pms and ocd

[joleb]

Hello peers,

I would like to know if pms makes OCD worse?if so, what can help reduce these OCD Symptoms during this time. Also,does anyone know the biology /research behind this connection? Thank you so much!

[mmmmww]

Short answer, yes.OCD does indeed worsen during your period, due to hormones.

I am afraid I have not found anything to reduce it during this time. However it does help just by knowing that it is heightened during this time. That way, if you are conscious of your symptoms being worse, then you can assure yourself that it's only due to your period and will return to normal in a few days. I have found thinking in this way helps me, eg: I have managed to reduce the frequency of my hand washes, but if I find the frequency creep up during my period, I just shrug it off as "it's only my period, it will go back down in a couple days", this eases my mind, so I don't feel like I am taking steps backwards in my OCD journey, and of course a couple days later, it does indeed go back to the same level it was before my period.

Hope that helps.

[joleb in reply to mmmmww]

Thank you so much! You always give me great advice!

[mmmmww in reply to joleb]

No probs, happy to help ☺️

[Sallyskins]

It certainly does! I found the OCD got quite a bit worse and although I had an easy menopause I still have the PMS although I'm no longer bleeding.

One thing that can help with PMS is Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine). It does help alleviate PMS symptoms if taken each day. It can be bought over the counter in chemists or drug stores, or in health food shops.

The contraceptive pill also helps with PMS with some women. The suggestions from mmmmww are good ones too!

[joleb in reply to Sallyskins]

Thank you so much for your advice! I will buy some!

[aparente001]

You may want to meet with your gynecologist to see if they can help with evening out the hormone swings. Some options you might want to ask about: oral contraceptives, evening primrose oil. Best wishes.