Intrusive thoughts worse around period?

[SerenaL8r]

Are anyone else's intrusive thoughts 10x worse around their period/time of the month? My intrusive thoughts have been absolutely horrible the past week and a half, and then I started my cycle yesterday. I've seemed to notice around my period or a week (sometimes 2) leading up to it, my anxiety and everything else will be heightened, so I'm wondering if anyone else's experiences this!

Had a horrible thought pop in my head a bit ago, and it's been driving me crazy even more than usual, but I'm on my period, so wondering if there's any correlation. Any encouragement with intrusive thoughts is appreciated 🫶🏻

[SCC1]

Yes, OCD can get worse then! I don't get periods anymore, but when I did, it was definitely worse about a week before. Then about 2 days after it ended, I felt better. It was horrible for me, too. I had thought I was getting more sick with OCD but after feeling better after my period ended each time, I actually felt really good. Now, when it would've been time for it, I still feel somewhat bad, but I think that's getting a little better with time (although, that can change, too.) It's tough to go through-the heightened OCD, but that doesn't last, at least it didn't for me. Hang in there!

[Sallyskins in reply to SCC1]

I too have noticed pre-menstrual symptoms continuing past the menopause. I've often found myself feeling 'ratty' and the OCD being particularly intrusive, and then realized that it's in line with my pre-menopause menstrual cycle.

[RUtalkingtome in reply to Sallyskins]

The only thing I've noticed about my wife is her body temperature, don't ever think we'll need an electric blanket. It's like sleeping next to a radiator. 😆

[SerenaL8r in reply to RUtalkingtome]

LOL my boyfriend says the same about me, that I'm like a furnace haha

[Sallyskins]

The menstrual cycle certain can (and does) have an effect on OCD! It certainly did with me. I'm past the menopause now, but the body continues to have a monthly cycle, without the bleeding, for some years after the menopause, and I've noticed this.

There are a few things you can do. One is the contraceptive pill. I felt really well on it, and found that it eliminated much of the PMS which made my OCD worse.

If that's something you don't want to take, there is also vitamin B6, or pyridoxine. It's a longstanding remedy for PMS - and the increase in intrusive thoughts is basically driven by PMS. It can easily be bought in drug stores or chemist's or in health food stores.

Take care of yourself while you're feeling so grotty - don't expect too much of yourself and recognize that it is a cycle - and that you will feel better shortly.

[SCC1 in reply to Sallyskins]

Thanks for the suggestions about what you can take for increased symptoms. I'll have to check into that.

[Mom2DnJ]

definitely common for the hormonal change during our period to increase symptoms… if you are on medication it may not feel as though you are on any at all. I’d talk to a good doctor (woman if possible). I’m on an increased dose a few days before my cycle until about 1/2 way through when hormones return to normal. I track my period with an app so I know when exactly to take the increase but at this point I can feel when it’s time. You got this! 🩵

[SCC1 in reply to Mom2DnJ]

I also feel like I'm not on any medication at all. Good way of describing that!

[Mom2DnJ]

also…I now take GABA, L-Theanine and magnesium along with my daily multivitamin (make sure you don’t get too much magnesium combined). 🩵

[Phoenyx in reply to Mom2DnJ]

Are you taking those in addition to SSRIs?

[Mom2DnJ in reply to Phoenyx]

Actually a SNRI… but these vitamins definitely improve my overall mental health. I can feel the difference when I forget them and was taking them before prescribed meds. This combo is great for me. Some people take St. John’s wart etc. I haven’t found the need to add anything or try something different. 🩵

[Phoenyx in reply to Mom2DnJ]

I also take SNRIs. I recently tried NAC and had a horrible depression like symptoms from it and I’m very hesitant to try new stuff. I know St. John’s Wart shouldn’t be taken with antidepressants for sure.

[Mom2DnJ in reply to Phoenyx]

Trintellex is fairly new/expensive but the psychiatrist that prescribed it is very up to date on newer medications. I didn’t know that about St John’s wart… I wonder if people take it instead of prescription drugs. 🩵

[Phoenyx in reply to Mom2DnJ]

Yes, it’s either St John or SSRIs. Same for 5HTP. You can’t take it with antidepressants.

I don’t care about the cost! I will gladly pay it if it works for OCD. Thank you for sharing the drug info with me. I’ll look into it

[SerenaL8r in reply to Mom2DnJ]

I actually started taking magnesium supplements about a week ago, maybe less - and take them before bed every night. I do notice they help me relax and sleep very well! I definitely will need to set an appointment up to get back on medications for the anxiety part

[vinnie18121]

Yes I have been having that problem and I tried going on the pill but it just made me have increased ocd spirals at random times rather than just the week and a half before my period

[joleb]

Absolutely! I asked my doctor and she also confirmed a correlation. She recommended I got up slightly on my medication during the PMS period and it helped me so much. Ask your doctor too . I recommend it.