Consistent Menstrual Cycle with Antidepressants

[Advise-Seeker]

Hello, 

I was wondering if anyone has had a similar issue with antidepressant medications?

I have tried various medications. I start to have menstrual bleeding around 2/3 weeks and it does not stop until I stop the medication. I’m already anaemic so that’s this is not ideal.
I have the contraceptive implant in and normally do not get my period at all.

I’m really looking for any help as my psychiatrist, therapist and GP are at a loss and say this side effect only affects a very small number of women. Also, I am seeing a massive positive effect on my mental health when I am on medication so really want to stay on it. Any help would be amazing! Thanks 🙂 

[GreenEgg]

Hello

Yes!! I had the same. Well, at least that’s what I thought the cause was but my GPs have never been convinced.

My period has always been very regular, but I was getting 2 periods a month with no real warning. It would go straight from nothing to very very heavy bleeding. I never went the dr at the time but looking online after I realised it met the criteria to seek care.

I’ve been vegetarian for a long time with stable low iron, but for the first time was diagnosed as anaemic afterwards.

I’m sorry you’re experiencing this too. It’s awful!

G

[GreenEgg]

Oh I just read properly and not quite the same. I thought you meant every 2 weeks. Still they sound similar

[Advise-Seeker]

Thanks for replying. Did you end up having to come off the medications or did things settle after awhile?

[GreenEgg]

I wish I had something more to help, buy I ended up discontinuing. That comes with a disclaimer that I didn’t try much/for long and I know other people have said online that it did resolve in time for them.

When I’ve raised this with GPs since they’ve raised a few things like trying different medication, dosages, needing longer adjustment period. And wanting to rule out other issues that can cause irregularities with blood tests etc.

It’s hard not knowing if something will resolve- I’m sorry this is happening. Hopefully your dr’s will have some ideas or thoughts the next time you see them!