Why And How Does The Menstrual Cycle Affect Our Mood?

Period mood is more common than we think. According to research, 9 out of 10 women experience Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). We now know more about symptoms and causes, but there's no clear evidence as to why this happens. 

Mood swings and irritability are the main symptoms of a period mood. How many times have you felt a sudden change in your mood, but you don't know why? There's a sudden burst of anger or tears that leave you wondering, what is happening right now? Your emotions grow unstable, and it can get depressing. 

Let's understand what happens in our body that leads to this rise and fall in emotions during our menstrual cycle. 

Why Do Females Get Angry During Their Periods?

Your menstrual cycle affects your behavior and mood in ways you may not understand yet, but let's try to change that a little today. 

Here is how the four main stages to your menstruation cycle affect your mood. 

1. During the first or the follicular phase, estradiol is released and rises in the body. This hormone encourages the ovaries to produce about 5-20 follicles. It is supposed to be your happy mood or the calm before the storm.
2. Ovulation means the mature egg is released from the surface of the ovary. During this time the level of the luteinizing hormone rises. This hormone encourages the egg to fall into the fallopian tube to fertilize. Estradiol from the follicular phase is also significant during this phase. Together, these hormones increase your sex drive, mainly to fertilize the eggs. This is why you may experience a better mood during this menstrual phase.
3. The ovulation cycle continues as the egg erupts from its follicle and stays in the ovary. In the next 14 days, the follicle changes into the corpus luteum. It is assisted by progesterone hormones that maintain the thickened lining of the uterus to help the egg stick. If you don't get pregnant, the corpus luteum perishes. This causes a drop in progesterone levels resulting in the uterus lining falling away. An increase in progesterone levels results in a downward shift in your mood as it helps the body make cortisol. It's important to know that your body is already producing cortisol if you are stressed. But at this stage, the excess can lead to an extreme change in emotions. 
4. During menstruation, the thick lining of the uterus (endometrium) is removed from the body through the vagina. This reduces estrogen and progesterone levels in your body, making you feel low.

How To Deal With Menstrual Mood Swings?

Tracking your periods and moods

When you track your periods you have a fair idea of when your menstrual cycle begins and ends. You can compare your menstrual cycle with your mood changes and check whether it is linked to PMS or not. Tracking your periods also helps you be prepared with period products. Our Menstrual underwear is the most absorbent and leak-proof underwear that saves you from any embarrassing situations, especially if you don't track your menstrual cycle.

Try natural remedies

Research suggests that eating foods that are high in calcium and vitamins can help improve mood swings over time. These vitamins are found in foods like milk, yogurt, fish, and chicken and can relieve Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms. 

Lifestyle changes

Making slight changes in your sleep, exercise, and nutrition patterns can work in your favor when it comes to mood swings during menstruation. Irregular sleeping patterns can affect your mood even when you're not on your periods. Exercise or take a walk for at least 30 minutes daily to get rid of anxiety and stress. 

Final thoughts

Menstrual mood swings and PMS symptoms look different in each phase of your menstrual cycle. They are common among people who bleed but are not the same for everyone. Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you manage your health effectively, especially your mood.
Don't avoid extreme PMS symptoms as normal, and consult a doctor immediately. Although normal may mean different things to individuals, there's no harm in talking to an expert.

 Also Read: 5 natural ways to help manage your period pain