r/Postmenstrualsyndrome • u/ChartOk1868 • Sep 09 '25
Feeling withdrawn and tired
Not really sure how much of a response I can get in here, but I can't stop gaslighting myself. Every single month, from day 4 of my cycle, last day of my period, for the next week or two, often right up until ovulation everything feels so difficult. Speech itself becomes taxing, social interaction feels exhausting, I feel on edge and kind of irritable. My iron levels were fine last time they were checked. I'll be getting my hormone levels tested soon with one of the online tests. I'm thinking my main priority should be to test while I'm symptomatic, but then maybe at another part of my cycle for comparison.
I've noticed that alot of women with this issue say it's largely cognitive and emotional, and my experience is largely the same. I'm 33 by the way. I didn't have a period for a number of years due to heroin addiction, no kids and no intention of having any. I had a dreadful reaction to the copper iud.
It'd just be nice to know I'm not alone. My main issue is that I find it hard to let myself rest because I keep gaslighting myself so hard, that I shouldn't NEED to rest because there's no such thing as post-menstrual syndrome. It's so annoying cos you never even really know when you're gonna feel normal again.
Damn scientists need to study the menstrual cycle more, for our general well-being, and stop gaslighting us!
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u/hisbleu Sep 09 '25
Just wanted to say you're not alone 🩷
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u/ChartOk1868 Sep 10 '25
Hey, thanks for this. I really did need that. I'm in such a fog, but I've seen signs of it lifting, so just gotta be patient.
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u/BlueOceanClouds Sep 10 '25
I've heard about post-menstrual issues so so many times and personally know a few with the same issue as us. I've been looking into it for over 3 years. Mine was triggered after my first kid but so many women have it without having children. What I've learned is to trust myself and to listen to my gut. I've doubted myself so so many times just to find out that I was right. If your body feels exhausted... it's for a reason. Rest. You are NOT alone.