Help for depression before period

[Batsypatsy]

Dd18 suffers with depression, but I'm seeing a pattern emerge where she's much worse for a week or two before her period.

Has anyone experienced this and found something that helps? I've tried her on EPO but it didn't seem to help, however it wasn't a very high dose.

Any suggestions very welcome.

Have a look at the cycle diet, cod liver oil. Maybe a gp blood test to rule out anything? I am bouncier for part one and a lot more reflective in part two of the month - I try to adjust activity accordingly. Diet is everything IMO.

Thanks. The gp ran tests three times, eventually said they were inconclusive, she's probably ok It's so difficult to get an appointment and then they tell you nothing. I asked for more details but got mainly waffling. I'm thinking of seeing another doctor but the only one who's any good only works two days a week so it's nearly impossible to get an appointment.

Google pmdd

I have done, thanks.

Just wondered if anyone had personal experiences of something that has helped.

Apologies Gre8, I've looked into it now and possibly that would fit. Seems the pill could make things worse so we'll hold off on that whilst I look into it more.

There is something that the GP can prescribe if they're happy to, it's called Pyridoxine. It's basically a vit b6 supplement. I had it when I was younger and I did notice an improvement.

Thanks Halloumi I'll look into it.

I’ve had bad pms since my teens, MH symptoms, sometimes a few days, sometimes up to two weeks, urgh! there are specialist NHS clinics, I was offered and declined antidepressants.

Diet - lots of veg, less sugar and beige food - and exercise (all month) make a big difference for me.

A few private doctors recommend hormone treatment, if things ever get v bad for me again I’d investigate that.

I also suffer with depression, like your dd, perhaps we're more sensitive to the fluctuations in hormones or something?

I must admit, the thing that has improved my pms the most (although I still experience v bad pms) is an increase in my antidepressants. But that's obviously a very individual thing.

I'm a dispenser and I see scripts for women for antidepressants taken daily which state in the patient directions are prescribed solely to help them manage their extreme pms. I guess the thinking is that 2wks of feeling awful before your period warrants taking anti-ds daily even if you don't suffer with low mood during the rest of the month. If you think about it, 14 days out 28 is 50% of the time. And in your daughter's case it may be that an alteration (if she already takes them) to her antidepressants can help even things out for her and might be something to consider.

I get really low mood at specific time in my cycle. Usual things work, exercise, not being too 'work tired', eating lots of healthy stuff, just to ride it out. Being aware its temporary helps. I go to ground for a while if necess ary

Thanks guys. Her gp doesn't want to increase her antidepressants and thinks she needs cbt. He prescribed the combined pill for her today but I've told her to hold off taking it for now until I look into it more.

The ONLY thing that ever worked for me was going on the pill. It has made such a huge life altering difference and when I came off the pill when TTC, boy, I really knew about it. It's like I'm not even myself for a few days, anxiety and depression go through the roof, but settle down a few days into aunt flo, then back to normal for 3 weeks.

It's exhausting OP and your DD has my sympathy. Good luck, some good suggestions here.

Thanks Star. Now I'm unsure what to do!

@Batsypatsy What pill are you on, please?