Uterus & Mental Breakdowns: PMDD

The menstrual cycle, the gift that keeps on giving. Whether its intense cramping, jumping aboard the bloat boat, or headaches- the “time of the month” has it all. We all experience our periods differently, but what I would like to shine a light on is a woman’s mental health during this time.

As we journey through the menstrual cycle our hormones undergo changes in levels. For some people they can experience an abnormal reaction to these changes. The hormonal changes can cause a reduction in serotonin, which has a strong relationship with depression. Being sensitive to the hormone changes could be due to genetic inheritance or because of trauma. To be truthful, researchers don't really know why some people are more sensitive to these hormonal changes.

For those who are sensitive to hormonal changes in the natural monthly cycle they may experience: mood swings, tearfulness, feeling angry or irritable, feeling hopeless, anxious/ tension, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, lack of interest in things and suicidal thoughts.

Some women have described this as ‘pushing the self-destruct button’ once a month. Finding it hard to carry on day to day as ‘normal’. Describing not feeling themselves when they are on their period. Whilst there are plenty of comedic memes about women being on their ‘time of the month’, emotional symptoms such as these are listed in the DSM-5 under ‘Premenstrual dysphoric disorder’ (PMDD). This can seriously impact on relationships, work, and social life. This is not something women should just accept and face alone each month. It may be worth seeing if these symptoms are cyclical, keeping a journal of your mood may better help find a connection. Ultimately, you will know your experience best.

So, what can I do about this?

There are some lifestyle changes that could be brought in to increase hormone production and settle the imbalance-

Exercising, regular sleep, reducing alcohol and caffeine.

Alternatively, IAPT services offer CBT to help manage the physical and emotional symptoms.

Antidepressants to boost serotonin levels. Pain relief to manage the physical discomforts.

It would be worth discussing this with a GP if you did have concerns about this, to help guide you on the right care pathway. It could lead to referral to more specialized support, but it is important to not ignore how you feel each month.