If you have experienced despair and the thoughts of suicide before your period, know that you are not alone. Even if a mood disorder has not been diagnosed, you may experience suicidal thoughts due to hormonal fluctuations during the cycle.
Hormones and suicidal thoughts
How we feel throughout the month, both physically and mentally, depends heavily on three sex hormones: testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.
These hormones fluctuate depending on where we are in our cycle. Therefore, it is possible that a negative positive test may be seen in certain weeks (ovulation phase) in other weeks (corpus luteal phase).
These fluctuations can lead women to experience extreme negative emotions, such as anger, depression, and even the thought of suicide. Research shows That there may be a direct link between a severe decline in estrogen and progesterone after ovulation and an increase in female suicidal thinking.
Research Show That suicide was the second leading cause of death in adolescent girls in America, with 22% of girls reporting suicidal ideation compared to 12% of adolescent boys, which could be due to the experiences of adolescent girls with hormonal fluctuations. Even women who have not been diagnosed with mood disorders (such as borderlines, depression, anxiety disorders) may experience suicidal thoughts due to hormonal fluctuations.
Today’s biggest study of PMDD and suicide 34% of women Those suffering from PMDD attempted suicide. The researchers confirmed that attempted suicide with PMDD is not dependent on depression, PTSD, and other disorders. Sixty-seven percent of women who had never received another mental health diagnosis reported positive suicidal thoughts, compared to 72 percent of women with other mental disorders.
What’s interesting is the recent Swedish research It was found that women experiencing PMS and PMDD tend to suffer from a variety of forms of injury, as well as suicidal behaviors such as car accidents, falls and other accidents.
What is PMDD?
PMDD, or unpleasant disorders before menstruation, is a disorder characterized by severe mood disorders, including severe depression, anxiety, and irritability, which usually begins one to two weeks before menstruation and relieves when the period begins.” explains a sex therapist who has been certified. Aliya Mooreaffects 3-8% of doctoral reproductive age women.
PMDD is not a depression or other mood disorder; Symptoms such as:
- Feeling depressed, hopeless, or suicidal thoughts
- Anxiety, tension, “keying” or “on-edge” emotions
- Persistent and prominent anger or irritability
- Lower interest in normal activities
- Lethargic, easy fatigue, or noticeable lack of energy
- Significant changes in appetite, overeating, or specific food cravings
- Excessive or insomnia
- Other physical symptoms include breast and swelling, headache, joint or muscle pain, bloating, or weight gain
Researchers are not 100% sure why some women have PMDD. But some Research suggests This means that women with preexisting mood disorders, such as major depression and anxiety disorders, are more likely to experience PMDD.
PMDD vs PMS
Most women experience some degree of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). There may be more serious symptoms, but it may interfere with your life more, but others can barely notice it and spend their days as normal.
It is important to be aware of that PMS and PMDD are not the same. PMS can be managed and won’t interfere with your life or become a completely different person, but PMDD can have a big impact on your daily life and healthy functioning
Is there a treatment?
There is no magical cure that completely eliminates severe hormonal fluctuations or PMDD, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms. According to Harvard HealthThere are two ways to manage PMDD.
Antidepressants
Certain types of antidepressants that slow the reuptake of serotonin, known as SSRIs, help some women manage severe symptoms during the luteal stage of the cycle. What’s interesting is that, according to Harvard Health, women with PMDD do not need to take antidepressants every day, but can only do it during the luteal stage of the cycle where symptoms are most severe.
Changes in lifestyle
Lifestyle changes can also affect symptoms and help you manage serious mood swings. Reducing caffeine, sugar and alcohol consumption, focusing on all raw foods, and incorporating aerobic exercise can help improve symptoms. Mindfulness may help you manage your stress. This could have a positive effect on women struggling with PMDD.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
There is Some evidence CBT can help women minimize and may help eliminate symptoms of PMS completely.
What to do when you’re calm
Many women tend to suffer from silence when they experience PMDD symptoms, such as suicidal ideation. It is important to understand that you are not alone and that any discomfort you are experiencing is temporary.
If your symptoms are severe, contact a doctor who can help you find the treatment that’s right for you. Otherwise, consider reaching out to the therapist to see if the speaking therapy is helpful.
