Puberty hit me at age 13, like most girls. I had no symptoms like cramps, mood swings, or irregularity. I was consistant each month and lasting for 3 days. Ahhh, to go back to those days ! Since I had my son it has all changed. I'm a total witch, irregular- being as far off as 2 weeks sometimes, cramps you wouldn't believe, and bloating so bad that I can't even get into my jeans, nor does it last for 3 days- now 6 days. I heard that my body was going to change after having a child, but going through this is each month is terrible. I've taken midol and even pamprin. It has no effect on my symptoms. I just have to deal with it until it's gone until the following month. I do wish men had to go through this whole thing for one mth, the cramps and all to see what it's like and maybe they'll be a bit more compassionate when they actually understand what's happening !

Over 2o years ago, I saw a psychiatrist and explained I thought I had PMS, only a much more severe version of it.  He didn't seem to believe me.  Now I hear about PMDD.  Without a doubt, this is what I have been trying to communicate to my doctors for years.  It would have been nice to have had this information when my first two children were very young. 

Hi Melissa, It is a shame about the period situation. Things are coming along way. No disrespect to Doctors,but finally women are becoming Doctors and studying women. This really has not been an issue for men. Only to complain about their wives or girlriends when they are having PMS.LOL. I hope this study ofall will help young women going into this next step of life.

Smile

Sheilah

Hey Melissa ,This is so bad for our young girls. There have been so many changes in life its self. We need to help them cope with periods and growth. Our girls now are growing to be over 5'6 didn't happen back in my day. So keep track of the younf women in your lives who look older than they are.Tey don't need to mature older.

Smile

Sheilah