin, or the result of her recent break up with her boyfriend, but as we talked it didn't take long to figure it out, and the cyclical elements of PMS became more and more apparent.
The first trigger I found was that Tammy had used the contraceptive implant, and that was the first time she remembered having a change in personality. Not all women have a negative response to synthetic hormones, but many many women do and I could clearly see the link. Following that, Tammy started to become withdrawn, was suffering from feelings of panic and had even started to develop various phobias. She was a shadow of her former self, and sadly it was getting worse every month during the lead up to her period. Only once menstruation had commenced ,would she then find a total relief of symptoms. Unfortunately for Tammy, she was also beginning to feel that life wasn't worth living, which worried her parents enormously. I too was extremely concerned for this lovely young women who should have been in the prime of her life and was suffering so much. She had long since given up work, was isolated and despairing from the severe emotional anguish which came around month after month.
Tammy however, was extremely fortunate. Her family were able to afford private healthcare, and within a week were able to see the most amazing Professor John Studd who is a pioneer of hormonal intervention in depressed women. He has helped thousands of women with hormonal mood disorders and I just knew that he would be able to turn this situation around, which of course he did.
After a lengthy consultation, blood tests and more, he prescribed Oestrogen gel, some testosterone and a progesterone tablet, in the hope that Tammy would be free of the dreadful symptoms she was experiencing.
Well I can tell you that the results have been staggering!
Within a week her mum had rang to say that she had got her daughter back! Tammy was singing, joyful and free of all negative emotions. It really had worked and the relief for her family was absolutely indescribable. Tammy was able to enjoy life, and had even returned to work. I was absolutely delighted for her and amazed that it had worked so quickly and so well!
Tammy was proof that finding the right specialist, getting the correct diagnoses, and using the correct medicine could conquer her PMDD, and the first monthly period passed with ease. As with my own story, lives can be transformed and I was so happy I was able to intervene before the situation became even more critical. For those that cant afford private healthcare, you should ask your GP for a referral to a PMS/PMDD specialist which you can ask for and insist on. Don't take no for an answer and if the answer is no, find another GP!
My memoir 'I blame the Hormones' can be downloaded onto Kindle, Smartphone, I pad or any PC. Please share this news with your friends and help save lives. There is help available if we are all able to access the correct information.
Peace and love as always, Suzi.
Ps. Thank you Tammy for allowing me to use this important information.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Wednesday, 9 March 2016
Mood changes after childbirth and the PMDD link.
Morning ladies. First of all thank you to all those that reached out to me yesterday via this blog and via Twitter. I am delighted to tell you that I've made some very important contacts in this field, and I was even more delighted when I awoke this morning to see The Daily Mails headlines on the front pages concerning our failing maternity services..
For those of you across the various ponds, The Daily Mail is a leading newspaper in the UK, and the headlines could not please me more as a sufferer of both postnatal depression, and PMDD.
In the UK you can choose to have your baby in a hospital setting or at home and also there are now birthing units across the country which are midwife led. You can opt to have your baby where you wish, and as long as you have no complications of pregnancy, are encouraged to go home within 8 hours of giving birth. So here is my experience after the birth of my second child and why I feel so strongly about this particular article.
I was 36 years old and already had a 5 year old son, when I became pregnant once again. Unfortunately, I was already a single parent (no judgement please) but I simply couldn't face the prospect of having a termination of pregnancy, so I decided to keep the baby. Sadly, I was already suffering from emotional instability,but had not yet received a firm diagnoses, I thought I had a depressive illness, and had even been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder at one point. In fact I'd been quite poorly since puberty and it had escalated after the birth of my firstborn son, but still nobody could offer me a correct evaluation.
The birth itself was a text book delivery and I was blessed with another healthy and beautiful boy who is an absolute delight. It couldn't have been easier, and although I was alone, I just fell in love immediately. I gave birth at 8.20am, was transferred to the ward, and at 2.30pm the nurse came to the bed and said I could go home. Simple as that!
But in fact, it wasn't.
I remember thinking at that very moment, that I should have more time, and as I was going home to a very lively 5 year old, wondering how I would cope! I also was concerned as my notes clearly stated that I was already under the care of the mental health team and I was already feeling exhausted and anxious. In hindsight, I should have spoken out and asked to stay in, but already the nurse was asking to change my bed ready for the next lady. This was all despite the ward being empty. In fact ,nobody had been to check on me at all since the birth, which I found quite strange.
To cut a long story short, I was home by 3.30, sitting on the sofa, and bewildered to say the least.
Despite the fact that I was alone, the first few weeks passed in a haze of excitement as my mood accelerated alarmingly. First came the mania, then came the psychosis and then came the endless cycle of despair and anxiety every month. A reproductive mood disorder was now firmly in place, and for those of you that have read my book 'I blame the hormones', it couldn't have been more disastrous. Years of misery followed as I fought endlessly to literally stay alive.
