Can sertraline delay your period?

Are you feeling moody, depressed or anxious? Are you experiencing symptoms like insomnia and loss of appetite? Do not worry; it’s all in your head! Just kidding. But seriously, these are typical symptoms that many people experience when they are going through a rough time.

There may be times where a person will seek medical attention for the aforementioned conditions. If healthcare providers deem it necessary, they may prescribe medication to help alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

An example of such medication is sertraline. However, some women have reported delayed periods after using this particular drug. So what exactly is sertraline, and how can it affect menstrual cycles?

What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline is an anti-depressant prescribed by doctors for various mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) etc. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

The function of SSRIs is to keep more serotonin flowing in the brain by hindering its reabsorption into neurons resulting in better nerve transmissions which lessens depressive episodes.

As with any chemical substance introduced into the body – whether artificial or natural – there’s always potential for side effects too.

One effect thought to occur among certain individuals taking sertralinse involves their menstrual cycle…hello irregular period!

How Does It Affect Menstrual Cycle?

It’s been observed via anecdotal evidence on internet forums due to lack research data available in scientific papers that those who use sertraline experience longer cycles amongst other alterations from ‘normal’.

This would imply that if you regularly have 28-30 day cycle ranges than under SSRI usage things could shift perhaps up until 40 days or so – this can be backed up by reports to innumerable online forums where women reported cycle changes following ingestion of sertraline.

It’s all about that balance and it seems SSRIs bring a shift to the level of hormones released during a menstrual cycle. Research has found that using antidepressants can impact one’s estrogen levels, which is why fluctuations are likely.

In some cases, Sertraline depicted hyperactivity within the reproductive system whereby lengthened periods happen due less sensitivity among cervical tissues for sex-hormones lutenizing hormone (LH) estradiol (E2).

However not everyone fits into the aforementioned profile with symptoms attached arising from medication something else could be at play completely unrelated- it’s always best to consult professional medical advice as many different conditions can mimic PMS or menstruation issues such as underlying infection or in rarer instances endometrial cancer. Always remember It’s better safe than sorry!

Smart Tips To Control Menstrual Cycle Disruption

  1. Track Your Cycle: Use apps specific towards tracking ovulation cycles through which hormonal shifts show up clearly on graphs so they serve as evidence when talking with doctors over whether non-medication factors like stress caused these changes or there may be need for further tests/examination(s) too.
  2. Stay Active/Lose Extra Weight: Maintain regular physical activities and maintain healthy weight through activities such as brisk walks, cardio exercises coupled together with balanced eating habits – this promotes regularity.
  3. Reduce Stressful Situations: Remember stress disrupts your body chemicals throwing everything off balance inclusive of menstrual periods; Yoga / meditation geared towards calming an individual fighting anxiety should lessen excessive variability seen trying out radical stress reduction approaches.
  4. 5:2 diet – As proven via anecdotal evidence following those who’ve suffered irregular days post taking SSRI combinations noted achieving control over their period patterns again by adopting this particular fasting/diet approach demarcated by fasting two days each week and consuming enough calories to suit daily energy needs during the other remaining five days. Additionally, couple all with more sleep too!

Final Thoughts

In summary, while certain medication can contribute heavily towards changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle like sertraline – it is important not to rush into making any assumptions without consulting qualified professionals at least once to rule out underlying medical conditions potentially causing these patterns.

Bear in mind too that alterations are particularly noticeable following taking antidepressants for an extended period longer than 6-12 months on average – so whatever you do make sure it agrees with your body for the long haul!

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