Can SNRIs affect menstruation?

[Rae76]

Hi,

Weird question. I am in the process of tapering off from an SNRI in preparation for changing medication.

My period is due, but instead I have had a week of cramps on and off and sore breasts but no bleeding. I don’t know whether the withdrawal can affect this at all or whether something else is going on. I have had every withdrawal symptom on the list but nothing like this was mentioned. I’m seeing the GP in three days anyway but I just wondered if I should be taking a pregnancy test in the meantime! We haven’t been using protection but, I had to use IVF for my two kids because i was supposed to be unable otherwise!

Sorry I should probably just wait for the GP but I’m wigging out since we didn’t want a third child.

thanks.

[Croix]

Dear Rae76~

It is not a weird question, it is in fact perfectly understandable under the circumstances.

Unfortunately I doubt anyone here could give you the certainty you would like. I'm not a doctor and can only say from general knowledge that here may be some women reporting changes to their cycles due to medications, and also that home pregnancy tests need the correct timing and circumstances to be as reliable as possible.

Perhaps our 24/7 Help Line (1300 22 4636) might be able to give advice however I suspect a doctor's examination really is the only way you are going to get the facts. Maybe you can see one earlier, if not then occupying yourself in other ways to try to keep your mind off the possible problems is likely to be the best thing to do.

Is there someone who will understand and support you while you wait?

Croix

[Rae76]

Thanks for that. I was just mainly thinking someone might say ‘withdrawal messed with my cycle’ or similar so I know it’s a possibility. Only a doctor is going to answer I know. I can’t see a doctor earlier and my partner is not going to be helpful to support me at this time so I haven’t brought it up. No close friends. Family but they’ll think it’s weird I haven’t talked to my husband and judge me for that, so no. Just me alone with my thoughts.

[Croix]

Dear Rae76~

I'm sorry you have to face this alone, hopefully you can keep yourself occupied and help the time pass more quickly (I too have difficulty waiting in situations like this).

In some ways it is the fact you cannot look to your partner that is the most troubling thing about your post.

Apart from that I know from my own family's experiences that the IVF process is not an easy one and has no guaranteed outcome. You have been though it twice and have two children. That realy is a win.

Croix

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Rae76,

Great to see you reaching out on the beyondblue forum. You have taken the rights steps in gaining a GP appointment to discuss your symptoms. If you want to take some action prior to your appointment, pregnancy tests are pretty reliable so you could take a test just to check if you didn’t want to wait.

Hormones can fluctuate due to all kinds of reasons including changing medications, stress, pregnancy, age, diet, etc. therefore the best outcome will be to get a full assessment from your GP.

Keeping a side effect record is a good idea and so is tracking your cycle. When you see your GP you can present them with an outline of your symptoms and changes to your cycle. I hope you get some resolution after your appointment and you have a reduction in your stress. Being worried that you are pregnant can be very stressful especially if it is not planned.

Another point that you have raised was that you didn’t feel comfortable discussing your symptoms with your husband. I am sorry you are having to go through this without having close support. It is great you are reaching out on the forum. If you want further support you might discuss this with your GP who could make you a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor where you could have some regular access to talk with someone.

You are not alone and I hope you gain some insight at your GP appointment. Please drop back and give us an update on how your going.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[BumbleBumble]

Hi Rae76

Thank you for posting your question. Yes, antidepressants have been shown to affect menstruation in some cases however the incidents is low with the majority of studies involving SSRIs. You mentioned experiencing several side effects since tapering the medication. Breast tenderness and cramps are not commonly associated with discontinuation syndrome (antidepressant withdrawal) and are more likely hormone related.

Yes, taking notes of your symptoms and timings before booking in with your GP is an excellent suggestion. In the interim have you thought about buying a pregnancy test from your local pharmacy (please note these are best used around two weeks after conception). This might help alleviate some of your concerns regarding a 3rd pregnancy.

Take care