This is why I am personally delighted to see The Daily Mails headlines today which state that new mothers are being sent home far to soon, despite the fact that they have complications, mental health difficulties and support issues. Out of 71 nations, we have the eighth shortest time span, which means fatal illnesses can be missed. Over the last decade 30 mothers and babies have died due to this statistic, and as a direct result of being pushed to go home far too early. Horrific and incomprehensible though it is, some women even go on to commit infanticide or to die by suicide, and this in itself needs urgent review.
The last generation of mothers had a stay in hospital, were encouraged to rest, and helped with breastfeeding and recuperation. Of course now we can go home if we so wish, and as long as the mother is well and confident, then that is ok too. But we need to be sure that that new mother is choosing to go home, wanting to go home, and are not being pushed out prematurely. The world health organisation advises that all women should be encouraged to stay in hospital overnight which would enable rest, and allow the staff to pick up on any complications both emotional and physical. As we now know that mood disorders can be long term, with a relapse at every monthly cycle, it is imperative that each women is assessed accordingly. Needless to say, after the birth of my third child, I asked to stay in and did so for 5 nights, which incidentally was the best vacation I've ever had! I didn't get much sleep but I just lay on the bed with my baby and cherished that sacred time. I bonded completely, leaned heavily on the medical staff, and avoided the plummet into hormonal chaos as a result.
Now I know what I know now, and speaking to thousands of women across the world, I'm just so aware of how vulnerable us ladies can be,particularly after any reproductive event. As both post-natal disorders and mood disorders are on the increase, its time we accepted that we are all worthy of the best care and deserve and need it.That's why I am thanking the Daily Mail for this story and the necessary exposure.
I Blame the hormones can be purchased from Amazon and downloaded onto Kindle, Smartphone, I-Pad, tablet or any PC. Please let me know what you think, I'm always so grateful to hear from you!!
Blessings as always my lovely ladies! Suzi x
For those of you across the various ponds, The Daily Mail is a leading newspaper in the UK, and the headlines could not please me more as a sufferer of both postnatal depression, and PMDD.
In the UK you can choose to have your baby in a hospital setting or at home and also there are now birthing units across the country which are midwife led. You can opt to have your baby where you wish, and as long as you have no complications of pregnancy, are encouraged to go home within 8 hours of giving birth. So here is my experience after the birth of my second child and why I feel so strongly about this particular article.
I was 36 years old and already had a 5 year old son, when I became pregnant once again. Unfortunately, I was already a single parent (no judgement please) but I simply couldn't face the prospect of having a termination of pregnancy, so I decided to keep the baby. Sadly, I was already suffering from emotional instability,but had not yet received a firm diagnoses, I thought I had a depressive illness, and had even been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder at one point. In fact I'd been quite poorly since puberty and it had escalated after the birth of my firstborn son, but still nobody could offer me a correct evaluation.
The birth itself was a text book delivery and I was blessed with another healthy and beautiful boy who is an absolute delight. It couldn't have been easier, and although I was alone, I just fell in love immediately. I gave birth at 8.20am, was transferred to the ward, and at 2.30pm the nurse came to the bed and said I could go home. Simple as that!
But in fact, it wasn't.
I remember thinking at that very moment, that I should have more time, and as I was going home to a very lively 5 year old, wondering how I would cope! I also was concerned as my notes clearly stated that I was already under the care of the mental health team and I was already feeling exhausted and anxious. In hindsight, I should have spoken out and asked to stay in, but already the nurse was asking to change my bed ready for the next lady. This was all despite the ward being empty. In fact ,nobody had been to check on me at all since the birth, which I found quite strange.
To cut a long story short, I was home by 3.30, sitting on the sofa, and bewildered to say the least.
Despite the fact that I was alone, the first few weeks passed in a haze of excitement as my mood accelerated alarmingly. First came the mania, then came the psychosis and then came the endless cycle of despair and anxiety every month. A reproductive mood disorder was now firmly in place, and for those of you that have read my book 'I blame the hormones', it couldn't have been more disastrous. Years of misery followed as I fought endlessly to literally stay alive.
This is why I am personally delighted to see The Daily Mails headlines today which state that new mothers are being sent home far to soon, despite the fact that they have complications, mental health difficulties and support issues. Out of 71 nations, we have the eighth shortest time span, which means fatal illnesses can be missed. Over the last decade 30 mothers and babies have died due to this statistic, and as a direct result of being pushed to go home far too early. Horrific and incomprehensible though it is, some women even go on to commit infanticide or to die by suicide, and this in itself needs urgent review.
The last generation of mothers had a stay in hospital, were encouraged to rest, and helped with breastfeeding and recuperation. Of course now we can go home if we so wish, and as long as the mother is well and confident, then that is ok too. But we need to be sure that that new mother is choosing to go home, wanting to go home, and are not being pushed out prematurely. The world health organisation advises that all women should be encouraged to stay in hospital overnight which would enable rest, and allow the staff to pick up on any complications both emotional and physical. As we now know that mood disorders can be long term, with a relapse at every monthly cycle, it is imperative that each women is assessed accordingly. Needless to say, after the birth of my third child, I asked to stay in and did so for 5 nights, which incidentally was the best vacation I've ever had! I didn't get much sleep but I just lay on the bed with my baby and cherished that sacred time. I bonded completely, leaned heavily on the medical staff, and avoided the plummet into hormonal chaos as a result.
