What Causes Depression During Menstruation?

Hormones fluctuate during a woman's cycle, affecting mood near menstruation. Depression during and before menstruation affects 75 percent of otherwise healthy women. Factors such as diet and perceived stress contribute to depression during menstruation.

Calcium

Calcium deficiency is responsible for many negative menstrual symptoms. Calcium-regulating hormones fluctuate during a woman's cycle and drop significantly 10 days before menstruation, which may cause depression.

Estrogen

The increase in estrogen levels during menstruation may result in depression because it causes a drop in blood sugar. Low progesterone levels and high estrogen levels also cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger depression.

Stress

According to a psychology study at Bucknell University, women react more strongly to stress right before their periods. Stress can lead to fatigue and depression during menstruation.

Severe Depression

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is severe depression that affects 5 percent of women with premenstrual symptoms. The cause is unknown, but it may be related to abnormal reactions to normal hormone fluctuations.

Treatment

Increasing your calcium intake may help prevent depression during menstruation. Progesterone suppositories have been shown to alleviate depression caused by hormone fluctuations. The drug Danazol also regulates estrogen levels.

Resources

• Cyclical Changes in Calcium Metabolism; Susan Thys-Jacobs, et al.; 2007
• PMS Information; Edward M. Lichten, M.D., P.C.
• Depression Guide; PMDD; 2005