One of the most interesting things about pre-menstrual syndrome is that it is a depression (Mood disorder). The best results available are with antidepressant medications. I realise that it is hormonal and therefore logically should respond to hormone treatment. Unfortunately many women are sensitive to the oral contraceptive, implant or patches and their mood disorder becomes worse.
PMS can be very severe, not just for the sufferer but their family and friends as well. There is ample evidence that it affects cognitive functioning and the likelihood of breaking the law or precipitating significant social effects is high.
There is little data as to whether it increases the chances of a major depressive disorder. There is anecdotal evidence that it settles somewhat after having a child. but I do not see pregnancy as a 'cure'. It has been noted in Bipolar Disorder as well as unipolar depression. Anxiety symptoms have not been recorded as related to menstrual cycle although this seems unusual.
Antidepressants are the best treatment. Pulse therapy, an increased dose two weeks before a period and reduced dose on the first day of menses, has the best outcomes if mood still varies with the monthly cycle.
It is all related to the hypothalamic/pituitary/immune axis of brain function.
So there is help available. You don;t have to suffer in silence.
PMS can be very severe, not just for the sufferer but their family and friends as well. There is ample evidence that it affects cognitive functioning and the likelihood of breaking the law or precipitating significant social effects is high.
There is little data as to whether it increases the chances of a major depressive disorder. There is anecdotal evidence that it settles somewhat after having a child. but I do not see pregnancy as a 'cure'. It has been noted in Bipolar Disorder as well as unipolar depression. Anxiety symptoms have not been recorded as related to menstrual cycle although this seems unusual.
Antidepressants are the best treatment. Pulse therapy, an increased dose two weeks before a period and reduced dose on the first day of menses, has the best outcomes if mood still varies with the monthly cycle.
It is all related to the hypothalamic/pituitary/immune axis of brain function.
So there is help available. You don;t have to suffer in silence.
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