Now I know what I know now, and speaking to thousands of women across the world, I'm just so aware of how vulnerable us ladies can be,particularly after any reproductive event. As both post-natal disorders and mood disorders are on the increase, its time we accepted that we are all worthy of the best care and deserve and need it.That's why I am thanking the Daily Mail for this story and the necessary exposure.
I Blame the hormones can be purchased from Amazon and downloaded onto Kindle, Smartphone, I-Pad, tablet or any PC. Please let me know what you think, I'm always so grateful to hear from you!!
Blessings as always my lovely ladies! Suzi x
Thursday, 4 February 2016
A month without alcohol.
In the U.K for the last five or so years, many people choose to abstain from alcohol in what is now known as Dry January. Some people do it for a charity, whilst others just to challenge themselves and detox after a very wet Christmas. We also have a second 'Stoptober' later in the year which isn't so popular, but also seems to be catching on.
As drinking is a serious pastime in the UK, and one which has been mentioned of late in the news, my husband and I decided to help each other through it and have just completed our first 'Dry January'. So how did it feel and how did we benefit?
The first thing I immediately noticed, and which became apparent almost within days, were my energy levels which increased enormously. By the end of the first week I almost felt a little euphoric,as my energy levels peaked and I found a new spring in my step. My skin also became clearer and my eyes seemed to sparkle as the tiredness left me. Feeling so energised enabled me to exercise more often, and even my breathing was easier and deeper as was my sleeping. I often awoke at night and was restless going off, but I slept soundly and awoke refreshed which is extremely rare indeed. I also rehydrated and you could see that quite clearly in my complexion, and even my hair, which looked shinier and thicker!
As the weeks passed by, I seemed to hibernate and became quite introverted. I even read three books consecutively, which was something I hadn't done for many years, well at least BC. (before children) We watched several movies, and I was able to concentrate more effectively, rather than suffering from the usual monkey brain. My taste buds improved and I ate less which meant I also lost several pounds in weight. The wanting or craving a chilled glass of wine, (I had one craving on a Friday in the first week, and another on a Sunday during the second) were fleeting, which again came as a great surprise. This also made me wonder again why I bothered at all ,and what I felt I was gaining by the habit of drinking.
The governments recommendations for drinking are 14 units a week and most people I know certainly, exceed that easily. This of course leads to addiction which can fuel the fires of mood disorders, depression and anxiety. My worst episodes of mood swings were almost always after a drinking session, and anxiety is known to increase ten-fold with the dreaded hangover. As our alcohol consumption increases, the level of nutrients in our system is compromised and our hormones and stress levels cannot cope as efficiently either. It makes you wonder indeed, why we drink at all!!!
Speaking to friends ,the majority of us drink by 'habit' and the phrase 'wine o'clock' is engrained in our culture. All too often it is a result of a stressful day, kids, a heavy workload or just the fact that we are relaxing on a Friday night at home. My own abstinence has taught me that rising on a Saturday morning can be even better when I awake with a clear head and high energy levels. It really has been a revelation and we've made a sincere pact to only drink when entertaining or going out for the evening. Even though it may not last, the intentions are good and we certainly hope to stick to it!
When I wrote 'I Blame the Hormones' it was staggering how much alcohol had been there throughout my whole life. I had relied on it endlessly, particularly during times of acute trauma and worry. I've since realised that it is not an answer to misery, but more a postponement ,as the daily angst of life will still be there in the morning. Using alcohol as a crutch to our problems only delays them, and part of being an adult is conquering our daily strife more effectively. As much as I like a drink just as much as the next person, the first glass is particularly relaxing, I can't deny how well I feel at this present time. I'm almost a bit disappointed that it has worked so well, if you get my drift! If only we could enjoy the good parts of drinking without the downsides the next day!
If you do suffer from addiction to alcohol, help is available by contacting Alcoholics Anonymous. I know several alcoholics who have conquered their addiction with AA. However, during my period of abstinence, I also read a book called 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace who helped me see alcohol for what it really is and put it all into perspective.
I Blame the Hormones is available to download on Kindle, Smartphone, PC or IPad and is my own experience of the mood disorder PMDD. Please leave a review once you've read it. I'm always delighted to hear from my readers.
Blessings as always, Suzi x
As drinking is a serious pastime in the UK, and one which has been mentioned of late in the news, my husband and I decided to help each other through it and have just completed our first 'Dry January'. So how did it feel and how did we benefit?
The first thing I immediately noticed, and which became apparent almost within days, were my energy levels which increased enormously. By the end of the first week I almost felt a little euphoric,as my energy levels peaked and I found a new spring in my step. My skin also became clearer and my eyes seemed to sparkle as the tiredness left me. Feeling so energised enabled me to exercise more often, and even my breathing was easier and deeper as was my sleeping. I often awoke at night and was restless going off, but I slept soundly and awoke refreshed which is extremely rare indeed. I also rehydrated and you could see that quite clearly in my complexion, and even my hair, which looked shinier and thicker!
