Chemical Menopause: Finding relief from PMDD

How Chemical Menopause Gave Me My Life Back: My Journey in Managing PMDD

Let's talk Chemical menopause and how it was prescribed for my PMDD and how it was the turning point in my battle with PMDD.

In March 2023, my journey towards managing PMDD finally began to make sense. After years of struggling with severe mood swings and unpredictable hormonal cycles, After trying different ways of coping with my PMDD my GP agreed to send me to a consultant that knew more about PMDD and my next step.

My NHS referral came through, but to my disappointment it was 145 week wait to see anyone and when I tried to book it reffered me to wait and hear from someone. To my advantage they called 6 weeks later with an alternative to see a consultant in gynaecology at Nuffield in Brentwood could see me, he was private but I would get to see them through the NHS—where everything started to change.

A Turning Point in PMDD Treatment

I walked into that appointment both hopeful and nervous, still worried he would tell me it's all in my head and to sort it out another way. Armed with knowledge on PMDD and some knowledge from online communities of treatment options. I knew I needed a solution. He explained how it was really hard to get a proper diagnosis as there was no sure way of telling. But what he did explain was a chemical menopause was the best way to see if it was PMDD. By suppressing the hormones and their peaks and troughs this would stop my brain reacting the way it does. (remember PMDD isn't too much or too little hormone its the brains reaction to it)

He explained it would be the best way to test it as this would give me three months to see the affects. It is a reversible treatment, designed to suppress oestrogen and progesterone production and, in doing so, shut down your hormonal cycle. Yay no periods for 3 months!

Chemical menopause isn’t just a treatment—it’s also a diagnostic tool. My consultant explained that while there isn’t an official test for PMDD, chemical menopause often provides the clearest indication if your symptoms are due to PMDD or another condition such as Bipolar Disorder.

However, there was a catch: the NHS wouldn’t cover the cost of the injection without a formal diagnosis. I was told I could go back with his information to my GP and see if they would prescribe it for me. But after feeling dismissed by my original GP, I decided to invest in my well-being and pay for the injection myself—the cost? £300.20.

What is Chemical Menopause and How Does It Work?

Chemical menopause temporarily halts your menstrual cycle, offering a unique way to pinpoint if PMDD is the root cause of your symptoms. By stopping the hormonal fluctuations that trigger my brains response to them, helping with my severe mood swings, anxiety, and depression, this treatment can give you a much-needed break—a chance to feel balanced again. For me, it was a way to determine if my debilitating symptoms were truly from PMDD. Chemical menopauses can be also used for other reasons like some breast cancer.

The First Weeks: From Fog to Clarity

The initial two weeks following my first injection were challenging. I felt exhausted, irritable, and overwhelmed, as if I were once again walking through a thick fog of PMDD symptoms. I felt like a zombie and my daughter even said to me, "I don't like you on this mummy" But then, almost overnight, everything shifted.

Suddenly, I felt like myself again:

• No periods and no unexpected hormonal reactions.

• Balanced moods without the usual spiralling highs and lows.

• The freedom to focus on fitness, nutrition, and reconnecting with friends and family.

It was as if someone had lifted a weight I hadn’t even realised I was carrying.

I was able to restart my life. I was meeting friends and making arrangements, friends noticed the difference in me. It was like I was a pleasure to be around again. I had a bounce in my step again. I lost weight as I was able to eat well again. I went to yoga, circus hoop lessons and back to walking the dogs again. I even found the joy in a personal trainer too.

Looking after the kids became second nature again, school run became good again, getting up and out wasn't a chore.

Short-Term Relief and Long-Term PMDD Management

After three months was up just before my next appointment, I began to notice that the benefits of chemical menopause were starting to fade. The familiar symptoms of PMDD began to creep back, even as I continued my treatment. I found I was tearful again, feeling blue and not wanting to move again. My follow-up appointment confirmed that PMDD was defiantly the culprit behind my recurring symptoms.

With this confirmation, the NHS agreed to fund my injections moving forward. I was also started on HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) alongside the injections to look after my body as being 36 I would need to think about osteoporoses.

I carried on with this for 19 months, the regular injections provided significant relief.

However, as time went on, I noticed that the effects of the injections were wearing off earlier, instead of lasting 12 weeks I was getting 10 weeks free of PMDD. I started to wonder if it was the HRT or my body just getting use to the injection. I spoke to my GP about my HRT but they really didn't quite know what to do as they didn't know the best HRT to go with the injection.

A Specialist’s Perspective: When PMDD Treatment Needs a Change

After using google and talking to clients and family I sought help at Springfield Hospital. There, a specialist reviewed my case and adjusted my HRT, raising an important question: should I consider a hysterectomy? He explained that, for some individuals, the body adapts to regular injections over time, reducing their long-term effectiveness. While chemical menopause had been life-changing, it wasn’t designed as a permanent solution for managing PMDD.

My Journey with PMDD

Chemical menopause gave me a glimpse of what life without the constant grip of PMDD could be like. A life filled with clarity, balance, and joy. Although it wasn’t a permanent fix, it provided the strength and perspective I needed to keep advocating for my mental and physical health.

If you’re struggling with PMDD or considering chemical menopause as a treatment option, know that it’s normal to feel uncertain. It’s a significant decision, but for me, it was the first real sign of hope in years. Remember, PMDD is still widely misunderstood, and the road to diagnosis and effective treatment can be isolating. However, don’t give up—your journey to feeling like yourself again is worth fighting for.

Managing PMDD is a continuous process, and while chemical menopause was a crucial step for me, every woman’s path is unique. If you suspect you might be dealing with PMDD or are exploring treatment options like chemical menopause, don’t hesitate to reach out to a specialist who understands your needs. You deserve a life free from the overwhelming challenges of PMDD.

Let’s keep the conversation going, raise awareness, and support each other in our journeys toward better health.