Why do I experience pain and depression before periods?
Counsellor, Educator & Psychiatrist,
Jehangir Hospital,
Pune
Q: I am a 35 years old housewife suffering from bipolar disorder and chronic asthma. I am also suffering from both cervical spondylosis and lumbar spondylosis. A week back, before my periods, I experienced pain and depression. At times, good sex with my husband makes me feel happy, which lowers my pain and depressive state of mind. What is the cause for the unbearable pain and depression?
A:Sorry to learn about your troubles. Before periods your problems may be aggravating due to a phenomenon called Premenstrual Tension (PMT). You may be barely managing all the illnesses so addition of one more phenomenon, feels very difficult to manage. Who is managing your Bipolar Illness, talk to that psychiatrist. He should be able to help further. Good lifestyle, with plenty of non alcoholic, non caffinated drinks, healthy food intake, physical and mental exercises would certainly help. Restriction of salt and water intake 5-6 days before your periods would reduce the pain. Sincere request to take proper professionals help.