As the weeks passed by, I seemed to hibernate and became quite introverted. I even read three books consecutively, which was something I hadn't done for many years, well at least BC. (before children) We watched several movies, and I was able to concentrate more effectively, rather than suffering from the usual monkey brain. My taste buds improved and I ate less which meant I also lost several pounds in weight. The wanting or craving a chilled glass of wine, (I had one craving on a Friday in the first week, and another on a Sunday during the second) were fleeting, which again came as a great surprise. This also made me wonder again why I bothered at all ,and what I felt I was gaining by the habit of drinking.
The governments recommendations for drinking are 14 units a week and most people I know certainly, exceed that easily. This of course leads to addiction which can fuel the fires of mood disorders, depression and anxiety. My worst episodes of mood swings were almost always after a drinking session, and anxiety is known to increase ten-fold with the dreaded hangover. As our alcohol consumption increases, the level of nutrients in our system is compromised and our hormones and stress levels cannot cope as efficiently either. It makes you wonder indeed, why we drink at all!!!
Speaking to friends ,the majority of us drink by 'habit' and the phrase 'wine o'clock' is engrained in our culture. All too often it is a result of a stressful day, kids, a heavy workload or just the fact that we are relaxing on a Friday night at home. My own abstinence has taught me that rising on a Saturday morning can be even better when I awake with a clear head and high energy levels. It really has been a revelation and we've made a sincere pact to only drink when entertaining or going out for the evening. Even though it may not last, the intentions are good and we certainly hope to stick to it!
When I wrote 'I Blame the Hormones' it was staggering how much alcohol had been there throughout my whole life. I had relied on it endlessly, particularly during times of acute trauma and worry. I've since realised that it is not an answer to misery, but more a postponement ,as the daily angst of life will still be there in the morning. Using alcohol as a crutch to our problems only delays them, and part of being an adult is conquering our daily strife more effectively. As much as I like a drink just as much as the next person, the first glass is particularly relaxing, I can't deny how well I feel at this present time. I'm almost a bit disappointed that it has worked so well, if you get my drift! If only we could enjoy the good parts of drinking without the downsides the next day!
If you do suffer from addiction to alcohol, help is available by contacting Alcoholics Anonymous. I know several alcoholics who have conquered their addiction with AA. However, during my period of abstinence, I also read a book called 'This Naked Mind' by Annie Grace who helped me see alcohol for what it really is and put it all into perspective.
I Blame the Hormones is available to download on Kindle, Smartphone, PC or IPad and is my own experience of the mood disorder PMDD. Please leave a review once you've read it. I'm always delighted to hear from my readers.
Blessings as always, Suzi x
Tuesday, 12 January 2016
The confusion surrounding PROGESTERONE.
The hormonal elements of PMDD are so vast and hard to grasp that it is no wonder we are all confused about progesterone. It is even harder to comprehend what is synthetic, what is Bio-identical and how they work within one particular women. In terms of individuality, some women are also intolerant of progesterone, sometimes synthetic, sometimes both , which also adds to the mystery and indeed the misery of this reproductive depression.
In terms of understanding and explaining, it is hard to believe that the difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestin is not widely understood. Even more importantly, the effect of progesterone both synthetic and natural, varies widely between women, so what is one women's misery is another women's cure! No wonder we are all in a quandary about what is working and what isn't!
Progesterone itself matches a women's body exactly, and therefore is an exact natural structural copy and will have a perfect fit with the bodies natural receptors. Some women however are intolerant to their own progesterone, so as soon as it is released during the late luteal phase, they will have an adverse reaction (PMS or its ugly sister PMDD).
Progestin (Synthetic progesterone) works in a slightly different way and so can produce both desired and undesired effects. So it can also lead to mental instability, as well as being a cure for PMS/ PMDD in some women. It can also be synthesised from undesirable sources ,which can also be a concern. (horses urine for example).
Here's an example of my own experience with progesterone.
When I had my second child, I used natural progesterone, Cyclogest, which is available in suppository form on prescription in the UK. This immediately helped me with my Postnatal depression which was so severe, it was classed as psychotic. I also used it as a preventative when I had my third and last child, and was able to avoid the plummet of hormones after delivery. It is this rapid tailing off of hormones which can often lead to PND in so many women. So the hormone sensitivity is so prominent, it can create emotional turmoil in many women and even be catastrophic as the body struggles with the sudden change in hormones.
However, when I used a synthetic hormone such as the contraceptive injection, or indeed any birth control, I suffered a reaction so severe that I thought I was losing my mind . The reaction was within 2 hours in fact, and took months to right itself. You can read more about this episode in my book 'I blame the Hormones', and what worked for my own PMDD. My own emotional fallout from the synthetic was life-changing, and was even the catalyst to becoming an activist for the sufferers of PMDD.
