"Since 2013, … Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Antidepressant therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine may help alleviate premenstrual depression. Because of the chemicals present in many antidepressants, women can harm their bodies because of prolonged use and even cause irregular menstrual cycles to occur. Antidepressants that belong to a group known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline and escitalopram, can cause high levels of a hormone called prolactin to be released. A licensed psychotherapist since 2000, Wolf counsels individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, body image, parenting, aging and LGBTQ issues. Some women taking antidepressants may experience side effects and changes in their monthly cycle or menstrual period. Some people can handle a steeper glide path, says Valuck, but both approaches gradually reduce the dose in your system so that your body can adjust in baby steps.

Department of Health & Human Services: “Facts About Menopausal Hormone Therapy.”American College of OB/GYNs: “Heavy Menstrual Bleeding.”Up To Date: “Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) (Beyond the Basics),” “Heavy or irregular uterine bleeding during chemotherapy,” “Warfarin (Coumadin) (Beyond the Basics).”Mayo Clinic: “Daily Aspirin Therapy: Understand the Risks & Benefits,” “Levothyroxine (Oral Route).”Harvard Mental Health Letter: “Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder.”Susan G. Komen Foundation: “Long-term side effects of chemotherapy.”Office on Women’s Health: “Hashimoto’s disease.”WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Since the late 1980s, America and the world have been enjoying the benefits of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These antidepressants — fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), and escitalopram (Lexapro) — are among the world's most widely prescribed medications. User Info: tinydancer98. But if your However, if you take the progestin-only “mini-pill,” your cycle may be less regular at first. Antidepressants may interfere with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Antidepressants that are used to treat depression may also affect the menstrual cycle, leading to amenorrhea. It’s normal for your period to change slightly from month to month -- your flow might start a little earlier or later or be a little heavier or lighter. // Leaf Group Lifestyle I just started taking an antidepressant and I just started my period a couple days ago. It can … This is the first one I've had under the influence of the medication which I started about two weeks ago. Depression is approximately twice as common in women as it is in men in the … It may seem far-fetched that an antidepressant could actually affect the content of your dreams, but it ain't science fiction — it's true.
For some women, taking prescribed antidepressants for only a few days each month may help regulate menstrual cycle-related mood changes. Infrequent, uncommon side effects for sertraline or Zoloft are menstrual disorder; dysmenorrheal or severe uterine pain; intermenstrual bleeding; vaginal hemorrhage; amenorrhea or absence of menstruation; leucorrhea or abnormal vaginal discharge; and rarely, menorrhagia or heavy bleeding.Reproductive or menstrual-related side effects of escitalopram or Lexapro are infrequent and may include menstrual cramps, menstrual disorder, menorrhagia or heavy bleeding, spotting between periods and pelvic inflammation.Maura Wolf's published online articles focus on women, children, parenting, non-traditional families, companion animals and mental health.
Pregnancy is the most obvious reason for a missed period, but certain medical conditions, changes in your work or exercise habits, or even stress also can mess with menstruation.