She Strengthens

The Unwelcome Visitor: Understanding PMS and Depression

Your period can be a real nuisance, announcing its arrival with a range of physical and emotional symptoms. But for some, these symptoms can be severe and debilitating, blurring the lines between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and depression.

What is PMS?

PMS is a catch-all term for the physical and emotional symptoms that occur leading up to your period. It’s a common experience for many women, with some feeling only mild discomfort while others are hit with a range of symptoms. Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of PMS remain unclear, but hormonal fluctuations are thought to play a key role.

The Symptoms of PMS

In the week or so before your period, you may notice:

• Breast tenderness
• Cramping
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• GI symptoms and bloating
• Food cravings
• Headaches
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety or depression
• Mood changes

These symptoms are linked to the hormonal shifts happening in your body. When you ovulate, your estrogen levels drop, and progesterone levels increase, triggering a decrease in serotonin, a chemical that regulates your mood, appetite, and sleep cycle.

The Connection to Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Its symptoms range from mild to severe and can interfere with daily life. While depression and PMS share some symptoms, including mood changes, fatigue, appetite changes, and sleep problems, they are distinct conditions.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a severe form of PMS that affects around 5% of menstruating women. It’s characterized by extreme sadness, hopelessness, irritability, or anger, as well as physical symptoms like cramps, bloating, and nausea. If your pre-period symptoms are severe enough to impact your daily life, you may have PMDD.

Treatment Options

Luckily, there are ways to manage PMS and PMDD symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Hormonal birth control
• SSRIs (antidepressants)
• Nutrition and supplements (like vitamin B-6 and calcium)
• Lifestyle changes (like light exercise, meditation, and deep breathing)

Seeking Help

If you’re struggling with PMS or PMDD symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are resources available to support you, including the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) and the National Alliance on Mental Health website.

By understanding the complex relationship between PMS and depression, you can take the first step towards managing your symptoms and reclaiming your life.