Your period may be making your depression worse

One in six women in the US has from depression — symptoms worsen during menstruation

One in six women in the United States has depression, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data based on a self-reported questionnaire. And new research seems to confirm what many suspect — the symptoms often can get worse just before your period.

It’s called premenstrual exacerbation (PME) of depression, and as many as 58 percent of people with depression who menstruate might have it, studies suggest.

“It could be they’re experiencing premenstrual worsening of depressed sadness, or feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or loss of interest or pleasure,” said Jaclyn Ross, a licensed clinical psychologist at the Chicago Premenstrual Disorders Clinic.

Most recently, a study published in BMJ Mental Health found that mood ratings were lowest from three days before until two days after their period in women with depression who tracked their symptoms.

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