Understanding Premenstrual Mood Changes: Dealing with Mood Swings Before and During Periods

“Why are you getting cranky?” “Look at you, as if the ‘Angry Bird’ inside you is all awake all of a sudden.” “Why do females get angry during their period?” “Is it that period of the month?” “You should have worn something loose-fitted; your tummy looks bloated.” “Ew!” “Are you PMSing?” “Have you tried the period cup, or do you still use those age-old period pads?” and the list of comments goes on.

We know women are sick and tired of hearing such comments and advice on menstruation. Miss Moody, Miss Attitude, Chum, Aunt Flo, Period Cup, God knows what nicknames they get during their periods, or even their mood is off regardless of that. And that does not end here. Buying period products publicly is still taboo in the 21st century.

Menstruation and PMS go hand in hand!

Episodes of mood swings during periods are not new, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. At RIO Pads, we stand by our opinion that women should not be ashamed of menstruation, bloodstains, discussing heavy flow period products such as period cups and period pads, and, of course, PMSing. 

Do you feel embarrassed when your stomach gets upset? Do you feel embarrassed while answering nature’s call? No, right? It is as simple as that, and no woman should suffer in silence as if they have committed a sin.

Many studies reveal that nearly 80% of women experience some of the PMS symptoms when menstruating. The symptoms can range from minor to severe cramps, period mood swing, and bloating, among others. For some women, PMS is nothing sort of event other than bleeding and minor irritation. However, for some, it is utterly overwhelming and painful. 

If your menstrual period is too much, you can try using RIO heavy-flow period products. Using the right period cup or period pads can definitely lift your mood while keeping you dry and feeling fresh.

Why do premenstrual mood changes occur?

So, like the very hit number, “Why This Kolaveri Di?”, do you often wonder why this PMS di? All jokes aside and on a serious note, let’s have a look at some of the possible reasons behind the Premenstrual roller coaster ride of emotions.

According to the experts, the exact causes of period mood swing are not clear. However, Ms Hormonal Fluctuations and her allies are the ones who should be held responsible for the same, in most cases, if not all.

1. Hormonal imbalance

Progesterone and Oestrogen go downright below within a few days before your menstrual period. This imbalance is significant. However, there is more to it.

2. Ovulation

You happen to ovulate halfway during your menstrual cycle. As your ovaries release the egg during this time, the levels of progesterone and oestrogen tend to go down while emotional and physical symptoms happen to surface, and the world knows only one thing- that we are PMSing.

3. Stress

Some people believe that if you are under a lot of stress owing to whatever crisis you are going through in your life, you PMS- a lot! Although stress does not cause PMS, it can surely make it more critical. Some studies hint that the chemistry between brain fluids and female hormones is pretty much intertwined. Therefore, PMS affects your mood.

4. Feeling Irritated VS Feeling Down

Now, oestrogen and progesterone oversee separate areas of your mood. While the former dominates behaviour like anger and irritability, the latter makes you feel down, stressed, and weepy.

5. Family history of depression

Around 3% to 8% of women suffer from PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) when menstruating. This condition makes them more prone to depression and period mood swing. Unfortunately, if anyone in your family has suffered from postpartum depression, the risks of PMDD are more for you. Therefore, no women should take their menstruation-induced mood changes and depression lightly and try to manage the symptoms as much as possible.

Do the period talks

Dear ladies, denying the dominion of hormones on your mind and body is like denying nature itself. So, try not to hide it or suffer in silence. Your body undergoes a lot of changes during the menstrual cycle. Even if you don’t acknowledge the influence of hormones, it is not going to get any better. Talking about it with your partner or your doctor is a good idea. Take part in activities that make you comfortable- whether it is trying different period products until you find the right one or choosing a period cup over period pads. 

Do not compromise on hygiene!

Did you know, on average, a woman uses around 13,000 period pads or tampons in her lifetime? Therefore, choosing the right period products is supremely essential. RIO Heavy Flow Pads are chlorine free, artificial fragrance-free, and latex-free and made using touchless technology to make sure that your skin loves them. The best part is that all of these features are available at an affordable price. So, go for it, ladies.

What does a Period Mood Swing Feel Like?

Period mood swing feels like a roller coaster ride. They can bring intense emotional shifts due to hormonal changes. Irritability, sadness, or anxiety may arise. This is often linked to oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations. A woman’s sensitivity to stress increases, impacting her mood during periods. To top it all, physical symptoms like cramps add to emotional distress. While a normal part of the menstrual cycle, severe mood swings during periods might need medical attention.

How to Manage Period Mood Swing?

• Maintain a balanced diet with regular, small meals.
• Engage in regular exercise to reduce stress and improve mood.
• Stay hydrated to support overall well-being.
• Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga.
• Consider herbal remedies, such as chamomile tea, for relaxation.
• Prioritise sufficient sleep to regulate mood and energy levels.
• Consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice if your mood swings during periods significantly impact daily life.

