Why do I get mood swings before my periods?

Why do I get mood swings before my periods?

May 22 2024 TalktoAngel 0 comments 1100 Views

When a woman menstruates, she may experience a range of emotions or there might be what we call a rollercoaster of emotions as to when they are about to have their periods. These mood swings are called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Mood changes and other psychological changes like anxiety, sadness, and depression are quite common and they happen to almost every woman but they can vary in their intensity. For some women, they might not be so severe but for some, they might be so severe that they start to interfere with the daily schedule and relationships as well. The PMS might affect the overall well-being of the people. We will look into the hormonal changes that take place throughout the menstrual cycle, examine the causes of mood swings before periods, and talk about ways to control and relieve these symptoms in this blog. Gaining knowledge about the science underlying PMS will help you manage this part of your menstrual cycle more easily and with better self-care.

The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Changes

Understanding the fundamentals of the menstrual cycle and the hormonal changes that occur within it is important to understanding why mood swings happen before your period. The luteal phase, ovulation, and follicular phase are the three phases that make up the menstrual cycle. Hormones like progesterone and estrogen fluctuate during these stages, coordinating the complicated functions of the reproductive system.

The luteal phase, which follows ovulation, is when progesterone and estrogen levels rise. Hormonal changes have the potential to impact brain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which is essential for mood regulation. The basis for the mood swings that some people experience is established by the interaction of hormones and neurotransmitters during this time.

Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome

A variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that appear in the days or weeks preceding menstruation are collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Mood fluctuations, which might appear as irritation, anxiety, depression, or hypersensitivity to emotions, are typical signs of PMS. Hormonal variations are thought to be a major factor in PMS, while the specific cause is yet unknown.

A week or so before your period, mood fluctuations might be brought on by premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Even if you feel well when you get up, you can discover that an hour or two later you start getting agitated for no apparent reason. Changes in hormones are probably connected to this.

It depends on people how handle their PMS so that they are not able to control their life. Some treatment plans or some simple changes in your lifestyle might help in maintaining the symptoms or reducing the signs and symptoms of PMS.

Signs and symptoms of PMS

  • Anxiety
  • Depressed mood
  • Crying
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Changes in appetite or craving for certain food
  • Social withdrawal
  • Changes in sleeping patterns or insomnia in some cases
  • Low concentration
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Muscle pain
  • Headaches which might include migraines
  • Fatigue
  • Fluid retention
  • Bloating
  • Tenderness in breast
  • Acne
  • Constipation or in some cases diarrhea

The Impact of Hormonal Changes on Mood

The luteal phase's hormonal fluctuations can have an impact on neurotransmitters and how the brain regulates them. Changes in mood and emotional well-being can be attributed to changes in serotonin levels, which are influenced by progesterone and estrogen. Many people refer to serotonin as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, and changes in its amounts can cause mood swings.

Furthermore, other neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation and pain perception, such as endorphins and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), may also be impacted by hormonal changes. The emotional shifts that occur with PMS may be attributed to imbalances in these neurotransmitter systems.

Causes of PMS

Premenstrual syndrome may be caused by some conditions, but the exact reason is unknown. These include:

Change in hormone system: Premenstrual syndrome symptoms and signs vary with hormonal changes and go away throughout pregnancy and menopause.

Brain chemistry changes: PMS symptoms may be brought on by variations in serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that is believed to be essential for mood states. Premenstrual sadness, exhaustion, food cravings, and sleep issues can all be caused by low serotonin levels.

Depression: While not all of the symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome are caused by sadness, some women with the condition have untreated depression.

Coping Strategies for Managing Mood Swings

Although mood swings before your period might be difficult to deal with, there are a few techniques that can help control and reduce these symptoms:

1. Self-care techniques: Exercise, meditation, deep breathing techniques, and getting enough sleep are some examples of activities that help relax and enhance emotional well-being. They may also help lower stress levels and regulate mood.

2. Healthy lifestyle choices: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats helps promote general health. Cutting less on processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine may also help reduce PMS symptoms.

3. Stress management: Bringing stress management strategies into practice, such as practicing mindfulness, taking up a hobby, looking for social support, and establishing boundaries, could reduce the negative effects of stress on mood swings.

4. Tracking your period cycle: By keeping a menstrual cycle journal or using a smartphone app to log your periods and related symptoms, you may see patterns and expect mood swings, which will help you prepare more effectively and take better care of yourself.

5. Seeking professional help: You should speak with a healthcare provider if your mood fluctuations interfere with your day-to-day activities or if you suffer from severe emotional symptoms. They may assess your symptoms, offer further advice, and look into individualized treatment plans.

Online Counseling can be a valuable resource for managing PMS-related mood swings and other emotional challenges. A professional online counsellor or therapist can help you understand the underlying causes of your symptoms, develop coping strategies, and provide support during difficult times. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in particular, is effective in reducing the severity of PMS symptoms by helping individuals reframe negative thought patterns and improve emotional regulation. By seeking online therapy from the “best therapists near me”, you can gain personalized insights and tools to enhance your well-being, ensuring that hormonal fluctuations have a lesser impact on your daily life and overall mental health.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach & Dr. Sakshi KochharCounselling Psychologist



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