Depression can also occur due to a particularly stressful life event such as divorce, accident, death in the family, and so on. This is called reactive depression and can often last for months or years. Other types of depressive disorders include dysthymia and chronic pain disorders. Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that is extremely common. St. John's wort could possibly benefit this group of individuals.
Many women also experience low mood during their premenstrual phase.
Premenstrual syndrome starts about 10 days before a period with moodiness, bloating, irritability, anxiety and tiredness. The benefits of St. John's wort for this condition have not been fully studied. Many women do notice benefits with pregnenolone. There is a possibility that St. John's wort could also be effective. Since, in some cases, it takes a few days for it to be effective, women can start the herb about two weeks before their period and stop it at the onset of the menses.