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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Handle Menstrual Depression?

Hi I wonder if you could recommend anything for feelings of depression however this only happens around monthly cycle, very tearful, blotted severe back pain, irritable mood, feeling hopeless and making irrational decisions, nearly walking out a job I love.
posted on Wed, 17 Jun 2015
Twitter Wed, 27 Apr 2016 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 28 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. The symptoms you are experiencing are part of a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

Switching to a healthy lifestyle is the first step of managing PMDD. Start eating healthy like whole grains, vegetables and fruits and cut back of excessive sugar, alcohol a,d caffeine.

Regular aerobic exercise throughout month will help a lot with PMDD.

You can also start on Antidepressants of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) group from the second half of cycle till you get menstruation. You can also take them for entire month if symptoms are too severe. Birth control pills help, too. However, you should start with these medications after getting a pelvic examination by the gynecologist and ruling out thyroid disorders as a root of problem.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you for trusting HCM for your concern. Let me know if I can be of any more help.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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How To Handle Menstrual Depression?

Hello, I can understand your concern. The symptoms you are experiencing are part of a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Switching to a healthy lifestyle is the first step of managing PMDD. Start eating healthy like whole grains, vegetables and fruits and cut back of excessive sugar, alcohol a,d caffeine. Regular aerobic exercise throughout month will help a lot with PMDD. You can also start on Antidepressants of Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) group from the second half of cycle till you get menstruation. You can also take them for entire month if symptoms are too severe. Birth control pills help, too. However, you should start with these medications after getting a pelvic examination by the gynecologist and ruling out thyroid disorders as a root of problem. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for trusting HCM for your concern. Let me know if I can be of any more help. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah