Why Do I Get So Emotional Before My Period?

A menstrual period, also known as the menstrual cycle, is the regular shedding of the lining of the uterus, which occurs approximately every 28 days in most women. During a period, a small amount of blood and tissue is released from the uterus and exits the body through the vagina.

Stress can affect the menstrual cycle in several ways. It can cause irregular periods, missed periods, or heavy bleeding. Stress can also cause changes in hormone levels, which can affect the menstrual cycle.¹

Emotions can also affect the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause mood swings and emotional changes. Additionally, emotional stress can affect the menstrual cycle. It is important to note that these effects of stress and emotion on the menstrual cycle may vary from person to person.

Premenstrual mood swings refer to changes in mood that occur in the days leading up to a woman's menstrual cycle. These changes can include symptoms such as irritability, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The exact cause of premenstrual mood swings is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be related to fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.² Some women may experience mild premenstrual mood swings, while others may experience severe symptoms that can affect their daily life. There are various treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.

Premenstrual exacerbation refers to the worsening of symptoms of an existing mental health condition during the days leading up to a woman's menstrual cycle. This can occur due to fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Common mental health conditions that may be exacerbated by premenstrual changes include bipolar disorder, depression, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymic disorder), generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Research suggests that depression may be more prevalent in women with premenstrual exacerbation.² Women experiencing premenstrual exacerbation should consider seeking medical or therapeutic support.

A study found that there is a general pattern of mood variation in women throughout  their menstrual cycle, with the most positive moods occurring during the time between the end of menses and ovulation, and the most negative moods occurring during the premenstrual and early menstrual phases.²

Overview

What causes mood swings before my period

Mood swings before periods are caused by changes in hormones. Another name for the symptoms a woman can experience before their period is premenstrual syndrome (PMS). During the menstrual cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can affect a person's mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Other symptoms are cramps, bloating,headaches, anxiety, irritability, and depression. Management and treatment for mood swings before my period

There are several ways to manage and treat mood swings before your period, including:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help to improve your mood and reduce symptoms of PMS
• Diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to reduce symptoms of PMS. Avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar, and caffeine can also be beneficial
• Stress management: Stress can worsen PMS symptoms, so finding ways to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, or talking to a therapist can be helpful
• Hormonal birth control: Hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, the patch, or the ring can help to regulate the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, which can reduce the severity of PMS symptoms
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to relieve cramps and other physical symptoms of PMS
• Supplements: Some supplements such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce symptoms of PMS
• Herbal remedies: Some herbs such as chasteberry and evening primrose oil may also be used to help reduce symptoms of PMS

It's important to note that if mood swings before your period are severe and affecting your daily life, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help you to identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Can I prevent mood swings before my period?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent mood swings before your period, there are steps you can take to reduce their severity and manage symptoms. Some of these steps include:

• Maintaining a regular exercise routine
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Keeping track of symptoms: Keeping a diary of your symptoms can help you to identify patterns and triggers, which can help you to develop an effective management plan
• Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals: Regular check-ins with your healthcare professional can help to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to PMS symptoms and assist you with developing an appropriate treatment plan

Summary

Mood swings and becoming emotional before a period are caused by hormonal changes and can also be a symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal fluctuations can affect a person's mood, energy levels, and physical well-being. There are various ways to manage and treat mood swings before a period, including exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, hormonal birth control, over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, and herbal remedies. Keeping track of symptoms and regular check-ins with healthcare professionals can also be helpful.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent mood swings before a period, this article’s mentioned steps can help to reduce the severity and improve the overall well-being of premenstrual emotions.