Why Do You Get Mood Swings Before Periods and How to Manage Them?

"Why am I so emotional before my period?" Do you find yourself asking this question every month? It feels like you are riding an emotional rollercoaster right before periods hit, right? One minute, you are calm and collected, and the next, you are ready to tear up over a cute dog video or snap at the smallest inconvenience. If this sounds familiar to you, you are not alone.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), or mood swings before periods, is something many women experience. For some, monthly periods are a breeze; for others, these spiralling emotions can catch them off guard. But instead of brushing it off as just a "girl thing," know what actually causes pre-period mood swings and, more importantly, how you can manage them.

 So, grab a cosy blanket, make yourself a warm cup of tea, and get comfy. Let's begin to understand our periods better.

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is a set of symptoms many women experience in the days or weeks leading up to their period. It can affect both your body and your emotions. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, tiredness, bloating, back pain, breast tenderness and changes in appetite. While PMS is different for everyone, it usually happens because of hormonal changes in your body.

What Age is PMS Most Common?

PMS is most common in women in their mid-20s to early 40s. It typically starts during her early or mid-twenties and may become more noticeable as she approaches her 30s or 40s when hormonal changes can fluctuate more significantly.

What Percentage of Women Experience PMS?

About 3% to 8% of menstruating women experience unpleasant PMS symptoms.

 What Causes Mood Swings Before Periods?

PMS is directly connected to hormonal changes in the body. After ovulation (when an egg is released from the ovaries), hormonal fluctuations cause physical and emotional changes. Here's how hormones play a key role:

1. Estrogen and Progesterone Levels Drop: After ovulation, the levels of estrogen and progesterone, the two main female hormones, begin to decline. This drop can trigger mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional sensitivity.

2. Impact on Serotonin: Serotonin is a "feel-good" neurotransmitter that influences happiness and emotional stability. When estrogen and progesterone levels fall, serotonin levels can also drop, leading to feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety.

3. Body's Stress Response: Hormonal changes can also amplify your body's response to stress, making you feel more emotionally reactive to situations that might not usually bother you.

4. Sensitivity to Hormonal Changes: Some women are more sensitive to these hormonal shifts, making them more prone to mood swings.

In short, mood swings before your period are a result of the interplay between hormonal changes and their impact on brain chemistry.

What are the Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome?

PMS can cause a variety of symptoms that are both physical and emotional 1 to 2 weeks before your menstruation begins. These include:

1. Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability or anger, anxiety, sadness, difficulty concentrating or changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleepiness).

2. Physical Symptoms: Bloating, swelling, headaches, fatigue or low energy, changes in appetite (cravings or loss of appetite), or muscle and joint pain.

3. Other Symptoms: Acne, oily skin, hair fall or gut issues (constipation or increased acidity).

 How to Cope with Mood Swings Before Periods?

If you are wondering, "How can I calm down before my period?" a few mindful practices can make the overwhelming journey easier for you. Here are some ways to stabilise your emotions:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Include whole grains, protein, fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish or flaxseeds, in your diet.

2. Get Enough Sleep: Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to prevent irritability and fatigue. Build a calming bedtime routine to relax your mind.

3. Try Yoga or Meditation: Yoga can help reduce stress and balance hormones, while meditation calms the mind and helps you stay grounded. Poses like child’s pose, forward bends, or gentle twists can relieve tension and improve your mood. Deep breathing exercises can also be helpful.

4. Hormonal Balancing Teas: Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can worsen mood fluctuations. Instead, incorporate hormone-balancing brews into your everyday routine. The hormone-balancing brew is a natural and safe tea crafted with 11 potent herbs like Spearmint, Ashwagandha, Shatavri, Lodhra, Stinging Nettle and more. It efficiently helps to cope with mood swings, energy levels and other PMS symptoms.

5. Stay Active with Regular Workouts: Physical activities such as walking, swimming, strength training or a quick dance session release endorphins, the "happy hormones." These not only uplift your mood but also reduce the severity of PMS symptoms over time.

Takeaway!

It would be great if mood swings before your period didn’t exist, but it's essential to recognise them as a natural result of hormonal changes. Understanding your body and making supportive adjustments to your diet or lifestyle can help manage these mood swings. To improve your mood, indulge in self-care activities or treat yourself to chocolates.

P.S.: Remember to be kind and patient with yourself during this time.