Let’s now explore in detail how to navigate these emotional fluctuations during your period with care.

Track Your Symptoms

Period mood swing symptoms can be physical, psychological, or behavioural in nature. Don’t get confused by the big words. Just look at each of the symptoms below, and it will all be clear to you.

Physical symptoms:

1. Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual.
2. Headaches: Experiencing headaches or migraines.
3. Bloating: A sensation of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
4. Breast Tenderness: Increased sensitivity or soreness in the breasts.
5. Cramps: Menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen.

These physical symptoms of period mood swings are the toughest to manage because they affect your day-to-day activities.

Psychological symptoms:

1. Irritability: Easily getting annoyed or frustrated.
2. Emotional instability: Rapid changes in mood from happy to sad or irritable.
3. Anxiety: Feeling more anxious or stressed than usual.
4. Sadness or tearfulness: Crying more easily or feeling low.
5. Difficulty concentrating: Finding it challenging to focus on tasks.

These emotional period symptoms will go away when you stop bleeding.

Behavioural symptoms:

1. Increased appetite: Craving certain foods or experiencing changes in eating habits.
2. Social withdrawal: Preferring to spend more time alone.
3. Sleep disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or increased need for sleep.
4. Decreased interest in activities: Losing interest in things you usually enjoy.
5. Emotional sensitivity: Being more emotionally sensitive to situations or comments.

Consult your healthcare professional if any of these symptoms go out of hand for personalised guidance and effective treatment.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control methods, such as birth control pills, patches, injections, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), work by altering hormone levels to prevent pregnancy. They often contain synthetic versions of oestrogen and/or progestin to inhibit ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. While they are highly effective, hormonal birth control may have side effects, including mood changes, weight fluctuations, and increased risk of blood clots. So, this might be one of the causes of increased mood swings in your periods. Consult your doctor if your PMS symptoms or mood swings have intensified after starting any of the hormonal birth control methods.

Natural remedies

Natural remedies for PMS mood swing include regular exercise to reduce symptoms, a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint for relaxation, and mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga to manage stress, promoting overall well-being during the menstrual cycle.

Treating PMS Symptoms, From Mild to Severe

Handling mood swings during periods or even mood swings before periods can be a tough task. You get so irritated that you can’t even think straight. People around you might tell you to get a grip on yourself. Although that sounds rude, it is sometimes for your own benefit. So, what is it that you can do to manage PMS mood swings?

1. Exercise

It is scientifically proven that mild exercise can cause pain relief during periods. Some of them even prevent cramps. You could start with some light walking or a short jog. If you are into yoga, then you must try poses like Balasana, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, and Viparita Karani. These are well known to alleviate the discomfort. And if you aren’t that big a fan of exercise, you don’t have to do it. You can try one of the other ways of managing extreme PMS mood swings symptoms.

2. Eat calcium supplements

Don’t just assume that calcium is only taken to improve bone health. Yeah, it is the primary reason, but there’s more to it. It also aids in blood clotting. Blood clotting prevents the overflow of blood from your body. So basically, you don’t have a heavy flow.

So, doctors recommend getting calcium supplements during periods. If you don’t like taking additional medicine, you can just eat calcium-rich foods. Those include nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables, fish, yoghurt, cheese, etc.

3. Eat small, frequent meals

Eating small, frequent meals can help control PMS mood swing by stabilising blood sugar levels. It prevents energy crashes and mood swings associated with hormonal fluctuations, providing a steady supply of nutrients. This balanced approach may alleviate irritability, fatigue, and cravings often experienced during the premenstrual phase.

4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sweets

Caffeine, alcohol and sweets are your literal enemies – not just during periods but also on a regular day. They amp up your body with unnecessary hormones. It can get really tricky to manage your mood after you get high. It’s best to avoid them during periods and limit their intake on other days.

Now that you know how to manage period mood swing, implement the tips mentioned above to have periods with minimal discomfort.

When should you seek help for PMS mood swing?

You must know how painful it usually gets during periods. So, if something is out of the ordinary, you are bound to notice. If you are in too much pain during your periods, don’t wait it out. Go to the doctor immediately. And take a family member or friend with you for support.

You must also see a doctor if you:

• Experience excessive blood flow.
• Your periods last more than seven days.
• You have unbearable cramps.
• Over-the-counter medications are not helping with the pain.
• You observe unusual discharge, like a different colour or consistency.

Summary

Women can experience mood swings before periods and during periods. The main cause is a change in the hormone levels around that time. These mood swings could be associated with physical, psychological, or behavioural symptoms. All of these are manageable with proper diet, regular exercise, and avoiding stressors. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of during periods. All of this is just the body’s natural response to hormones.

FAQs

Why do females get angry during their period?

Anger during menstruation is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, especially changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels, contributing to mood swings during periods and irritability. And generally, women, when called “females” get angry, irrespective of their periods.

What is PMS in periods?

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms experienced by some women before menstruation, including mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. Read the blog to know more about PMS.