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One for the ladies! Sertraline, Perimenopause & Periods

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louise24797
louise24797

Hello,

I've been on 25mg of Sertraline for 6 weeks. I've had a lot of side effects but have been noticing an improvement in my anxiety.

This week I found out my cousin and his wife have COVID-19 and at first my anxiety wasn't too bad but over the last few days it's got bad again. Not the same as before, less physical shaking etc, but still unpleasant and constant fear, along with feeling really low, hopeless and crying.

I'm 46 and I'm pretty sure I'm perimenopausal, my period is also due. So I'm not sure if this spike in anxiety is due to hormones, another phase of the meds needing to level or if I need to increase the dose. I know 50mg is the adult therapeutic dose but with the side effects and feeling better till now I've stuck at 25mg.

Have any other women experienced increased anxiety around their periods?

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • GodsServant
    GodsServant louise24797

    Edited

    YES! I've experienced increased anxieties around my period! As well as the holidays because it's so stressful with all the expected things to do for the holidays, and the gatherings with stressful family folks, and the lack of sunlight, too.

    From what I'm hearing, I don't think you need to increase your dose, but I think you need talk therapy to help you with your issues. Also, make sure you get enough sunlight. Take a long walk. Also, try not to be HALT (stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired as any of this will increase your anxieties). Try to get enough rest and sleep. Unwind.

    In a few days, you will feel better once your period is over. I am already in menopause - have been for a couple of years now - and I am only 44 years old.

    • louise24797
      louise24797 GodsServant

      Posted

      Thank you, that's good to hear I'm not alone in this, my period has nearly started so it will be interesting to see and thanks re: dose advice. I think if I was on 50mg I'd wait it out, but because I'm still on 25mg the doubt is there as to whether or not I need to increase.

      Don't us women have a rough ride with our hormones and the bloomin' menoause! I'm sure my current increase in anxiety - which has been increasing since my early 40s - is due to perimenopause, my periods are all over the place too.

      I like your HALT advice, the lonely part will be tricky as I live alone. I'm happy in my own space and spending time on my own, but self isolating alone is a different story. But my neigbours are lovely and my family are great and I FaceTime them regularly. My dog makes sure I get out for a walk. I have been leaving it too long to eat in the mornings so wonder if that is causing some of the issue.

      Thanks again.

    • louise24797
      louise24797 GodsServant

      Posted

      Sorry, forgot to say I'm having some counselling again, and I've got techniques to use but it's a long game to change old habits. 😃

    • GodsServant
      GodsServant louise24797

      Edited

      Louise, I used to live alone for 5 years, too. Like you, I am an introvert in that I LOVE alone time. My idea of a good time is just a great movie, a great book, great good, music, conversations, some exercise, watch the news, etc. But remember that living or being alone is NOT the same as being or feeling lonely. As a matter of fact, there were years when I was more lonely than anything even though I wasn't (living) alone.

      It's good that you have good friends. Even when it comes to friends, quality trumps quantity. Good that you have a therapist. Unresolved issues is so bad for stress, etc.

      Yes, it's a drag being a woman with all the hormones, but I wouldn't go back because it was much more hellish when I was younger. Now I at least sort of know how to manage this illness. I'm so glad to be able to give something back after the hell I've gone through with sert to get here. Take care.

    • louise24797
      louise24797 GodsServant

      Posted

      This is lovely thank you, I think I realised that today that I am in fact struggling a bit from being lonely. But my sister called and we had a great chat and it made me feel so much better, so I need to reach out more.

      Thank you for your advice. 😃

    • GodsServant
      GodsServant louise24797

      Edited

      Yes, loneliness is not good for your well-being. I used to think I can do it all and I can be alone and that any other way would be a sign of weakness. But then I came to realize that nobody goes through this life alone. And why in the world do I always make it that much harder for myself when it could've been so much easier?!? It's not a sign of defeat to reach out to others - just remember to pay it forward when a stranger reaches out to you. God bless. 😃

    • louise24797
      louise24797 GodsServant

      Posted

      Thank you, you're right and sound similar to me. I'm usually the one offering help so receiving it can sometimes feel odd, but I'm getting use to it now, just about! 😉

  • CL9929
    CL9929 louise24797

    Edited

    Hi

    When i was on sertraline, i'd have pretty much constant anxiety attacks about a week before my period. I found a woman's multivitamin with evening primrose and starflower oil massively helped.

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