Depression meds possibly affecting period?

[GingerInvasion]

Lately, I have noticed that my period has been starting earlier and earlier. The first time was just by 2 days (Friday). The next one started on Tuesday. It just started today (Sunday), but a week early.

 

Since December 30th, I have been on Sertraline for my depression (Brand-name is Zoloft), and I have noticed that my PMS symptoms since starting on it have been almost non-existent (my overall mood has been noticeably better as well).

Before starting, my PMS consisted of uncontrollable crying, tantrums, and a general feeling of self-hate.

 

The only problem I saw with this change, before now, is that I can no longer count on overwhelming sadness to indicate my period in the next few days if I forgot to keep track. Now, I have to remember how long ago my last one was.

Could this be the result of the medicine? Should I talk to my psychiatrist, or should I not even worry?

[topaMAXX]

Zoloft causes the release of serotonin, so yes, it will definitely affect your mood and would likely decrease your crying spells.

 

Are your periods themselves normal?

 

It sounds like this only affects your PMS, which I would imagine is a good thing, no?

[GingerInvasion]

Zoloft causes the release of serotonin, so yes, it will definitely affect your mood and would likely decrease your crying spells.

 

Are your periods themselves normal?

 

It sounds like this only affects your PMS, which I would imagine is a good thing, no?

 

Well, The periods themselves are normal, but the time in-between them seems to be decreasing.

 

But yes, from how bad it used to be, I'd almost wager I had PMDD. Like I said, I have to keep track now since my mood doesn't change (the appearance of acne usually helps though...). I have been keeping track this time, and I was supposed to still have a week before it started again.

[topaMAXX]

Well, The periods themselves are normal, but the time in-between them seems to be decreasing.

 

But yes, from how bad it used to be, I'd almost wager I had PMDD. Like I said, I have to keep track now since my mood doesn't change (the appearance of acne usually helps though...). I have been keeping track this time, and I was supposed to still have a week before it started again.

 

If your periods are actually changing because of the meds, I'd say follow-up with your doctor.

[FitChick]

The only problem I saw with this change, before now, is that I can no longer count on overwhelming sadness to indicate my period in the next few days

This is an obvious sign that your depression and moodiness are due to hormone imbalance. You are merely treating the symptoms by taking Zoloft. You'd be better off physically and mentally if you saw an endocrinologist to see if you need your hormones balanced. That can be as easy as rubbing in progesterone cream from Whole Foods or more involved by wearing an estradiol patch and/or using progesterone. That would be the natural cure with no side effects. If you have insurance look into it. It involves having blood tests. I would ask for a blood test for vitamin D levels as well, which are known to be involved with depression. Quick fix for that one, too. Take Vitamin D3. But your endocrinologist might prescribe a high dose of D. You need to get the blood work done. Staying on pharmaceuticals might make you feel better initially but as you are experiencing, there are always side effects.

Edited March 3, 2014 by FitChick

[Els]

The not knowing your periods are coming bit, sounds like a good thing, honestly. It's not that hard to keep track. Just mark it on your calendar, or use your phone calendar app.

 

About it coming early, that's not a common side effect of antidepressants. How long are your cycles to begin with?

[melell]

I think it would be a great idea to identify if you are ovulating or not- go to any fertility website and you can learn about ways to do this.

If you are ovulating it sounds to me like it is pretty likely your luetal phase is reducing, that is normally the last 14 days of your cycle, this means lows progesterone and comes with a host of problems.

 

 

 

I went through a really stressful time at one point and ended up with a hormone imbalance as a result.

 

It was bad enough the two thirds of the month I was horribly depressed, the rest of the time moderately. I fit all the criteria for acute depression.

 

My rises and drops in estrogen were as bad as the progesterone (pms time). To the point that just before ovulating I was near suicidal. I can't even begin to stress how much of an impact hormones can have- the feelings they can produce are as intense as acute mental illness.

 

I didn't feel like I was the same person, it was terrible. Even in the months after it was identified that hormones were a big problem, I would still become suicidal at certain times- I knew it was hormones, but it didn't change how I felt.

 

This lasted about 8 months before it was under control.

 

All doctors and psychologists pushed for me to take meds, quetiapan specifically. I didn't take them. I ended up taking mega doses of b vitamins and vitamin d, this managed my stress hormone secretions, which let all of my hormones rebalance. I monitored hormones with basal body temping- the moment my temps balanced, the moment all of my mental illness symptoms disappeared. It was seriously like day and night.

 

I highly recommend looking into that side of things, even if you end up having no problems in that area, it is worth checking it out. I would have never believed the effect it could have prior.

[pickflicker]

Lately, I have noticed that my period has been starting earlier and earlier. The first time was just by 2 days (Friday). The next one started on Tuesday. It just started today (Sunday), but a week early.

 

Since December 30th, I have been on Sertraline for my depression (Brand-name is Zoloft), and I have noticed that my PMS symptoms since starting on it have been almost non-existent (my overall mood has been noticeably better as well).

Before starting, my PMS consisted of uncontrollable crying, tantrums, and a general feeling of self-hate.

 

The only problem I saw with this change, before now, is that I can no longer count on overwhelming sadness to indicate my period in the next few days if I forgot to keep track. Now, I have to remember how long ago my last one was.

Could this be the result of the medicine? Should I talk to my psychiatrist, or should I not even worry?

 

You can take the contraceptive pill with sertraline, that might help iron out the symptoms. Have a chat to your GP.