11/11/2025
How to Manage Depression With PMS
Premenstrual mood changes are common, but for some people, PMS can include depressive symptoms that feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling with low mood, sadness, irritability, or anxiety in the days leading up to your period, you’re not alone and there are steps that can help.
First, track your symptoms. Keeping a simple diary of mood, sleep, appetite and energy levels in the two weeks before your period can help you spot patterns and share useful information with your clinician GP or consultant.
Lifestyle strategies can make a difference. Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, sufficient sleep and stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or gentle yoga may ease mood swings. Limiting caffeine and alcohol and staying hydrated, can also help some people feel better.
Social and professional support matters too. Talking with friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide relief and practical coping strategies. If PMS-related depressive symptoms are affecting daily life, your GP can assess whether treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), other counselling approaches, or, in some cases, medication, may be appropriate.
Medical options include short-term use of hormonal or non-hormonal birth control methods to regulate symptoms (under medical supervision), antidepressants if depressive symptoms are persistent or severe Vitamin and mineral support (e.g., magnesium or vitamin B6 in certain cases).
For more information on why PMS depression happens and how to manage it, see Healthline’s overview: https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-depression -it-happens
If you have questions or wish to discuss concerns you can contact us at: https://lancashiregynaecologist.co.uk/contacts/