I obtained your details from the Woman’s Weekly magazine and wondered if you were able to help me.
I have suffered with slight PMS and heavy periods since I can remember. However, I found that the symptoms became far worse about 5 years ago. The in February 1999 I collapsed and was eventually diagnosed with ME. I fell pregnant in May 1999, giving birth on the 1st February 2000. Obviously during this time my periods were not a problem.
Unfortunately, the further away from pregnancy I go (my son is now just over 2 and a half) the worse my periods and symptoms have become. At 33
I have recently been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid
I am at the stage where I am not sure how much of my illness is due to ME/Thyroid and how much is due to painful periods/PMS
I have kept a log and found that I am usually affected from around7/10 days prior to my cycle – main symptoms at this time are mood wings/water retention and extreme exhaustion (which isn’t the best for someone with ME) The first day of my cycle is usually fine then many symptoms return together with a heavy bleed. My cycle usually lasts around 5/7 days.
At the present time my cycle times are being controlled by the use of Northistherone and to a small extent this medication is helping. My GP has suggested I try changing my contraceptive coil to one that gives a hormone release.
I would be grateful for your opinion and for any advice you can give me.
Mrs C
A: We certainly do seem to have a handful of patients who have PMS and also ME but I am not certain if there is a real link between the conditions or if it is just circumstantial. I have not heard of any link with thyroid problems.
Your problems seem to be due to PMS (rather than you other illnesses) as they are worse for the week before the period. I am not certain whether the IUS (Mirena) will be of any specific benefit to you although I think it is one of the best advances in contraception that we have had for the past thirty years. Try it and see!!
Best Regards
Sister Gilly
Me and PMS
