Can Pristiq mess with your period? (+3 tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the effects of Pristiq on the menstrual cycle. We will evaluate the reasons for changes or alterations in the regular periods due to Pristiq. Furthermore, we will look into ways and alternate methods to bring back the regular period for women taking Pristiq.
Can Pristiq mess with your period?
Pristiq may mess with your period. Pristiq and other antidepressants tend to affect your period to an extent. However, Pristiq is not commonly linked with causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle but its effects may vary from person to person.
Pristiq is an antidepressant belonging to the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) drug class which blocks the reuptake of these neurotransmitters thus, increasing their levels in the brain. Pristiq is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and related conditions (1).
Some women may experience menstrual irregularities such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, spotting, and increased or decreased duration of menstrual cycle length. Some may also experience nausea and vomiting with painful cramps (2).
What does research suggest?
A research study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between antidepressants and menstrual abnormalities in women. The study included 1432 women divided into two groups (3).
One group of women having 732 participants were given different antidepressants while the other group was the controlled group with 632 participants. They were evaluated for menstrual irregularities based on gynaecological descriptions (3).
However, the results of this study indicated that members of the first group who took antidepressants had a higher prevalence (24.6%) of developing menstrual irregularities while the control group showed results in (12.2%) of participants (3).
Based on the results of this study, it can be evaluated that antidepressants tend to cause abnormal or irregular periods in women. Some SSRIs, SNRIs including venlafaxine (the parent compound of Pristiq), and other antidepressants involved in this study showed results with irregular periods (3).
As per the research study, SSRI antidepressants, including sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, and escitalopram are commonly associated with causing various menstrual irregularities. However, the study showed a similar incidence of menstrual irregularities in women taking SSRIs and SNRIs (3).
Do mental health issues interfere with the menstrual cycle?
Mental health has a profound impact on the monthly menstrual cycle of women. Periods are regulated by the hormonal levels in the body whereas, in mental health conditions there is an alteration in various brain chemicals (4).
The relationship between menstrual functioning and psychopathology displayed that women who were depressed had irregularities in their menstrual cycles. These women had low estrogen levels, irregular cycles, and were at the risk of earlier perimenopausal transitions (4).
However, studies also confirm that hypothalamus-pituitary gonadal axis (HPG) which regulates the uterine and reproductive cycles was permenantly altered due to stress and depression in depressed women resultin in menstrual irregularities (4).
The menstrual fluctuations were also observed in maniac and psychotic patients. Studies have shown maniac or psychotic symptoms in patients during or before menstruation displaying the effects of mental health issues on periods (5).
How to improve Pristiq-induced menstrual irregularities?
Following are some ways to improve and avoid menstrual irregularities caused due to Pristiq:
Seek medical help- If you are experiencing menstrual irregularities such as painful, missed, long, or short periods while taking Pristiq, then seek help from your doctor.
Consult your healthcare provider and discuss your signs and symptoms to get a better evaluation and treatment of your condition. Your healthcare provider may reduce the medication dose or switch to another antidepressant for better outcomes.
Lifestyle changes- By opting for some healthy lifestyle choices, you can get rid of menstrual irregularities. You should adopt the following lifestyle habits in your life and experience profound changes in your menstrual health:
- Healthy diet
- Physical activity
- Mindful exercise
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Sound sleep
- Hydration
- Avoid stress
Rule out the real cause of menstrual irregularities- It is important to figure out the real cause of menstrual irregularities. Proper gynaecological and radiological examinations should be conducted to evaluate the real cause of abnormal periods.
There could be many underlying conditions such as abnormal hormonal levels, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, eating disorders hyperthyroidism, diabetes, birth control pills, and use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be a major cause for irregular periods.
Therefore, your healthcare provider needs to perform all the required tests and properly rule out the exact cause behind menstrual irregularities before stopping or switching from Pristiq.
In the end, I would advise you to keep observing and monitoring yourself for any abnormal side effects because not all patients experience similar changes while taking antidepressants. If you experience any abnormalities while taking Pristiq, then consult your doctor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Naseeruddin R, Rosani A, Marwaha R. Desvenlafaxine. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534829/
2.-
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding [Internet]. www.acog.org. [cited 2023 Apr]. Available from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/abnormal-uterine-bleeding
3.-
Uguz F, Sahingoz M, Kose SA, Ozbebit O, Sengul C, Selvi Y, Sengul CB, Ayhan MG, Dagistanli A, Askin R. Antidepressants and menstruation disorders in women: a cross-sectional study in three centers. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2012 Sep-Oct;34(5):529-33. doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.03.014. Epub 2012 Apr 24. PMID: 22534402. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22534402/
4.-
Barron ML, Flick LH, Cook CA, Homan SM, Campbell C. Associations between psychiatric disorders and menstrual cycle characteristics. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2008 Oct;22(5):254-65. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2007.11.001. PMID: 18809118; PMCID: PMC2588420. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2588420/
5.-
Handy AB, Greenfield SF, Yonkers KA, Payne LA. Psychiatric Symptoms Across the Menstrual Cycle in Adult Women: A Comprehensive Review. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2022 Mar-Apr 01;30(2):100-117. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000329. PMID: 35267252; PMCID: PMC8906247. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8906247/
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