I think hormones can affect OCD yep!

I am wondering the same thing, cause just before that time of the month and right now it just started and my OCD is horrible, having to take more medication and my mind, I ended up in bed crying cause the OCD won't stop.

I completely understand. My OCD symtpoms are always worse before my period and I get worse in the winter as well. I definitely think hormones can affect symptoms.

I am so sorry to read others are feeling this way, too. But knowing that others do lends me to believe that this could help offer an insight to better management and treatment. I think it's something that should be explored more. Without a doubt I know that a week or so before and the first few days of my period my OCD is much more harassing, more entrenched... And I also know that by day three or four at the latest, I feel I can wrest clarity and focus back on track. I do think that we should communicate this to our GPs, therapists, whomever we are seeking help from. I also think those who work to develop better treatments should be made aware of this potential exacerbating link: i.e., hormones and escalated bouts of OCD.

Kanadian S., I do sympathize and wish you well. Here is a little suggestion. Should you feel trampeled down by OCD to the point that it's bullying you into crying in bed. Please do get out of bed. I know, trust me, that that is easier said than done. But don't let OCD win. It's a bully and a b*tch. Tell it off. Tell it to scram. I once heard someone describe "runaway, racing thoughts" as feeling like being strapped to a runaway horse. That image helped me because I then pulled on the reigns! : ) It's a helpful image. Here's another that has helped me sometimes:
Instead of following through on whatever compulsive internal thoughts I sometimes use to dispell the uncomfortable feeling OCD thoughts can generate I *snap* my fingers instead. One quick sharp snap to act instead of spiraling into runaway thoughts. It's just a little something I try and it can help. Good luck.

Hey there. I actually go to a treatment center that specializes in mental health for females. I suffer from both OCD and PMDD. And yes, many mental disorders women have become extremely heightened during the days just prior to your period as well as the days shortly after your period. Luckily, if you are seeking treatment, there is help. I am currently taking Luvox and it drastically reduced the intensity during pms and periods. So, no you're not alone. It's just another thing we women get to suffer with. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the info...OCD and PMS are such a horrible combo I get a lot worse every month around that time.

you know something interesting i have heard.. my friend is a nurse and works at OSU hospital, and has been out of town with doctors from all over the world in a convention studying how when you are on your period or pregnant sometimes your progesterone levels go down.. and that can make a woman depressed/perhaps even bring side effects of OCD on more vividly. they have been doing this for 30 years and a low dose shot of progestrone (which again is just a natural womans hormone that decreases in pregnancy and i'm thinkin during your cycle as well) can improve the way you feel in as little as an hour.. im going to try it... i don't think it can hurt any really..

100% yes. I am almost out of control some months....2 days before until about 2nd day in. Crying, needy, asking for reassurance, anxiety, insomnia. It's not every month that it is this bad, but every month, I have a marked change in OCD near my cycle.

It could be a placebo effect, but I have been taking extra vitamin B6 the last 2 weeks of my cycle. This month I did it faithfully and was not as tense, my OCD was still acting up but it was not related to PMS. My doc also said get extra calcium its worth a try.

Yes, I have this symptom and Yaz helped me out.

Yes I think so!

Im way late to this thread but just wanted to add I definately see an increase in my symptoms around my period, some months are worse than others for sure. I guess if OCD has mostly to do with brain chemistry then it would make sense that hormones could contribute as they definately effect brain chemistry, just ask a teenager Lol I am convinced womans bodies and chemistry is so messed up these days due to all the toxins we are exposed to even before were born, its no wonder it seems like everyone has something wrong hormonally or otherwise :(

I have had OCD since childhood,I have noticed years ago before my period my OCD Became Worse,The Pattern of OCD Every month is the same. I will be starting my first chemo treatment tomorrow due to breast cancer,last month had partial mastectomy ,they say my periods will end permanently,instant menopause,So I now wonder how this will effect my OCD.

I've also found that my OCD goes through the roof especially around a week before and during my period. It's good to hear others stories, glad I'm not the only one feeling like this.

It doesn't sound like anyone here has hit this problem yet, but I have early menopause and the hot flashes and mood swings you have with that are just as bad :(