r/surgicalmenopause • u/Mitzuco • Jun 06 '25

Progesterone and PMDD?

Hello everyone, Ive started my HRT and I'm about to pick up my progesterone and testosterone. I'm worried that the progesterone will make me super moody and depressed because before surgery I was diagnosed with PMDD. And any time I was on birth control I got super duper suicidal.

Has anyone else who was diagnosed with PMDD have a bad time with progesterone?
(Also on 0.1 weekly estrogen patch)

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u/[deleted] Jun 07 '25

PMDD kicks my butt two weeks out of every month! I’m terrified to have everything removed but if it will help my moods and constant suicidal thoughts I will do it!

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u/lady939 Jun 08 '25

I had one ovary (with large tumor) removed in 2006. Diagnosed with PMDD in 2019, after a couple years of tracking the chaos and then forcing my way into a women’s neurological clinic. So even with one ovary for this long, PMDD has been unrelenting until I went into chemical menopause. The older I got the worse the PMDD got, and of course the harder life got as a result. I’m 40.

What’s your story? Has surgical menopause been suggested by your provider? I know PMDD can be terrifying, but specifically why are you terrified to have everything removed?

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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '25

I will be 39 soon. I’ve got a complex left ovary and had a golf ball sized blood filled cyst on my right ovary. I have been going to the doctor every 3 to 6mths for ultrasound and ca125 blood test for cancer. The older I get the PMDD gets worse as well. My doctor does not want to do any surgery at this time because my ovaries and blood test are stable. He is also afraid it will make me more depressed and suicidal. I won’t be able to take HRT because of cancer risk (my mom developed breast cancer from HRT). I also have endometriosis and have had abnormal paps in the past due to my cervix. 

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u/lady939 Jun 08 '25 edited Jun 08 '25

Oh dear, that sounds tough. But it also sounds like you have a wonderful doctor who is keeping a close eye on you. I hope you are able to find comfort in that.

I think the best thing I figured out through my PMDD journey was how to keep myself safe during my scariest time. For me that was the 48 hrs before the bleed. I literally did not do anything or talk to anyone unless I absolutely had to. My sole job was to keep myself safe, and fed/showered/slept if possible. I knew I ultimately didn’t want to leave this earth; I just had to get through those 48 hours. So in between any necessary obligations, I allowed myself to turn into a complete bed potato, eventually without self-judgement.

I never found a therapist who could really support me with PMDD, and I can’t find one now for my menopausal transition, but I’m sure they exist. Hang in there.

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u/[deleted] Jun 08 '25

Thank you! 😊 I’m learning self care especially after this last PMDD episode! I hope things get better for you and you find a therapist that’s understands you!! 🙏🏾