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24 years
Is there any way we can fight depression during PMS?
Jun 17, 2013
2nd opinion

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
There are 2 entities: PMS, and PMDD, or Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. While PMS comprises various physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5-11 days before the monthly menstrual cycle, with symptoms usually stopping by the time the period begins, PMDD is a more severe condition, with severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation. It affects 3-8% of women especially those with predisposing risk factors, namely mood disorders like anxiety or depression. Other less important risk factors include a family history of mood disorders (mostly on the maternal side), alcohol, caffeine, being overweight, &a sedentary lifestyle. PMDD's manifestations are very similar to those of PMS, but they tend to be more severe and may interfere with daily activities. These are in summary:
* Lack of or no interest in daily activities
* Fatigue or low energy
* Feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, irritable, even angry for no reason
* Feeling out of control over behavior, ex food cravings or binge eating
* Mood swings with bursts of crying or panic attacks
* Physical symptoms (as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches...)
* Trouble sleeping &/or concentrating
Here are a few tips to better deal with PMS/PMDD:
1. Healthy lifestyle is the first step: healthy foods (whole grains, veggies, fruits, and little or no salt (to avoid water retention), sugar, alcohol, and caffeine)
2. Regular aerobic exercise throughout the month.
3. Good sleep hygiene (i.e., proper sleep habits)
4. Keeping a diary of all the symptoms you get

If all fails, you may want to consult your physician to take:
1. antidepressants (first line is usually a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to be taken in the 2nd part of the cycle up until your period starts, or for the whole month) vs. cognitive behavioral therapy.
2. Other options include oral contraceptive pills (OCPs or birth control pills)
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Dr. Nemer Charafeddine Obstetrics & Gynecology
If by changing your lifestyle you did not improve, we consider the medical therapy - as stated above-
The goal is to stop the fluctuation of your hormones that do happen in the normal mentrual cycle, so by giving you OCP in a continuous manner , in order not to have your menses.. we can solve this ...
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