Can my period be making my anxiety worse?

Valeria83 · Post by **Valeria83** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:20 pm

Hi, I have a question, I don't know if anybody outhere has had this problem. A few days before I get my period I get extremely anxious and depressed for no reason, this is since I restared having my period (last october) after the birth of my son . If somebody has experienced this and knows how to improve it please comment. Thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 15, 2009 4:33 pm

Feeling anxious and depressed before getting your period is common. I know it used to happen to me all the time (I'm past menopause now.) Hormonal changes (I think it's a drop in our estrogen level then) cause these feelings. I think recognizing this is a big step. Getting enough sleep and also exercise is important.
Try to avoid coffee, etc. during that time especially. I used to get a horrible migrane three days before - so I always knew exactly when my period would start, the only good thing about it - which lasted two-three days and left me feeling drained as well. I hope you get some other help from other gals out there. Some of us are more prone to intense feelings of anxiety then than others. I'm glad you asked this question - it's important!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:32 am

Hell YES!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:23 pm

Yes, PMS does affect anxiety. It helps to track your cycle so that you know when you'll be PMS-ing. That way when you start feeling more anxious you can tell yourself, "It's okay. I'm just more sensitive this week. I will feel better soon." Also make sure to eat right and exercise when you're PMS-ing. It really makes a difference!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 11:44 am

Here! Here! PMSing as I type this. Anxiety and depression paid me a visit a couple of days and ago and it's still going strong. Excercise and eating healthy is what I am doing. Also, reminding myself that this is not going to last and doing the breathing skills that we learn in lesson 2....that's my two cents!

myturn

*D* · Post by ***D*** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:21 am

I'm going to say something a little different.

I don't think that PMS directly "causes" anxiety. I think our response to the monthly is so regular that this is the only way we know - anxiety, depressions, etc.

When we have the tools to deal with our feelings there are other ways we can react to the imbalance of our hormones and then we won't have to label ourselves as depressed or anxious because we are on our periods.

Fuzzy Pickles · Post by **Fuzzy Pickles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 2:50 am

Definitely! I watch the carbs/sugar that week as well.

My doctor told me though (similar to what Shifrah said) that it isn't the PMS that causes the anxiety, it just makes it more apparent.

I know I have an underlying anxiety all month long, but I notice it more then.

I'm still working on me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 3:04 am

I have had this (severe PMS) as long as I can remember, in fact I was diagnosed with PMDD. Some months are a little less intense then others, but for the most part.....I do experience mood changes and body symptoms with each menstrual cycle. A few years ago my doctor and I had a discussion about it, and he told me that research has found that there is a strong connection between hormonal changes such as estrogen dropping and progesterone rising, and serotonin levels fluctuating, all on a monthly basis. He said I could try a medication called Wellbutrin which works with the serotonin levels, and that it might help. I never thought I would welcome a medication, but I must say, for me it has made all of the difference in the world. In conjunction with the medication I also practice my skills from the program each time it comes around, and combined, it is really helpful. Exercising and watching your nutrition, as well as taking vitamins are also important. Like the other women said too, just being aware of the time of month also helps to dissipate the anxiety because you know what is causing it. Wishing you all well, JV

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Apr 23, 2009 3:14 am

I'm going to the doctor next week to have my hormones tested. SSRI's make me feel worse. I can't do it. . .