Why does women's mood change during menstruation?

During this menstrual cycle, a woman's body experiences a series of physical and hormonal changes that can affect her mood and behavior, which is why it is common to hear mood swings from women, but why does this happen?

First, it is very essential that you review concepts and remember a little about what menstruation is.

Menstruation is the result of the process in which a woman's body prepares for a possible pregnancy.

Each month, the uterus prepares to receive a fertilized egg, and if this does not occur, the inner layer of the uterus that had been preparing for pregnancy is shed.

This inner layer of the uterus, which includes blood and tissue, is what is known as menstruation.

The average menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days, although it can vary from woman to woman. During that menstrual cycle, hormone levels change, which can cause physical and emotional symptoms in some women, such as headaches, abdominal pain, mood swings, and fatigue.

It is also important to understand that the menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones.

During this cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate in a woman's body. These hormones lower not only the reproductive system, but also other systems in the body, including the nervous system.

Hormonal changes

According to specialists, women's mood changes during menstruation due to the effects of progesterone.

Progesterone can have a sedative effect on the brain, which can make women feel more tired or sleepy than usual.

It can also affect mood, making some women feel more irritable or sad than usual.

• You may be interested: Does cold weather affect women's menstruation?

In addition to progesterone, estrogen levels can also affect women's moods during the menstrual cycle.

Estrogen levels are highest in the first half of the menstrual cycle, and then decrease in the second half.

Low levels can make some women feel more tired or depressed.

How does the menstrual cycle affect our emotional state?

Due to hormonal fluctuations, women may be more likely to experience depression and anxiety disorders compared to men.

As we enter puberty, progesterone and estrogen levels increase, which is often reflected in emotional changes. As menstrual cycles regulate, two different phases occur: the follicular and the luteal.

The follicular phase occurs in the days before ovulation, which can lead to an increase in libido and an increase in activity and good mood. If the woman does not become pregnant that month, the luteal phase follows, which may be accompanied by changes in appetite, fluid retention, and breast tenderness.

However, it is common for changes in mood and mood to also occur. This period is known as Premenstrual Syndrome and occurs between 5 and 10 days before the start of the menstrual period.

This process is not only evident during the fertile years. Around the age of 45, the menopause stage begins, in which menstruation gradually decreases. This phase can last around 5 years. During this period, some women experience irritability, marked fluctuations in mood, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia and even depression.

How many days can mood swings last during menstruation?

Indeed, changes in mood throughout your life are common and are largely due to hormonal variations in your cycle. Next, we are going to address one of the most recognized moments in which mood disorders occur during menstruation.

As you already know, there is no single answer, since each woman is unique and has her own circumstances. However, in general, these changes in emotional state and mood tend to appear approximately 5 to 10 days before the menstrual cycle begins.

Those previous days in which you may experience these changes are known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), a topic about which we will provide you with more information below.

Additionally, it is important to remember that the menstrual cycle consists of several phases, each of which is controlled by different hormones. During the follicular phase, which occurs before ovulation, estrogen levels begin to rise. Also, if constipation appears during your cycle, it is important that you read here .

This increase in stress can lead to an increase in energy and mood.

After ovulation, the luteal phase begins and progesterone levels begin to rise.

Progesterone can cause mood changes, such as anxiety, irritability, and depression.

Mood changes during menstruation can begin a few days before menstruation and last up to a week after the start of menstruation.

The duration and intensity of the character can vary from woman to woman and from one menstrual cycle to another.

There are treatments available that can help control symptoms and improve quality of life during the menstrual cycle.

Learn about Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual Syndrome refers to a set of symptoms that generally appear approximately a week before the start of menstruation and tend to disappear once it begins.

Although some women hardly notice any changes, a considerable percentage usually experience some of these symptoms.

The intensity of these symptoms varies widely from woman to woman: for some, they may be mild discomfort, while for others, they can significantly interfere with their daily lives. Among the most common symptoms of PMS include:

• Feeling of swelling in the breasts.
• Abdominal distension.
• Appearance of acne.
• Headaches or joint pain.
• Increased appetite (cravings make sense).
• Irritability, mood swings, and tendency to cry.

In some cases, many of the physical symptoms can be easily relieved through the use of anti-inflammatories. However, at other times, these remedies may not be enough, especially when it comes to symptoms of a psychological nature.

If you suffer from this syndrome, changes in mood during menstruation could intensify due to the characteristics of this disorder.

Other factors that influence women's mood during menstruation

Mood changes during menstruation can vary from woman to woman.

Some of us have experienced significant mood swings, while others hardly notice any difference in their mood.

Other factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and diet can also affect mood during menstruation.

It is important to note that women's mood swings during menstruation are not a serious medical condition and usually disappear once the menstrual cycle ends.

However, if the mood swings are extremely severe or interfere with a woman's daily life, it is important to seek a doctor's opinion.

How to improve my mood swings during menstruation?

Mood fluctuations during menstruation are a common symptom and can be very annoying and interfere with your daily life.

Here are some suggestions that might help you improve your mood swings during menstruation:

• Physical exercise: Regular exercise can help improve your mood and reduce premenstrual symptoms. Try to do moderate exercise at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
• Healthy diet: A healthy intake of foods high in vitamins will help you improve your mood swings. Experts recommend foods that provide vitamin B6, since it increases serotonin levels (it works as a neurotransmitter). Here we leave you what you should and should not eat when you have your period .
• Sleep well: Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. It is recommended to sleep 7 to 9 hours per night.
• Stress management: Stress can worsen mood swings during menstruation. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress.
• Natural supplements: Some natural supplements such as evening primrose oil and magnesium can help reduce mood swings during menstruation.
• Relaxation and meditation: Practicing relaxation and meditation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help you reduce stress and anxiety, which can help improve your mood swings during menstruation.

These articles may interest you:

• What does it mean to dream about menstruation ? Can these dreams be interpreted?
• 25 things you should never do during your menstrual period
• Why do I get itchy when my period ends?
• Why does the period smell bad? What are the reasons?

Frequent questions

Can hormonal contraceptives help control mood swings?

Yes, some hormonal contraceptives can help regulate hormonal fluctuations and reduce mood swings associated with the menstrual cycle. If those symptoms are accompanied by headaches, take a look here .

When should you seek medical help for extreme mood swings?

If mood swings are so intense that they affect your quality of life, personal relationships, or work performance, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a health professional. Meanwhile, you can use these natural remedies that can help relieve the pelvic pain you have before and during menstruation.

Join the menstrual wellness trend with our menstrual panties

Click and live the experience.