Others have found the opposite to be true! Some have found the birth control pill to be extremely effective at managing the symptoms of PMDD, while others use the Mirena coil with a good response. Some swear on using the Oestrogen patch, whilst others wouldn't touch it with a barge poll for fear of the result. This inexplicable and complicated diversity between us ladies is what makes PMDD so difficult to manage. It is also the reason for so much complicated dialogue between sufferers and professionals alike, with us endlessly arguing about what works and what doesn't.
PMDD really is a minefield when it comes to finding a 'one fixed protocol' for the treatment and management of this evil disorder. And the answer to that is, there is no one fixed answer!
The mystery of Progesterone is still being endlessly researched and we can only hope that this research will find more answers in the battle for emotional stability. It is what I'm campaigning for, and my wish for the future is that there will be one fixed regime in the management of all mood disorders. I'm hoping that for the next generation at least, we will have some answers. This is particularly important to me as I have 8 nieces in my direct blood line (one of whom is just 13) and she is already giving me cause for concern. Heart-breaking for me to see as you can imagine.
I blame The Hormones can be downloaded onto Kindle, Smartphone, PC or any tablet. I hope it helps you unravel the mystery of your own illness and how you can find freedom from your own disorder. In the meantime please leave me some feedback as I'm always so happy to find out what has worked for you! Swapping tactics is the only way, and serves us all indeed.
God Bless.
Suzi x
In terms of understanding and explaining, it is hard to believe that the difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestin is not widely understood. Even more importantly, the effect of progesterone both synthetic and natural, varies widely between women, so what is one women's misery is another women's cure! No wonder we are all in a quandary about what is working and what isn't!
Progesterone itself matches a women's body exactly, and therefore is an exact natural structural copy and will have a perfect fit with the bodies natural receptors. Some women however are intolerant to their own progesterone, so as soon as it is released during the late luteal phase, they will have an adverse reaction (PMS or its ugly sister PMDD).
Progestin (Synthetic progesterone) works in a slightly different way and so can produce both desired and undesired effects. So it can also lead to mental instability, as well as being a cure for PMS/ PMDD in some women. It can also be synthesised from undesirable sources ,which can also be a concern. (horses urine for example).
Here's an example of my own experience with progesterone.
When I had my second child, I used natural progesterone, Cyclogest, which is available in suppository form on prescription in the UK. This immediately helped me with my Postnatal depression which was so severe, it was classed as psychotic. I also used it as a preventative when I had my third and last child, and was able to avoid the plummet of hormones after delivery. It is this rapid tailing off of hormones which can often lead to PND in so many women. So the hormone sensitivity is so prominent, it can create emotional turmoil in many women and even be catastrophic as the body struggles with the sudden change in hormones.
However, when I used a synthetic hormone such as the contraceptive injection, or indeed any birth control, I suffered a reaction so severe that I thought I was losing my mind . The reaction was within 2 hours in fact, and took months to right itself. You can read more about this episode in my book 'I blame the Hormones', and what worked for my own PMDD. My own emotional fallout from the synthetic was life-changing, and was even the catalyst to becoming an activist for the sufferers of PMDD.
Others have found the opposite to be true! Some have found the birth control pill to be extremely effective at managing the symptoms of PMDD, while others use the Mirena coil with a good response. Some swear on using the Oestrogen patch, whilst others wouldn't touch it with a barge poll for fear of the result. This inexplicable and complicated diversity between us ladies is what makes PMDD so difficult to manage. It is also the reason for so much complicated dialogue between sufferers and professionals alike, with us endlessly arguing about what works and what doesn't.
PMDD really is a minefield when it comes to finding a 'one fixed protocol' for the treatment and management of this evil disorder. And the answer to that is, there is no one fixed answer!
The mystery of Progesterone is still being endlessly researched and we can only hope that this research will find more answers in the battle for emotional stability. It is what I'm campaigning for, and my wish for the future is that there will be one fixed regime in the management of all mood disorders. I'm hoping that for the next generation at least, we will have some answers. This is particularly important to me as I have 8 nieces in my direct blood line (one of whom is just 13) and she is already giving me cause for concern. Heart-breaking for me to see as you can imagine.
I blame The Hormones can be downloaded onto Kindle, Smartphone, PC or any tablet. I hope it helps you unravel the mystery of your own illness and how you can find freedom from your own disorder. In the meantime please leave me some feedback as I'm always so happy to find out what has worked for you! Swapping tactics is the only way, and serves us all indeed.
God Bless.
Suzi x
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
An Amazing year for I Blame the Hormones!!
This is my first blog for 2016 and as we turn the calendar we are filled with hope and anticipation for the year ahead. For ' I Blame the Hormones', 2015 was a year in which more sales of this publication can only mean more awareness is raised.
That means for all mood disorders, regardless of origin,but more so for sufferers of reproductive depression, and the monthly misery of PMDD.
