Can menstruation worsen dissociation/depersonalization?

I’m not a woman thus I can’t comment directly on that experience and please correct me if I get any of it wrong! But baso id assume yes. Derealisation and depersonalisation is bodies response to overwhelming stress and anxiety etc, I know hormone fluctuations in anyone can cause a lot of issues, even a rush of serotonin can make you feel terrible and then trigger dissociative symptoms because your body isn’t used to it, we prefer stability over rapid influx and rapid crashing. Menstruating I think triggers a lot of hormones to fluctuate a lot, causing stress and pain and anxiety in even the mildest of people as far as I’m aware, a natural response to your body performing such an arduous task, so it makes sense to me that adding that on top of everything else causing your symptoms would serve to make it worse. Dealing with dissociative disorders is a struggle at best, a hellish nightmare at worst, I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to be taken even further into it during what is already a painful time. I really hope everything works out for you. Good luck.

Anything that is stressful can intensify dissociation and depersonalization. It doesn't matter if you stubbed your toe or have received the worst news of your life, it can trigger/exasperate dissociation regardless of severity if you are a sensitive person. Be mindful and approach your feelings with confidence. Have a great day!!

i’m not sure, but i think it might fluctuate according to certain hormones, so maybe. i’ll keep track and maybe report back soon

I get very dissociative during menstruation. I figured out the blood itself is triggering for me. I moved to one of the BC pills that you only get it every 3 months.

I wouldn't be suprised if it did. I have pretty bad premenstrual stress myself causing feelings of depression and extreme vulnerability. The latter leads to dissociation, in my case. It's good to realise when what is happening and why.

My dpdr is a symptom of my anxiety, which gets worse before and after my period, so my dpdr gets worse that time too

Not actually sure. I have yet to notice any patterns in my cycle and my depersonalization episodes. Though if you’re like me and your brain responds to anything remotely stressful with dissociation, chances are yes. I’ve only noticed one occasion where I had an episode on the exact days I had my period though. Also sucks because my doctors keep asking if my experiences with depersonalization might be “just because of your cycle”

i’ve noticed that it mine gets worse around my period and i don’t know why. i tend to feel a small amount of heat on my foot and then my depersonalization gets worse after that. I don’t know what’s causing it

Can confirm.

I also have this. I had a TBI in Sept 2022 from a bike wreck and the dpdr began about 5 months later. It's also accompanied by my anxiety. Unfortunately it has continued, and definitely worse during my period.

The first month of the dpdr I had horrible panic attacks because I didn't know what was happening. Having a name and understanding has helped but it's still annoying.

7-10 days before my period. Absolutely. Lots of brain fog too.

I have it yes and was dx PMDD unofficially, seeing a psychiatrist next week who my functional medicine Dr trusts is well versed in PMDD to give a proper dx. I found this subreddit just now after dissociation sensations began again today. I’m in Peri so my timing isn’t on a regular cycle anymore. It’s just a random surprise now either happy or mental anguish.

Hallo, hat jemanden von euch etwas geholfen? Ich habe es auch - während der Periode richtig stark mit DP/DR zu kämpfen