3 Ways Your Period Might Be Making You Sick
How to handle the double whammy known as PMM.
By Stacey Colino
Photo: max-kegfire/istock
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Depression
"A woman with depression may notice her negative feelings are amplified right before her period starts," says Elizabeth Fitelson, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. For severe mood changes that don't respond to other treatments, a doctor may recommend increasing your dose of antidepressants for two weeks prior to menstruation.
In particularly severe cases of PMM, an ob-gyn may recommend suppressing your cycle using a form of continuous hormonal contraceptive. And, of course, a little extra self-care at that time of the month never hurts—advice that goes for every woman.
Do You Suffer from PMM?
Track your symptoms over three months and rate them on a scale of 1 (low severity) to 4 (help!!!). If you're hitting 3s and 4s every cycle, talk to your doctor.
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From the
May 2017 issue of
O, The Oprah MagazineAs a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.
