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PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

I suffer from PMT (Pre-Menstrual Tension), which I'm now starting to believe may have something to do with my depressive cycles. I don't get PMT every time though, so it's hard to say.

Just curious if anyone else has this same issue, and if they can offer any advice as to treatments or ways to relieve the PMT and related depression.

7 replies

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In response to: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Hi @EternalFlame. Over the last six-ish months I noticed that I was really struggling with my mental health stuff when it met with pre-menstrual stuff. I noticed a pattern of an intense increase in my depressive symptoms during pre-menstrual phase and the physical symptoms of it were making the mental health side of things worse also. I spoke with my GP who ran some tests and prescribed a vitamin for the physical stuff. The vitamin relieved things a little but not much helped with the mental health side of things, so we decided to try a contraceptive to see if that helps (this one should stop my cycle entirely as it has done in the past).

Do you have a GP you could talk with about what you're experiencing?

In response to: Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Hi @CheerBear, thanks for your reply. 🙂

I've tried a few different vitamins, however with little results. I have given some thought about going onto some oral contraceptives, and also done some research on the topic.

I would have to talk to my GP about it though, as I am currently on antidepressants. I'll probably talk to the Doc about possibly changing my antidepressant medication as well, as I feel like they're not working anymore.

In response to: Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Hello @EternalFlame

I suffered what used to be called pre memstrual syndrome.. Now of course the medical world has spent heaps of money giving it a new title...

same issue

I also was later told. That I had endometriosis... Only because an astute doctor sent me for further tests due to my intense pain and bloating?....further ultrasounds etc showed a mass which at the time was considered a tumour...hence urgent operation ..cut open to discover a mass of endometriosis... Relief as they assumed cancerous.. Pain wise just dismissed. Hormone s are happening naturally regardless of mental illness.

so always be aware of what is a normal function of your body as well as mental llness symptoms and relate this to your medical practitioners. Because trust me they still have so much to learn

no intention to upset

In response to: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Go to the chemist and pick up a box of Premular. That is for premenopausal women. It's literally saved my life. It's about $20 a month. I've run out a few times and have been too broke to buy more. Within a few days, I go under...depression, irritable, etc. Try it and see what you feel like.

In response to: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

@EternalFlame - I'm starting to think that my peri menopause is linked with my depression and anxiety.
I suggest a mood diary that incorporates your cycle. That way you can see a direct link

In response to: Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Mmm, interesting. I'll have a look into it.
Thanks 🙂

In response to: Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Re: PMT related depression: are there any solutions?

Hi @EternalFlame,

I definitely notice that I struggle even more than normal during the few days before my period starts. Many years ago I tried going on the contraceptive pill to stop my periods but I found that this messed with my hormones more and made things worse. Now I just mark on the calender when my period starts and mark on the next month when it is due. When I am super struggling, I find it helpful to check the calender to see if hormones might be contributing to my big feelings. I don't take any medication to deal with the issue, but just being able to tell myself "ok, this is at least partly due to hormones" super helps because it helps me to remember that the big feelings will pass and I will feel better once my period appears.

And no, I am not going to announce when my last period was so that everyone can mark on their calenders when to expect the next extra super sized wave of big feelings.

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