Can periods bring on depression?
Feeling depressed before and during a menstrual period is common. Experts believe that these emotional changes occur as a result of fluctuating hormone levels. Most people who menstruate will experience some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including moodiness and headaches.
Does depression get worse when you’re on your period?
Premenstrual worsening of depression was reported by 64% of the women. These women also reported a longer current depressive episode — nearly 30 months, compared with 13.5 months for women who said their depression didn’t worsen before menstruation.
Why does my period affect my mental health?
Changes in serotonin levels can contribute to PMDD systems since serotonin helps control mood, sleep, and pain. While underlying depression and anxiety are common in both PMS and PMDD, the hormonal changes that trigger a menstrual period can worsen the symptoms of mood disorders.
Does menstruation affect mental illness?
Throughout your monthly menstrual cycle, levels of certain hormones rise and fall. These hormone levels can affect how you think and feel mentally and physically. Mental health conditions can cause period problems or make some period problems worse: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
How do you mentally feel better on your period?
Regular exercise can make cramps less painful and help with PMS symptoms. Plus, exercise is a good mood lifter. Some girls find that heating pads or warm baths can also help with cramps. If your periods are still painful, talk to your doctor for other suggestions.
How can I stop PMS depression?
Lifestyle changes
- Exercise. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes more days of the week than not.
- Nutrition. Try to resist the junk food cravings that can come with PMS.
- Sleep. Not getting enough sleep can kill your mood if you’re weeks away from your period.
- Stress. Unmanaged stress can worsen depression symptoms.
What is PMS depression?
Low levels of serotonin are linked to feelings of sadness and irritability, in addition to trouble sleeping and unusual food cravings — all common PMS symptoms. Your symptoms should improve when estrogen and progesterone levels rise again. This usually happens a few days after you get your period.
Is PMS depression real?
This refers to when symptoms of an existing condition, including depression, become worse in the weeks or days leading up to your period. Depression is one of the most common conditions that coexists with PMS. About half of all women who get treated for PMS also have either depression or anxiety.
How can I feel better emotionally on my period?
The following PMS treatment options can help stabilize mood swings and improve a woman’s emotional health in the weeks before menstruation:
- Exercise. Physical activity can lift moods and improve depression.
- Small, frequent meals.
- Calcium supplements.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sweets.
- Stress management.