Why Do I Feel So Moody During My Period?
Many people experience fluctuations in mood that are connected to their hormone levels; they might feel irritable one minute, and then happy in the next. In most cases these feelings remain within the normal range, however, some people can experience extreme hormonal mood-related symptoms that require medical attention.
In this article, we explain why you may be suffering from mood changes throughout your menstrual cycle, what sort of feelings you might experience, and what solutions there are to help you cope with them.
How is my menstrual cycle related to my mood?
Although we know that hormones are related to mood, the mechanisms of this are not very well understood. What is certain is that those who menstruate experience significant fluctuations in the amounts of estrogen and progesterone throughout their cycle, and that there are mood shifts that are clearly related to these changes. The higher the level of estrogen (leading up to your period) in relation to progesterone, the more prone you may be to feelings of sadness and anxiety.
What sort of thing is it normal for me to feel?
In most cases, it is normal to feel a sense of instability and be more sensitive to events occurring around you. You may feel more sad than usual, find that you cry more easily or are quicker to anger. However, it is important to remember that there can be other factors contributing to your mood, including diet, lifestyle, time of year (dark winter or bright summer), lack of sleep, and stress from school, friends, and work.
When should I worry?
Up to 75% of people who menstruate say that they experience some mood change in the week leading up to their period (PMS). While this can be inconvenient, it is not usually life-changing. However, some people experience extreme mood shifts that can become debilitating, this is known as Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD). People who suffer from PMDD can feel severely depressed, cry excessively, have difficulty concentrating, lose their appetite, and experience body dysmorphia (feelings of being fat, ugly, etc.). Whereas many of us can feel grumpy when we have PMS, people with PMDD may struggle to even get out of bed, or have extreme episodes of irrational rage and even suicidal thoughts.
Most importantly, these feelings often do not go away immediately with the onset of the period.
What can I do to help myself feel better if I am experiencing PMS?
At Freda Teen, we believe very strongly that you should always take care of yourself and treat yourself with the kindness you would extend to others.
Here are some steps you can take if you are feeling low or anxious around your period:
1. Make sure you are getting enough sleep.
2. Talk to someone about your feelings, or journal regularly so that you have an outlet for your thoughts.
3. Get some exercise – release those happy endorphins.
4. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol which can make anxiety worse.
5. Try drinking some calming herbal teas or soaking in a bath.
6. Learn some relaxation techniques or try taking some yoga classes.
What should I do if I am worried that I have PMDD?
The first step is to track your symptoms – keep a diary of what you feel and when you feel it.
The next step is to talk to a parent, guardian, and/or a doctor. Be honest with the person you speak to, and do not be embarrassed to express the extent of the emotions you are feeling. If you have been tracking your symptoms in a diary or calendar, take this with you to your appointment and show it to the doctor.
You may be prescribed medications such as antidepressants or birth control pills to help manage your symptoms. Some people with PMDD also find cognitive behavioural therapy very helpful.
https://www.avogel.co.uk/health/periods/symptoms/mood-swings/
https://childmind.org/article/what-is-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/