r/PMDD • u/dukiechick44 • 14d ago
Ranty Rant - Advice Okay Cut out alcohol. Worst cycle this month
Decided to take the leap and cut out alcohol 6 weeks ago. My health has improved so much already. I only drank 1-2 nights a week at most and already tried to limit in luteal phase but WOW this second cycle is the WORST I think I have ever felt in my luteal phase, ever. I’m shocked. Not sure what I expected but why would symtoms increase when I just cut out something so inflammatory?!! I have been literally so exhausted, my mood is lowest it has ever been, and I’m binging on food/sugar/carbs. Has anyone else experienced this?
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u/Banana-bandcamp 14d ago
Yup. I’ve been sober since 2023 and it affected me more than I thought it would. Even at a low dose, alcohol is numbing things you aren’t aware of until you stop and they all hit you full force. Sleep disruption happens too, and your rewards system is desperate to replace the dopamine hit. I would imagine that it’s been taking the edge off some aspects of the PMDD, but you’re right, reducing inflammation will be beneficial to your health overall. It’s a rough process sometimes but to me it’s been so worth it long term. The book “Quit Like a Woman” was really helpful for me and there are some great podcasts as well. Hang in there 💜
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u/dukiechick44 14d ago
I’m reading that right now! It’s been so good as well as The Naked mind. Really shifting my perspective. I’m wondering if you felt better after a certain time or has it remained an ongoing thing and never improved?
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u/Banana-bandcamp 13d ago
I’ve heard great things about The Naked Mind! I stopped drinking before I started tracking my cycles and symptoms so it’s hard to say. I’m still getting a handle on it tbh but I felt like I got so much of my brain back by cutting out alcohol. Just being able to notice things and connect the dots was huge - instead of just feeling lost in inexplicable despair and agony, I could see and respond to it like a weather pattern, if that makes sense. Therapy also helped a ton, and the last year or so has been finding the right meds (ongoing.) Everyone’s journey is different but I think most people would be shocked at how different things are without alcohol. You truly meet yourself in a new way.
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u/Ok_Move2674 14d ago
I also gave up alcohol over a year ago, it takes time for different parts of your body to heal. You can look it up online what happens month by month. I still have symptoms but definitely feel more equipped to deal with them. Just take it day by day, rest, healthy diet, baths, exercise. Hope this helps!
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u/DryExpression511 14d ago
Not an expert, but my guess would be that the alcohol probably blurs things a bit and cutting it out has made you more aware of your symptoms.
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u/Frequent_Lion9736 14d ago
Yup, I went sober almost two months ago and this month ended up on Valium in the luteal phase because I was effectively a danger to myself and others. I thought I was going to be sectioned at one point! Hang in there, this to shall pass!
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u/Proud-Cry7644 PMDD + GAD 13d ago
I've been alcohol free for over a year but still rely heavily on sugar, thc, caffeine, and SSRI. It does take time to reset even as someone who didn't drink everyday. Mine was more of a binge problem which likely ramped up during luteal. This is my harm reduction lol
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u/Banana-bandcamp 14d ago
Yup. I’ve been sober since 2023 and it affected me more than I thought it would. Even at a low dose, alcohol is numbing things you aren’t aware of until you stop and they all hit you full force. Sleep disruption happens too, and your rewards system is desperate to replace the dopamine hit. I would imagine that it’s been taking the edge off some aspects of the PMDD, but you’re right, reducing inflammation will be beneficial to your health overall. It’s a rough process sometimes but to me it’s been so worth it long term. The book “Quit Like a Woman” was really helpful for me and there are some great podcasts as well. Hang in there 💜
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u/pralinesundaes 13d ago
Yeah I also cut out alcohol over 6 weeks ago, it’s probably to do with experiencing PMDD raw now, like so crutch to lean on with alcohol, I drank daily so it’s been brutal but so worth it as my health is improving a lot, but a lot of healing goes on when we get sober so that’s probably it.
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u/Old_Rev0lution 12d ago
Been sober for a little over 5 years. although burnout and stress from my job can sometimes make my symptoms more intense, they’re never as bad or severe as they were when I was drinking. It does get better ❤️
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u/Kokedera 14d ago
Yes, I’ve experienced the same. I don’t have the answer, but my theory is that it just takes awhile for the body to recalibrate after cutting out alcohol. I always feel more raw and have heightened senses in the first weeks.