PMS

[Parkmama]

I'm 38 and for the past year have suffered with anxiety and depression, I've been taking sertraline 50mg and have been having counselling and therapy to help. I feel a LOT better than I did so I think the medication is working (however a few professionals have suggested 50mg is very low and potentially it's a placebo) anyway the point of my post is, that about 10 days before my period is due I start to feel anxious, sad, tearful, angry etc all the typical symptoms of PMS but in a much more severe form that I've ever known previously. The moment my period arrives, it's like a huge wash of relief and I feel like 'me' again (albeit a sertraline supported version!) so I'm wondering anyone else noticed the sudden onset of severe PMS in late 30's? Is it a sign of the peri menopause? Perhaps I don't need the sertraline at all, perhaps I could handle this using alternative therapies and look at my diet and lifestyle etc? I have been reading 'Period Power' by Maisie Hill which is very insightful but I guess I'm interested to hear from any of you that might have been through similar and how did you handle it?

Hi OP
I'm the same, awful pmt and prescribed sertraline to help with it (the same 50mg). It has helped a lot but I'm still a bit moody just before my period. I'm a bit older than you and my GP said it is the start of peri and can go on for many years.

Hi op. I'm not currently on any antidepressants (have been in the past for PND and anxiety but for the most part I can manage it on my own now). I try to eat well, practice a lot of yoga, walk a lot and get enough sleep. However - I'm 40 soon and over the past six months or so I've noticed that the week before my period is due I feel absolutely dreadful - I cry a lot and my anxiety goes OTT, mostly in social situations - I feel like I want to hide away from the world and want to escape my own skin! Then my period arrives and I'm "me" again. I just wanted to let you know you're not alone!

Thank you I appreciate that! xxx