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Full Version: OCD and Perimenopause
Has anyone developed ocd tendencies during this time? OCD started in my mid 30's when I developed irritable bowel syndrome, but since beginning perimenopause some days are better than others. I read that inositol could help. Anyone else experiencing this....did I post on the correct board? Thanks for your help ladies. .
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QUOTE (MyFaith @ Mar 18 2007, 08:04 PM) 
Has anyone developed ocd tendencies during this time? OCD started in my mid 30's when I developed irritable bowel syndrome, but since beginning perimenopause some days are better than others. I read that inositol could help. Anyone else experiencing this....did I post on the correct board? Thanks for your help ladies. .
I don't personally suffer from this but googling OCD and perimenopause together brings up at least 20 pages of hits. Here's just one: .QUOTE
Many experts believe that OCD is a result of abnormal brain chemistry — in particular, problems with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in various psychological and physical functions. According to Dr. Michael Jenike, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, certain areas of the brain become hyperactive when people who have OCD are having symptoms. Research also suggests that OCD can develop following certain kinds of infections, brain tumors, or physical trauma.
Depression and OCD often occur together, particularly in adults. Depression can worsen OCD symptoms, and the struggle to cope with untreated OCD can lead to depression. Certain other conditions may occur with OCD. Some researchers believe chronic hair pulling, skin picking, tics, and eating disorders are part of a spectrum of OCD disorders.
Certain factors can exacerbate symptoms, such as the stress of a divorce, bereavement, or retirement. In women, OCD symptoms may emerge for the first time — or worsen — in response to hormonal shifts that occur as part of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or after delivery. During perimenopause or menopause, OCD symptoms worsen in some women and subside in others.
FYI - pharmaceutical grade fish oil as a supplement (either in liquid form as capsules) can really help improve serotonin levels because it provides DHA. DHA controls serotonin. Regarding your IBS, try removing wheat & wheat products from your diet. (worked for me!) You may have hidden gluten issues.Depression and OCD often occur together, particularly in adults. Depression can worsen OCD symptoms, and the struggle to cope with untreated OCD can lead to depression. Certain other conditions may occur with OCD. Some researchers believe chronic hair pulling, skin picking, tics, and eating disorders are part of a spectrum of OCD disorders.
Certain factors can exacerbate symptoms, such as the stress of a divorce, bereavement, or retirement. In women, OCD symptoms may emerge for the first time — or worsen — in response to hormonal shifts that occur as part of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or after delivery. During perimenopause or menopause, OCD symptoms worsen in some women and subside in others.
hope this helps!
I do know that i developed OCD problems after i had my daughter. she was less than a year old. i believe there is a connection between hormones and OCD for sure. As soon as i stopped taking BCP's it tapered off and went away. now that im in peri , im having problems with obssessing over things, like my health. every little ache and pain turns into an obssession and i cant stop until it goes away, even if i see a dr. about it (which i do , for everything these days) and she tells me everythings ok, i still obssess until it goes away.I was never like this brfore peri.
I think if you are prone to have OCD, then it becomes magnified during menopause. I have to tell you all that now that I am moving away from it and I'm two years post, I have learned to relax a bit and I am trying to concentrate on the positive things in life, rather than the negative. I've had OCD all my life -- needed to wear tight clothes, check the locks and stove and iron a million times, and the handwashing! l still have problems expecting perfection all of the time, but that is gradually going away too.
The common thread in all of the posts on this message board is fear and obsession. I understand it because I've been there. Ladies, it will pass, HONEST! As corny as this sounds, try to relax and send your minds in another direction when you have these nasty thoughts. It may just help. Smile when you don't feel like it. Be pleasant to everyone around you even if you want to pull out their hair in clumps. Eventually the facade will take over your life and you will become that happier person.
Many hugs to you all. I've been there and I understand.
The common thread in all of the posts on this message board is fear and obsession. I understand it because I've been there. Ladies, it will pass, HONEST! As corny as this sounds, try to relax and send your minds in another direction when you have these nasty thoughts. It may just help. Smile when you don't feel like it. Be pleasant to everyone around you even if you want to pull out their hair in clumps. Eventually the facade will take over your life and you will become that happier person.
Many hugs to you all. I've been there and I understand.
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