Hormonal mood disorders and nerve discomfort can significantly impact a person's quality of life, especially during transitional phases like menopause, perimenopause, or conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These hormonal changes not only affect emotional well-being but often come hand-in-hand with symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and nerve-related pain.
Pregabalin 150mg, particularly in its 150mg dosage, has emerged as a therapeutic option for managing these overlapping symptoms. While originally developed as an anticonvulsant and treatment for neuropathic pain, its effectiveness in mood modulation and nerve regulation has led to its off-label use in hormonal mood disturbances.
Understanding Hormonal Mood Disorders
Hormonal mood disorders refer to emotional and psychological changes driven by fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. These are commonly seen in:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and PMDD
Perimenopause and Menopause
Thyroid-related hormonal imbalances
Postpartum period
Symptoms often include mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness, and emotional instability—often coexisting with physical discomfort like fatigue, body aches, and tingling sensations.
Nerve Discomfort and Hormonal Changes
Nerve discomfort during hormonal shifts is a lesser-known but impactful symptom. Women frequently report:
Tingling in the hands and feet
Burning or shooting nerve pain
Muscle twitching or restlessness
Fibromyalgia-like body aches
These may be due to hormone-induced inflammation or imbalances in neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin, and norepinephrine.
What is Pregabalin?
Pregabalin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue, though it doesn’t directly bind to GABA receptors. Instead, it works by binding to alpha-2-delta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
Originally used for:
Neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injury, postherpetic neuralgia)
Epilepsy (as adjunct therapy)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Fibromyalgia
Its calming effect on nerves and ability to reduce abnormal excitatory activity make it relevant in mood stabilization and nerve-related discomfort.
Pregabalin 150mg: Dosage and Effects
150mg/day of Pregabalin is a moderate dose, often prescribed either:
As 75mg twice daily
Or 150mg once at bedtime, especially for sleep and anxiety-related symptoms
This dose provides a balance between efficacy and tolerability, especially in individuals sensitive to sedatives or new to the drug.
Common Benefits at 150mg Dose:
Mood Stabilization:
Helps reduce anxiety, irritability, and emotional reactivity.Improved Sleep Quality:
Promotes deeper, longer sleep—often disturbed during hormonal fluctuations.Nerve Pain Relief:
Eases burning, tingling, or stabbing nerve pain, especially in limbs and lower back.Reduction in Somatic Symptoms:
Alleviates sensations of tightness, twitching, and generalized fibromyalgia-like aches.
Use of Pregabalin in Hormonal Mood Disorders
Though not officially approved for hormonal mood disorders, Pregabalin is often used off-label in cases where:
Traditional antidepressants or hormone therapy have limited effect
Anxiety and somatic pain dominate the symptom profile
The patient is intolerant to SSRIs or SNRIs
Potential Scenarios Where Pregabalin 150mg May Be Effective:
A woman in perimenopause with sleep disturbance, anxiety, and nerve tingling
A patient with PMDD showing high irritability, breast tenderness, and body aches
An individual with fibromyalgia-like symptoms coexisting with menopausal transition
Safety and Side Effects
Common side effects of Pregabalin at 150mg include:
Drowsiness or sedation
Dizziness
Mild weight gain
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
These effects are usually mild and tend to fade as the body adjusts to the medication. However, individuals should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking Pregabalin.
Precautions:
Should not be abruptly discontinued; tapering is required to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Kidney function should be monitored, especially in older adults.
Not recommended in pregnancy unless necessary, due to limited safety data.
Interactions with Hormone Therapy and Antidepressants
Pregabalin can be safely combined with:
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – for menopausal symptom management
Low-dose antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine or escitalopram) – when more mood control is needed
Non-pharmacological treatments – yoga, mindfulness, or CBT
The synergy often leads to better symptom control with fewer side effects compared to high-dose antidepressant therapy alone.
Final Thoughts
Pregabalin 150mg offers a promising avenue for managing the complex interplay between hormonal mood disturbances and nerve discomfort. Its dual action—calming the nervous system while alleviating physical symptoms—makes it particularly valuable for women navigating hormonal transitions who experience both emotional and physical distress.
However, since every individual’s symptom profile and hormone landscape is unique, Pregabalin should be used under medical supervision, ideally as part of a broader treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and mental health care.
