The past few months have been difficult for me both physically and mentally. The dreary weather and rain we have had have not only increased my depression but have also caused me to come down with colds and seasonal allergies. For two weeks, I was sick with a bad cold, which became an ear infection. I had to miss some work and I barely left the house. I was also supposed to be on my period at that time but didn’t have one I think because of the stress my body experienced from the sickness. I thought it was over and I could finally get back to normal but no I was wrong. After a week of being sick-free, I came down with a cold again. It wasn’t as bad as the first time but it was still insanely frustrating. My seasonal allergies have been bothering me on and off as well causing me to cough and use many tissues. My last period hit me extra hard due to not having one the month prior. I was very exhausted the week before and during my period as well as feeling depressed, emotional, and unmotivated. I felt the same the next period. In general, I usually start feeling PMS symptoms about two weeks before the period so most of the month is rough. Despite not having heavy periods due to being on birth control, I struggle a lot mentally before and during my period and sometimes even after.
I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) a hormonal disorder that can cause depression and anxiety and can make these symptoms worse during menstrual cycles. Other symptoms of PCOS I personally struggle with or have struggled with are irregular and painful periods, weight gain, thinning hair, growing weird thick hairs on my chin, high androgen, and testosterone levels, and high blood sugar. Luckily, I have been able to manage some of these symptoms. I have been on an anti-depressant, Wellbutrin XL for over a year now. Taking supplements like inositol and berberine helped my blood sugar levels get out of the prediabetic range and into the normal range. Due to taking the supplements, my anti-depressant, and having a job that is physically taxing, I finally lost weight after five years of gaining it. Because of minoxidil, my hair is no longer thinning. On the other hand, my mental health is still up and down.