As the battle for more research rages on, more and more sufferers come forward, and never before have there been so many forums of discussion and dialogue. People are endlessly researching and striving for recognition of a misunderstood condition which at times is shrouded in mystery and has had very little limelight. This has to change, and publications such as I Blame the Hormones, which has just recently been bought by a German publishing house, have to take president in educating the non-believers. Still too often we hear that sufferers are being fobbed off with the lack of knowledge and professional expertise needed to manage the crippling symptoms of PMDD. Still people refuse to believe that the disorder exists and is an exaggeration or a need for attention. As far as I am aware, there isn't as yet one particular protocol or management guideline with healthcare professionals themselves not knowing enough about the disorder.
I am hoping that the year 2016 will see great changes in the management of the illness,and that more professionals will be seeing the light when it comes to diagnoses and interventions. PMDD can wreck the life of the sufferer, destroy families and can have a devastating effect on the female who essentially is in the most important phase of her life. Puberty, child rearing, careers and marriages are all at risk, and more needs to be done for the sufferer themselves and there families.
There is however hope, and hope is all we have in the world of PMDD.
NAPMDD or The National Association of PMDD had an amazing year of raising it up last year with their first convention in Denver which was attended by many both in person and online. It gave us all a great insight into research, management and most importantly, the most effective remedies used. It gave immense support to thousands of women worldwide, is passionate about raising awareness, and works tirelessly in the hope of finding a cure.
It has also just added two directors to the board who are professional and intelligent women with great knowledge and experience of the disorder. In terms of growth and practical understanding, I predict 2016 will be a year of great discovery for PMDD. As a board member myself, I can assure you I am in the company of some amazing and compassionate people going all out for this cause. We really are gaining coverage and reaching out to women worldwide, along with their families who also are suffering and need support and urgent help.
We are also swapping dialogue with the most knowledgeable Professors in the world such as Professor Studd, London and Dr Lola in Chile, who are striving hard to help those suffering and have published vital papers with years of data involving the latest and most sophisticated technology.
For those of you suffering and despairing out there, I can assure you that 2016 can only bring more answers, with so many hard working people dedicated to fighting this cause. In the meantime, hold onto hope that one day there will be a cure, and an end to the misery of PMDD.
For further information and to help raise greatly needed funds, go to napmdd.org where there is a wealth of support available and where you can even get involved!
I blame the Hormones, is available on Kindle, Smartphone, PC or any tablet.
Happy New year to you all,
Suzi x
That means for all mood disorders, regardless of origin,but more so for sufferers of reproductive depression, and the monthly misery of PMDD.
As the battle for more research rages on, more and more sufferers come forward, and never before have there been so many forums of discussion and dialogue. People are endlessly researching and striving for recognition of a misunderstood condition which at times is shrouded in mystery and has had very little limelight. This has to change, and publications such as I Blame the Hormones, which has just recently been bought by a German publishing house, have to take president in educating the non-believers. Still too often we hear that sufferers are being fobbed off with the lack of knowledge and professional expertise needed to manage the crippling symptoms of PMDD. Still people refuse to believe that the disorder exists and is an exaggeration or a need for attention. As far as I am aware, there isn't as yet one particular protocol or management guideline with healthcare professionals themselves not knowing enough about the disorder.
I am hoping that the year 2016 will see great changes in the management of the illness,and that more professionals will be seeing the light when it comes to diagnoses and interventions. PMDD can wreck the life of the sufferer, destroy families and can have a devastating effect on the female who essentially is in the most important phase of her life. Puberty, child rearing, careers and marriages are all at risk, and more needs to be done for the sufferer themselves and there families.
There is however hope, and hope is all we have in the world of PMDD.
NAPMDD or The National Association of PMDD had an amazing year of raising it up last year with their first convention in Denver which was attended by many both in person and online. It gave us all a great insight into research, management and most importantly, the most effective remedies used. It gave immense support to thousands of women worldwide, is passionate about raising awareness, and works tirelessly in the hope of finding a cure.
It has also just added two directors to the board who are professional and intelligent women with great knowledge and experience of the disorder. In terms of growth and practical understanding, I predict 2016 will be a year of great discovery for PMDD. As a board member myself, I can assure you I am in the company of some amazing and compassionate people going all out for this cause. We really are gaining coverage and reaching out to women worldwide, along with their families who also are suffering and need support and urgent help.
We are also swapping dialogue with the most knowledgeable Professors in the world such as Professor Studd, London and Dr Lola in Chile, who are striving hard to help those suffering and have published vital papers with years of data involving the latest and most sophisticated technology.
For those of you suffering and despairing out there, I can assure you that 2016 can only bring more answers, with so many hard working people dedicated to fighting this cause. In the meantime, hold onto hope that one day there will be a cure, and an end to the misery of PMDD.
For further information and to help raise greatly needed funds, go to napmdd.org where there is a wealth of support available and where you can even get involved!
I blame the Hormones, is available on Kindle, Smartphone, PC or any tablet.
Happy New year to you all,
Suzi x
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
There are no rules with a mood disorder.
Yesterday I was browsing through the forums, taking notes and trying to find inspiration for this blog, when an online heated discussion ensued. This of course, is not unusual, particularly within the realms of PMDD. I have learnt that it should even be expected sometimes with so many hormonal women battling it out! However, yesterdays online rift stood out because it was talking in particular about finding a cure, what has worked for the individual sufferer, and how it could possibly work for us all as a generalized formula.
