There is a stereotype of women becoming moody and emotional during their menstrual cycles. This tendency is at the core of many jokes, but it has a factual basis. Depression is a condition that affects both men and women, but females can have a certain type during their reproductive years that is centered around the menstrual cycle. It is a distinct condition with its own name, and it can be treated if it's severe enough to negatively affect a woman's life.
Definition
Depression is a condition with distinct symptoms. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) cite sleeping problems, appetite changes, low energy levels, irritability, restlessness, social withdrawal and impaired concentration as typical traits. Severe cases of depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Some women only have mild depression symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. This is referred to as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), according to the Mayo Clinic. There is also a more severe version called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Time Frame
Normally depression lasts for at least two weeks and can persist for six months or longer. However, when it is linked to the menstrual cycle, it generally only occurs during a certain part of the cycle. According to the NIH, it starts about a week before a woman's period and resolves itself when the period ends. This is true of both PMS and PMDD.
Prevalance
The Mayo Clinic estimates that up to 75 percent of females have mild to moderate PMS symptoms, including depression, at some point in their reproductive cycle. About 10 percent suffer effects that are severe enough to be classified as PMDD. The depression is accompanied by mood swings, anxiety, tearfulness and even flu-like symptoms.
Treatment
PMS often does not require any treatment because the depression is not severe and resolves itself when the woman's period is done. PMDD can have negative life effects, so many women choose to treat it. The Mayo Clinic lists antidepressants and oral birth control pills and two common and effective treatments. One birth control pill, Yaz, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for treating PMDD. However, some women have bad side effects from this drug.
There are also some effective natural PMDD remedies. Mayo states that calcium, vitamin B-6 and magnesium may all reduce PMDD symptoms, including depression. An herb called chasteberry has also been shown to stabilize emotional symptoms.
Prevention
Depression during the menstrual cycle can often be prevented by certain lifestyle changes. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular physical exercise and cutting back on caffeine. Mood can also be boosted by eating more carbohydrates in the week before your period begins, according to Mayo.
