I 100% believe there's very often a strong genetic link for PMS/PND and peri menopausal depression/anxiety.
My Mum doesn't believe she suffered with PMS. But from being about 7/8 (my Mum would have been in her late 30s) I do remember her regularly having episodes of maudlin tearfulness which lasted a day or two, and deliberately listening to sad music or watching sad films. Conversely, I also remember her having regular episodes of very high spirits, and being very giggly and playful for a day or two.
Then as she turned 40 she suddenly started suffering with extreme anxiety and agitation, literally overnight. She was also crippled with regular migraines. She was described as 'suffering with her nerves'. Then, not surprisingly, all her symptoms magically disappeared after she had a hysterectomy at 43
Looking back as an adult, I am almost positive she did have PMS and was regularly depressed prior to her period starting, and alternatively almost euphoric when ovulating. And the fact is, I was exactly the same for a year or two before all this peri nightmare started. High as a kite in the middle of the month, and in the depths of depression before and during my period.
Listening to stories, I also think she probably had PND after my brother was born. Nothing dramatic, but she appears to have been overly obsessed with his safety and developed a phobia about dirty nappies (couldn't bear to touch them, and would just stuff them in a cupboard until my Dad could deal with them later). Clearly, not completely rational or competent at the time.
There are similar anecdotes about my Grandmother, Auntie and cousin. I think this just demonstrates that the women in my family are overly sensitive to hormonal changes.
I really feel that my medical records should have had me flagged as 'AT RISK' for peri menopausal anxiety/depression.
Author
Topic: oestrogen questions - 7 weeks in (Read 12150 times)