If only it were that simple? If only there were rules to this awful disorder? Why is there no fixed strategy?
What I found with my own disorder, and indeed the condition itself, is that its so different for each individual, that this in itself makes it particularly brutal and hard to fathom. Sometimes it even varies from month to month as we try out different remedies in the hope of lessening the symptoms. An example of this is to give up alcohol which has helped in so many cases, only to find that 2 months down the line the symptoms return, often with great ferocity which can leave us surprised and perplexed ! We had thought it was working!
Quite often we find ourselves lulled into a false sense of security as what has once worked gradually loses its efficacy. The online debates only fuel this as somebody uses a sugar free diet, and another sufferer finds that futile. One person gives up caffeine whilst another finds no change in symptoms at all! Its all so complicated as together we search endlessly for that one remedy that can serve us all.
Only one thing is certain and that is that one persons PMDD is never the same as another's, and the list of symptoms is so varied it only serves to confuse us and then leaves us endlessly frustrated as we then try another.
What we need to do is accept that we all have a different genetic make-up, and that makes us as complex and individual as the disorder itself. There is still so much we don't know, still so much to learn and this is what makes the forums so important as we learn, educate each other and strive to find that one strategy that may one day work! Its is what NAPMDD is working so hard for, what NAPS (London UK ) is working for, and is the hope for every single sufferer on the face of the planet.
As a general overview, clean and healthy living can only serve us all, regardless of whether we have the disorder or not! If we live on junk, don't make ourselves accountable for our own health and well being, our symptoms will always be worse. If we don't take on nutritious food and abuse our physical selves with drugs, alcohol, refined sugars and caffeine, of course we will suffer as our bodies cry out for a healthy regime. Exercise too is obviously a great weapon and simply must be used regularly and consistently. Vitamins and minerals which are often lacking in todays diet have also shown promising results, as has naturopathic and holistic remedies.
What I'm trying to say is that as much as we argue amongst ourselves, what has helped one particular women, may not help another. This is what we are finding and as long as we consistently swap tactics and dialogue, one day someone somewhere will find that one cure that we are all hoping for.
And HOPE has to be our philosophy for hope is all that we definitely have! It is the only thing that is certain with PMDD.
For those of you that have read my own memoir, I blame the Hormones, you will see that it wasn't one particular thing that worked for me, but a whole host of scientific intervention, healthy interaction and the correct medical professionals that bought about my cure. Everything came together, at just the right time, with the one strategy that has been working for me. I so pray that in the future there will be one perfect cure for the most awful of conditions, and that you too will find your own freedom from the PMDD that has no rules.
Blessings as always,
Suzi.
I Blame the Hormones can be downloaded on Kindle, PC, Smartphone, I pad or any tablet. It comes under the pseudonym of Caroline Church, and is available on Amazon.
If only it were that simple? If only there were rules to this awful disorder? Why is there no fixed strategy?
What I found with my own disorder, and indeed the condition itself, is that its so different for each individual, that this in itself makes it particularly brutal and hard to fathom. Sometimes it even varies from month to month as we try out different remedies in the hope of lessening the symptoms. An example of this is to give up alcohol which has helped in so many cases, only to find that 2 months down the line the symptoms return, often with great ferocity which can leave us surprised and perplexed ! We had thought it was working!
Quite often we find ourselves lulled into a false sense of security as what has once worked gradually loses its efficacy. The online debates only fuel this as somebody uses a sugar free diet, and another sufferer finds that futile. One person gives up caffeine whilst another finds no change in symptoms at all! Its all so complicated as together we search endlessly for that one remedy that can serve us all.
Only one thing is certain and that is that one persons PMDD is never the same as another's, and the list of symptoms is so varied it only serves to confuse us and then leaves us endlessly frustrated as we then try another.
What we need to do is accept that we all have a different genetic make-up, and that makes us as complex and individual as the disorder itself. There is still so much we don't know, still so much to learn and this is what makes the forums so important as we learn, educate each other and strive to find that one strategy that may one day work! Its is what NAPMDD is working so hard for, what NAPS (London UK ) is working for, and is the hope for every single sufferer on the face of the planet.
As a general overview, clean and healthy living can only serve us all, regardless of whether we have the disorder or not! If we live on junk, don't make ourselves accountable for our own health and well being, our symptoms will always be worse. If we don't take on nutritious food and abuse our physical selves with drugs, alcohol, refined sugars and caffeine, of course we will suffer as our bodies cry out for a healthy regime. Exercise too is obviously a great weapon and simply must be used regularly and consistently. Vitamins and minerals which are often lacking in todays diet have also shown promising results, as has naturopathic and holistic remedies.
What I'm trying to say is that as much as we argue amongst ourselves, what has helped one particular women, may not help another. This is what we are finding and as long as we consistently swap tactics and dialogue, one day someone somewhere will find that one cure that we are all hoping for.
And HOPE has to be our philosophy for hope is all that we definitely have! It is the only thing that is certain with PMDD.
