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[THREAD]: PMS and Depression. I am sure we know all that feeling when our periods come and we feel like we don't want to do anything. You feel really down and under. Here is a thread explaining why this happens and what can be done to manage it.
It is normal to feel depressed before and during your period. This is simply due to changing hormone levels that have an impact on emotional changes. Most people who menstruate will experience some symptoms of PMS including moodiness & headaches.
PMS can also make menstruators feel sad, irritable, anxious, tired, angry, teary, forgetful, uninterested in Tlof Tlof, sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little. Some menstruators can even develop more severe symptoms such as depression.
So why does this happen? Hormonal changes during the luteal phase may cause a low mood and irritability in some menstruators. After ovulation, the levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to fall. The change in these hormones can affect brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Ever heard of serotonin and dopamine? These are neurotransmitters which are chemicals that influence mood, sleep and motivation. So low levels of serotonin and dopamine can cause sadness, anxiety, irritability, sleep problems and food cravings. Which are all symptoms of PMS.
Now other reasons you might feel depressing before your period include something called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is very similar to PMS but the symptoms are MORE severe. This may affect 3-8% of menstruators.
The symptoms of PMDD include severe depression, axniety and irritability, panic attacks, severe mood swings, frequent episodes of crying, loss of interest in activities and other people. These symptoms are so severe that it affects daily activities.
So how can you fight depression on your period? It's important to track your symptoms. This may help you in confirming your symptoms of depression are connected to your cycle. This will also come in handy when you want to discuss your symptoms during your period with your doctor.
It's important to keep a log of your symptoms because some stigma still surrounds PMS, and thus you may feel confident bringing them up to the doctor instead of just deeming it as “common period symptoms.” While tracking depression during period, make sure to note the following:
Sadness, crying spells, anxiety, irritability, appetite loss, food cravings, sleepiness or insomnia, trouble concentrating, lack of interest in daily activities, lack of energy, tiredness in your period diary. I recommend you download apps like Flo or Clue.
Some vitamins may help in reliving symptoms of depression. Medical trials and studies show that taking calcium supplement reduced PMS-related tiredness, appetite changes, and depression. You may also eat foods including milk, cheese, yogurt, orange juice and green vegetables.
You can also commit to lifestyle changes - exercise, dieting, sleeping for at least seven to eight hours per night, and managing stress (mediation, yoga, deep breathing exercises). I find using apps like Shine, Headspace and Calm assist with dealing with stress and anxiety.
Most importantly - finding support is really crucial especially if your symptoms of depression become overwhelming. Your gynecologist may be the first person to whom you may turn for help. Also turn to your trusted friendship circles to be a support system during this time.
: If you find yourself or know of someone experiencing extreme depression during your period, and are having suicidal thoughts due to that, then please seek help from a suicide or crisis prevention helpline: 0800 70 80 90 or 0800 567 567
PMS or PMDD isn't a personal failure, and symptoms like severe depression shouldn't be taken lightly. As usual, my DM's are open especially if you want to rant or vent about your period being a lot.
Disclaimer: I, The Minister of Menstruation am not a medical professional and gives the advise based on my research and experience. If you have further questions or concerns, speak to a trusted medical professional. 
