From: kendall@adobe.com (Janice Kendall)
Newsgroups: soc.women
Subject: Re: ******PMS******question
Date: 14 Aug 92 19:46:22 GMT
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated

In article <1992Aug11.203032.14079@nb.rockwell.com> guthrie@nb.rockwell.com (Karen Guthrie) writes:
>
>
>
>I suffer from pretty bad PMS.  When I went to my Gynecologist
>he just said to eat right and gave me some trancs.  Stress makes 
>it much worse and it is very cyclic.  Has anyone else had a better
>answer?  I am sorry if this is a FAQ.  I just need to know that I
>am not crazy and what if anything I can do.  I have only minor
>versions of the physical symptoms but the emotional is like Dr.
>Jekal and Mr. Hyde.  If you are male and not involved with a PMS
>sufferer save it.  It is hell week and I am in no mood for rude
>or "funny" comments.  To those of you who might be able to help
>I will be eternally grateful and so will my family.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Karen
>


1) Find another doctor.  If you don't walk out of the office feeling good
   about yourself, you have the wrong doctor.  It does not necessarily have
   to be a woman, I once had a really incredible male gynocologist who
   respected the autonomy of his patients, but I have been to a few
   condescending male gynocologists and it's not at all pleasant.  I
   now have a female gynocologist and am extremely happy.

2) You might be suffering from Endometriosis.  There is an Endometriosis
   Association for information and support (try the 1-800- operator to
   see if they have an 800 number, or call your local library - if you
   had a progressive gynocologist, they should know about the disease
   and the organization).  Endometriosis is where endometrial tissue
   appears outside of the uterus.  It goes through the same cycle of
   building up and sloughing off as the tissue does inside your uterus
   in preparation for an ovum.  Only, there is no where to slough off
   to.  This can cause lower back pain and a feeling like your whole
   insides want to fall out.  It is also a cause of infertility and
   ovarian cysts (which is how mine was discovered).  You can only
   diagnose this condition by looking inside the body during a 
   laparotomy (sp?) - they put a small microscope through the belly
   button (you'll never notice). 

   The treatment is to prevent your ovulation cycle : pregnancy works
   best :-).  The next treatment of choice are male hormones.  I don't
   know why.  There are many nasty side effects and is very expensive.
   I opted for taking birth control pills, but I have to have a note
   from my doctor in order to be reimbursed by my insurance.  This
   even though BC pills are about $22/month compared to about $160/month
   for male hormones.  And I won't be treated in the future for liver
   damamge...

3) Diet and exercise can help.  Try to lower the fat content in your
   diet along with sodium and caffeine.  And definitely, for that all-
   around healthy glow, find some form of exercise you enjoy and will
   do regularly.  An hour of brisk walking is a great form of exercise.

Good Luck.
   
 Janice Kendall    kendall@adobe.com    ...!{decwrl|sun}!adobe!kendall

		"Creativity overcomes violence."
				John Bradshaw on "Homecoming"
Newsgroups: soc.women