For those of you that have read my own memoir, I blame the Hormones, you will see that it wasn't one particular thing that worked for me, but a whole host of scientific intervention, healthy interaction and the correct medical professionals that bought about my cure. Everything came together, at just the right time, with the one strategy that has been working for me. I so pray that in the future there will be one perfect cure for the most awful of conditions, and that you too will find your own freedom from the PMDD that has no rules.
Blessings as always,
Suzi.
I Blame the Hormones can be downloaded on Kindle, PC, Smartphone, I pad or any tablet. It comes under the pseudonym of Caroline Church, and is available on Amazon.
Thursday, 5 November 2015
Is your SSRI the real deal? And can you be sure?
I've been busy this week researching about SSRI's and have been contacted by several people who have had a sudden and unexplained relapse. For those that have read my book 'I blame the hormones' you will know that it is often a case of trying to find the antidepressant that suits you, which can be tiresome and depressing in itself. One type may not agree with you, and its often a case of trial and error with this amazing medication. Once you have found the correct one, with the correct dosage, the effect can be miraculous and life transforming. You can also use them in conjunction with hormonal therapies for PMDD, and this double barrelled approach is often favoured by many women in the fight against hormonal mood disorders.
Why then do so many people have a sudden relapse? And why do so many have to increase the dose needed to maintain equilibrium?
Trawling through the numerous blogs and forums associated with depression and mood disorders, I was amazed to read that in the UK, our antidepressants are often the generic type and not the original brand at all. This means that they are a cheaper version of the original brand and often imported from a different source. Indeed many have noticed that each time they have received their new batch of SSRI's it seems to come form a different manufacturer every time. This then has a different effect on the system and can create a jolt of the same side effects that hit when they first started taking the drug.
There are scattered reports of people experiencing a return of side effects when they use a generic ,as different manufacturers can use different binding agents and non-active ingredients. This can affect the releasing rate into the system and result in the jitters, nervousness, anxiety and a return of depressive symptoms. Not realising that we are using a generic can cause unnecessary suffering and despite the chemists insistence that the drug is the same, the forums tell a different story entirely, with numerous people finding the transition difficult. In the UK the National health service routinely uses generics as a cheaper option, importing them rather than using the branded version which can be up to five times as expensive. It is worth then sticking to the same brand of generic, than chopping and changing manufacturer which can result in a possible relapse. Check the box every time to make sure that its the same generic that you are using.
Anti-depressant medication can be a powerful tool in the war against depression and I have used them over many years for this clinical condition, but please be aware if you have a sudden return of symptoms that you maybe using a version that isn't quite what it seems. In case your worried, the most often used are,
PROZAC-SERAFEM (fluoxetine)
ZOLOFT (sertraline)
PAXIL (paroxetine)
CELEXA (citalopram)
Anything else that uses another manufacturer is probably a cheaper version and is therefore a generic. To be sure of anything, always check with your doctor particularly if you relapse suddenly and without cause.
Blessings as usual, Suzi. AKA Caroline Church.
I Blame the Hormones is available on Kindle, Smartphone, PC, tablet or I-phone and can be ordered from Amazon.
Why then do so many people have a sudden relapse? And why do so many have to increase the dose needed to maintain equilibrium?
Trawling through the numerous blogs and forums associated with depression and mood disorders, I was amazed to read that in the UK, our antidepressants are often the generic type and not the original brand at all. This means that they are a cheaper version of the original brand and often imported from a different source. Indeed many have noticed that each time they have received their new batch of SSRI's it seems to come form a different manufacturer every time. This then has a different effect on the system and can create a jolt of the same side effects that hit when they first started taking the drug.
There are scattered reports of people experiencing a return of side effects when they use a generic ,as different manufacturers can use different binding agents and non-active ingredients. This can affect the releasing rate into the system and result in the jitters, nervousness, anxiety and a return of depressive symptoms. Not realising that we are using a generic can cause unnecessary suffering and despite the chemists insistence that the drug is the same, the forums tell a different story entirely, with numerous people finding the transition difficult. In the UK the National health service routinely uses generics as a cheaper option, importing them rather than using the branded version which can be up to five times as expensive. It is worth then sticking to the same brand of generic, than chopping and changing manufacturer which can result in a possible relapse. Check the box every time to make sure that its the same generic that you are using.
Anti-depressant medication can be a powerful tool in the war against depression and I have used them over many years for this clinical condition, but please be aware if you have a sudden return of symptoms that you maybe using a version that isn't quite what it seems. In case your worried, the most often used are,
PROZAC-SERAFEM (fluoxetine)
ZOLOFT (sertraline)
PAXIL (paroxetine)
CELEXA (citalopram)
Anything else that uses another manufacturer is probably a cheaper version and is therefore a generic. To be sure of anything, always check with your doctor particularly if you relapse suddenly and without cause.
Blessings as usual, Suzi. AKA Caroline Church.
I Blame the Hormones is available on Kindle, Smartphone, PC, tablet or I-phone and can be ordered from Amazon.
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