Around one in four women experience ovulation depression, which is a type of depression that is related to the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and changes in appetite. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a doctor. In this blog post, we will discuss what ovulation depression is and how to deal with it!
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What Is Ovulation Depression?
Ovulation depression is a type of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that can occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects up to eight percent of reproductive-aged women. While PMS generally causes mood swings, irritability, and bloating, PMDD is associated with more severe symptoms that can interfere with your everyday life.
Moreover, ovulation depression can be accompanied by several symptoms. This condition is different from PMS because it is associated with a major depressive episode during the luteal phase.
According to studies, it is estimated that ovulation depression affects between three and eight percent of women of reproductive age. The condition is more common in younger women and usually starts during the early 20s. Because those with ovulation depression tend to experience more severe symptoms, it is important to seek treatment early on.
How To Recognize It?
It might be difficult to know if you’re experiencing ovulation depression because the symptoms may be subtle. Some women, feel a general sense of sadness or “the blues.” Others might have more serious symptoms. Let’s discuss both.
The first type of symptoms including the “blues” are listed below:
- Feel a sense of sadness or emptiness
- May cry more easily than usual
- May feel tired or have low energy
- Have trouble sleeping or sleep too much
- Appetite may change
These symptoms are not as intense as major depression, but they can still be bothersome. Other severe symptoms can make it hard to function. These include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Aggressive behavior
- Mood swings
- Severe crying spells
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory problems
- Thoughts of self-harm
If you have any combination of these symptoms, you may be experiencing ovulation depression. It’s important to talk to your doctor so they can rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or perimenopause. Your doctor can also offer treatments that may help relieve your symptoms.
How Does Ovulation Affect Your Mood?
Ovulation is a process that happens about midway through your menstrual cycle. For most women, this occurs around day 14. During ovulation, your body releases an egg from one of your ovaries.
Ovulation can have some pretty significant effects on your mood. Many women report feeling more energetic and even a bit happier during this time of the month. However, some women experience the opposite. They may feel more depressed or even anxious during ovulation.
This is sometimes called ovulation depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It’s a condition that affects about 15% of women of childbearing age. The symptoms usually start a week or two before your period and go away once it starts.
For some women, the symptoms are so severe that they can’t function normally during this time of the month. If this is the case for you, it’s important to talk to your doctor. There are treatments that can help ease the symptoms of ovulation depression.
What Triggers Ovulation Depression?
There are a few things that can trigger ovulation depression. One is a drop in estrogen levels. This can happen when you miss a period or have irregular periods. It can also happen if you’re taking birth control pills that contain low levels of estrogen. This is called hypoestrogenism.
Another trigger is a rise in progesterone levels. This can happen during the second half of your menstrual cycle or luteal phase. Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare your body for pregnancy. But if you’re not pregnant, it can cause mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
And, there is also a role of brain chemistry in ovulation depression. Some women have a drop in serotonin levels during the luteal phase. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood. A drop in serotonin can cause depressed mood, sleep problems, and fatigue.
Finally, there are some risk factors that develop ovulation depression. These include:
- Family history of mood disorders
- Previous history of depression
- Prolonged stress
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Poor nutrition
So, these are some of the things that can trigger ovulation depression. If you’re feeling down during this time of the month, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if ovulation depression is the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
Can Ovulation Make You Depressed?
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can negatively affect every area of your life. For some women, depression may occur around the time of ovulation. This type of depression is often called ovulation depression. It is real but it’s not well-understood.
The simple answer is Yes, ovulation can definitely make you feel depressed in the days leading up to your period. But it’s not that simple. Not everyone who ovulates will experience ovulation depression and some women who don’t ovulate can still experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a type of depression that occurs in the days before your period.
This is because during ovulation, levels of the hormone progesterone increase. Progesterone is a “mood stabilizer” and when levels are high, it can have a sedating effect. This can lead to feelings of depression, irritability, and fatigue.
So, ovulation is really only one small piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your moods. If you’re struggling with depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if your depression is caused by a hormonal imbalance or something else entirely.
How To Deal With Ovulation Mood Swings?
For some women, ovulation can cause serious mood swings. If you’re one of those women, here are some tips on how to deal with it.
Understand your condition
First of all, this is a real thing. It’s not just “being emotional” or ” PMS-ing.” If you feel like your mood swings are out of control, it’s important to understand that it is a real condition. A lot of times, women feel guilty or ashamed because they can’t seem to control their emotions. But the truth is, ovulation mood swings are a very real thing, and they’re out of your control.
Talk to your doctor
If you’re feeling like your ovulation mood swings are getting in the way of your life, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if what you’re experiencing is normal or if there’s something else going on. There are also a few things you can do to help manage your ovulation mood swings.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to combat ovulation depression. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Exercise also helps to improve sleep quality, which can further reduce stress and anxiety levels. If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and build up gradually. Even moderate exercise like walking or swimming can make a difference.
Distract yourself
It is important to keep yourself busy during this time. Find a new hobby or activity to take your mind off of things. Spend time with friends and family. Go out and do something fun. Anything that will help you take your mind off of your depression and make you feel better is a good idea. When you distract yourself from ovulation depression, you will find that it is easier to cope with.
Challenge your thoughts
Negative thoughts are most of the time linked to every type of depression, so ovulation depression is no different. The first step to getting rid of them is to recognize when you’re having them. Once you know that, you can start challenging the thoughts. Think about how likely it is that what you’re thinking will happen. Are your thoughts based on facts or feelings? It will be easier to let go of the negative thoughts if you can see that they’re not real.
Enhance your self-esteem
Sometimes, the blues during ovulation can be linked to feeling down about your body or yourself in general. If you’re thinking negative thoughts like “I’m so fat,” “I’m such a failure,” or “Nobody likes me,” it might be time to do something to boost your self-esteem. One way to do this is to focus on your positive qualities, both inside and out. For example, you might make a list of things you like about yourself or things you’re proud of that have nothing to do with your appearance.
Try relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are a great way to combat ovulation depression. Consider things like:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
These techniques are all great ways to help you relax and de-stress. If you can find a way to incorporate them into your daily routine, you’ll be on your way to combating ovulation depression. You might try attending a yoga class, listening to guided meditations, or simply taking some time each day to focus on your breath.
All in all, these tips can help you manage ovulation depression. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you’re feeling especially down or if you’re having any thoughts of harming yourself. Remember, you’re not alone in this!
Is Professional Help Needed?
If you’re experiencing ovulation depression and it’s impacting your quality of life, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand and manage your symptoms. For example, they may suggest coping mechanisms or lifestyle changes that can help. The most common therapy for ovulation depression is cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your symptoms.
If your depression is severe, you may need medication to get it under control. Medications work by altering the levels of chemicals in your brain. This can help improve your mood and give you the energy you need to get through the day. But always consult with a psychiatrist who can monitor your progress and make sure the medication is working properly.
Don’t suffer in silence—ovulation depression is a real thing and there’s no shame in seeking help for it. And remember, you’re not alone—many women suffer from ovulation depression and there are plenty of resources available to help you cope.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ovulation depression is a real phenomenon that can affect women of childbearing age. If you think you may be suffering from ovulation depression, talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and feel better. In fact, ovulation depression is one of the most treatable forms of depression. So don’t hesitate to seek help if you think you need it.
For more information and guidance on ovulation depression, please get in touch with our expert therapists at Therapy Mantra. They will be more than happy to assist you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our services. You can also book an online therapy session or download our free Android or iOS app.
