OCD and menstrual cycle

[Ilovecats27]

Do any fellow females notice their OCD gets worse around their menstrual cycle? I have been tracking my OCD severity for a few months now and it seems to always get worse around then.

[Hidden]

Yes 😱 I have noticed that as well. I feel like ocd gets its claws in worse any time it feels the weakness! Being extra tired, not feeling well...it likes when we are feeling very low. Sorry you're going through it.

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate]

Absolutely yes! My psychiatrist told me the hormonal shifts can affect the severity of symptoms although she did not explain how. I’ll try to find some good resources on it if you’re interested.

I’ve noticed trying to keep my stress low and just doing less around my cycle helps. I spend more time doing yoga and other self care and take a break from anything too stressful.

[Blue_Red in reply to alexandraisobsessed]

I am interested also please

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate in reply to Blue_Red]

I’ll find some information once my son is in bed tonight 😊

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate in reply to Blue_Red]

instagram.com/p/CP3W8oPDEdC...

Here you go! Hopefully you can view it. It’s a post put together by OCD therapist Kimberley Quinlan.

[Ilovecats27 in reply to alexandraisobsessed]

Thank you!

[lml885]

Yes it could be PME

[Ilovecats27]

Thank you for replying! OCD can feel so isolating that I forget there are others out there experiencing the same thing. Yes! I believe it may be connected to the serotonin levels fluctuating from my hormones, during my cycle. Alexandriaisobsessed, you’re right. Trying to take it easy, limiting stressful activities and even my sugar intake, is helpful. I find going for a walk out in nature is helpful too. Thank you for the support everyone!

[Trishly1234]

Absolutely- I’m possibly pre menopausal and depression is also intolerable before I start bleeding- to the point I’m suicidal and can’t stop crying- difficult to track as my cycle is so irregular and it hits me like a brick wall with no warning- almost like a switch- I think it’s to do with oestrogen levels as that can interact with serotonin- might be worth looking at hormone contraception- consider asking your doctor for a gynaecologist referral x

[EleanorRose in reply to Trishly1234]

This is exactly my experience too. My OCD/anxiety and depression is worse in the days before a period starts but my periods are so irregular that I can't always identify it as the cause until afterwards.

[Trishly1234 in reply to EleanorRose]

Hi Eleanor- I’ve started using a free app called balance- it’s primarily for menopause however I use it as a journal to log flow and symptoms- physical and mood - I’m finding it really useful to track any link between hormones and mental health x

[EleanorRose in reply to Trishly1234]

Thank you for the suggestion. I do have a different app that I use but I only use it to track period dates and length, I've never bothered tracking mood/flow/physical symptoms etc. I think I will start doing that this month though, it's a good idea.

[Trishly1234 in reply to EleanorRose]

I’m finding it really useful- I’ve noticed I get tinnitus pre bleeding- something I would never have linked - you can also add notes and use the journal every day regardless of bleeding so you can try and figure your cycle- good luck x

[Ilovecats27 in reply to Trishly1234]

This is so great! Thank you for your help😁

[FlorenceAllbright123 in reply to Trishly1234]

Oh yes!! I get bad mood swings along with it too.

[Hidden]

Sending thoughts of strength to all of you in this thread. I'm sorry you struggle with this too...I know it is just awful.

[Ilovecats27 in reply to Hidden]

Yes, it’s so frustrating to have it adding to the OCD struggle. I hope you feel better through your cycles.

[Hidden in reply to Ilovecats27]

Thank you. The one comfort I've found is that it is cyclical and temporary even though it never feels that way at the time. I remind myself there are better days.

[OCDhell]

Yes I have amplified Ocd every time my cycle co.es. it drives me crazy.

[Ilovecats27]

I agree. I think it amplifies my possible PMDD as well. I always get nauseous and my appetite changes around my cycle. It’s harder to deal with stress. I hope you feel better. We are not alone in this struggle. I’m grateful for everyone who has replied. Thank you, your words of support are beyond helpful! ❤️

[KattiK in reply to Ilovecats27]

Definitely have this too during my period and then about one day after it finishes. I’m 48 so I am definitely peri menopausal. It’s ok for now but I am concerned about the impact menopause will have. I would even consider hormone replacement therapy if it gets bad then. Sending you all the best wishes for your day today!

[Hidden]

I learned about PMDD a few months ago when looking up something like "horrific pms" one day and found out that yes there is a more severe form. So I've been keeping track of patterns and trends. So far it does seem like the worst days start around day 19 or 21 of my cycle, then it's just actually hoping to get my period so I get relief. Not sure what to do with that knowledge but I may talk to my doctor once I have some clear "data". Now that I know more about ocd I feel like at least I can work on coping with that now, whereas before I was aimlessly struggling. Now struggling not as aimlessly haha! That week or so is no joke, though. Some of the darkest times for sure.

[harmocdsucks]

Yes! I totally notice this!

[Latino95]

Yes so I take birth control and only have a period every 3 months it helps and when my period comes I try harder to relax

[joleb]

yes! My symptoms do get worse a week before my period. I was doing great on a combination of therapy and medication then a week before my period is got bad. Does getting on the pill help? I mean birth control.

[joleb]

Hello there! I just read your post here about ocd and pms. Have you found anything that helps reduce ocd symptoms around that time ? Thanks!

[Ilovecats27 in reply to joleb]

Hi Joleb! Yes. I have found it’s a combination that helps me the most. Bare with me.

I use a period tracker to keep a list of my symptoms, including OCD, and have a general timeline of my cycle. I have noticed I have a melancholy day around 3 days before my period. I have a therapist who I make sure to speak with her around my cycle. Either the week before or during. I personally am Plant Based, but I make sure to watch my sugar, caffeine and foods on the high glycemic index. They tend to raise up my energy then drop it low. I get more exercise before and during my period, but if I have severe cramps, I take it easy that day and give myself that down time. On those days, I try to relax and find something that makes me laugh. A good book, movie or even a funny blog. Most importantly, I try to love who I am, OCD and all. No matter how anxious I feel, I am in control. I hope this long list helps! ❤️

[joleb in reply to Ilovecats27]

Thank you so much! Yes, very helpful tips