Perinatal depression linked with premenstrual mood disorders – new research
But for the millions of women who have a premenstrual disorder, such as severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), these mood changes can be far more severe than normal.
- But for the millions of women who have a premenstrual disorder, such as severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), these mood changes can be far more severe than normal.
- Premenstrual disorders manifest through a range of symptoms – including mood swings, irritability and fatigue.
- Our study found that women who have a premenstrual disorder may also be at greater risk of depression during or after pregnancy.
- Having a premenstrual disorder may also partly explain why mental health problems may be more common in young women.
Perinatal depression
- The hormonal fluctuations that happen during and after pregnancy can also precipitate a unique form of turmoil: perinatal depression.
- Historically, the threads connecting premenstrual disorders and perinatal depression have been recognised anecdotally.
- We revealed that women with a history of premenstrual disorders are five times more susceptible to developing perinatal depression if they become pregnant.
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Maternal mental health problems – the impact in numbersMoreover, our study is the first to draw connections not just to postnatal depression (depression after childbirth) but also antenatal depression (depression during pregnancy).
- We also showed that women who experience perinatal depression are at a higher risk of encountering premenstrual disorders later on.
Advocate for mental health
- It also suggests that women with a history of premenstrual disorders should be closely screened for perinatal depression, and provided with the help and resources they may need for their mental health before and during pregnancy, and just after giving birth.
- Moreover, it encourages women themselves to advocate for their mental health, armed with the understanding that their experiences before and during pregnancy are not isolated – but part of a broader hormonal narrative that needs addressing.
Donghao Lu receives funding from the Swedish Research Council, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare, and Karolinska Institutet.