Common mood swing medication in PMS
Common mood swing medication in PMS

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Common mood swing medication in PMS

Common mood swing medication in PMS

It is widely believed that rising and falling estrogen and progesteone levels are the causes of PMS and mood swings but it is still unknown why certain women experience much more serve and longer lasting PMS than other women.

mood swings medication related pmsIt is thought due to diet, exercise, lifestyle combine with natural fitness that some women have lower levels of hormonal fluctuation. That being said, 40% of all women every month experience PMS symptoms and most commonly, mood swings. They can range from feelings of slight agitation, to depression and anger.

What are mood swings and PMS

PMS and the mood swings that develop from it are caused by an imbalance of hormones. During the menstrual phase, before ovulation, the amount of estrogen and progesteone fluctuate to allow for the natural release of the egg. During this time, up to two weeks before ovulation, a woman may experience physical and mental disturbances.

Although it is a natural process, a woman might be greatly affected by the change in levels of hormones depending upon the amount of change and how her body reacts.

What treatment is available?

To combat mood swings during PMS there are a couple of directions available. In the past women were given all sorts of drugs to calm the hysterics mainly being tranquilizers and sedatives. In recent years, progesterone has been given to counteract the rising levels of estrogen.

mood swings medication related pmsThese medications for the most part have been seen to be affective but cannot be taken for extended amounts of time and can cause side effects of dizziness or tiredness and often other medications are given alongside to combat the side effects.

Nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, such as, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen are given to help with the general pain. These drugs do not have side effects unless haven heavily for longs period of time. Stomach pain and ulcers and heartburn can be present but taking them with food will greatly reduce the chance of pain or irritation.

In serve cases a drug called Danazol is given to suppress higher amounts of pain experienced. This drug is effective but cannot be used longer than three cycles in a row because of the side effects.

Gonadotropin, another common mood swings medication, helps some women with mood swings in PMS. The drug releases hormones and can be effective. The downside is that it also has side effects on bone density and should not be taken for a period longer than six months.

Although not used as much as they were to treat PMS, antidepressants, such as, Prozac and Zoloft, have been given to women who suffer from serve mood swings and depression related to the chemical imbalance.

What is the difference between the treatments?

mood swings medication related pmsThe difference between the treatments is great. Some women are comfortable with simply taking ibprofen and similar drugs as mood swings medication. Other women who experience harsher mood swing symptoms usually go towards a hormonal drug to combat the rising level of estrogen. Many times these hormonal drugs are accompanied with other drugs to fight off sleepiness and tiredness but have been found to be affective.

Other drugs such as Danazol are given to women in higher amounts of pain but can only be taken for a certain length of time. This is true also with some hormonal drugs.

In short there are many drugs ranging from light to heavier drugs and half being hormonal drugs. Many of the hormonal drugs have been found to work effectively.

Also on the market are alternative drugs which many women have found useful. These drugs generally do not come with side effects and can be taken alone or accompany prescription drugs.

Lastly, if you are experiencing serve pain or something you think not normal, see your doctor. Your doctor can explain different options and what is available to you.

If you are experiencing heavy mood swings, depression, anxiety and violent outbursts, contact your doctor. You and your doctor can work together to find a mood swings medication that works for you.

Other Related Articles:
Mood swings, menopause and hysterectomy
Menopausal women and mood swings
Menopausal Mood Swings
Mood Perimenopause Symptoms

Sources:
  • "Adult Mood Swings". The Health Center. www.thehealthcenter.info.
  • Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love’s Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
  • Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition". Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
  • "Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain’s Response to Stress". Molecular Psychiatry. www.psycheducation.org.