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Question for women.... (especially SSRI users)

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Posted 10/27/2014 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ladies!

I'm still quite new to the anxiety life and have a personal question to ask. I'm going on my 3rd week of lexapro to help with my anxiety and have been doing very well, despite a horrid first 2 weeks of SEs. This past week and a half have been incredible but I'm noticing I've been particularly more anxious the past two days. I'm wondering if it might have anything to go with my menstrual cycle as I just started today? I've never had bad "PMS" symptoms or mood swings pre anxiety (at least I haven't noticed it lol)... so I'm worried it's not related. Is anyone else on lex here (or another ssri) that notices spikes around this time? I'm so terrified of regressing... Please tell me it's related. :(
Posted 10/28/2014 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
I know hormones have to play a role in having more depression and anxiety during your cycle.

I tell myself every month I am going to keep a journal when I start feeling really bad and see if it is around my cycle, but unfortunately being I am 47 I have Pre menstrual syndrome, menstrual syndrome, and post menstrual syndrome, so some months are better than others.

I actually feel worse before my period, typically when I start(other than the cramps and headache)I feel better till like the last day and then I seem to cry over the kindness of the kitty litter manufacturers for making the litter lighter so it is easier to carry. wink
Posted 10/28/2014 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Keaz and I have been discussing this very thing (menstrual cycle and increased depression/anxiety), on the depression forum. Prior to this years struggles, I never noticed any major mood changes other than short tempered or wanting to eat 25 king sized Hershey bars with almonds 😄. However, this year while trying to get back to normal on meds, my moods (anxiety, low mood), seem to be more noticeable & troublesome than ever in my life (I'm 43).

And like you, I get upset bc I think "omg I'm regressing" & I get scared. My doctor has me keeping a mood journal this month (I have the My Period Tracker" free app on my iPhone I'm using. Interestingly, the moods seem to correlate with pms & ovulation...👺).

I don't think you're regressing. I think we may be uber aware of our moods while we're healing since our struggles are still fresh in our minds.

Sending you much support!
Lisa
Posted 10/28/2014 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I am usually a "no PMS" type of female as in terms of mood swings lol, but after my medication started I became a tad more sensitive right before my cycle. But after a month or two, it returned back to normal again.
Posted 10/28/2014 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
I had a hard time trying to take the SSRI's period. However, I can tell you my hormones play a big role with my anxiety.
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