Do periods make you emotional?

During your menstrual cycle, you may have experienced these moments - a sudden surge of emotion, a tear threatening to escape, or an inexplicable feeling of irritability.

Welcome to the world of pre-period emotions – a common PMS symptom that has left many of us wondering, “Why am I so emotional before my period?”

How Your Cycle Affects Your Emotions

Your menstrual cycle involves a complex interplay of hormones that greatly impact your emotional well-being. At the heart of this interplay are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones have the ability to affect neurotransmitters in your brain, including serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for regulating your mood and emotions.

Why am I emotional before my period?

As your menstrual cycle progresses, so do your hormone levels. Just before your period, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can lead to a drop in serotonin — the feel-good neurotransmitter.

This decrease in serotonin can leave you with emotional symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, or mood swings. Additionally, these hormonal changes can affect your brain’s stress response, making you more sensitive to stressors and less able to cope with them.

Little tips for managing mood swings before your period

While you can't completely escape the hormonal fluctuations of your cycle, there are lifestyle changes and strategies you can adopt to navigate emotional symptoms with grace and resilience.

1. Practice emotional care during your period: Indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s immersing yourself in a good book, treating yourself to a bubble bath, or spending quality time with loved ones, prioritize activities that lighten your mood.

2. Embrace mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness is a powerful tool to ground your emotions and focus on your mental health. Engage in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to stay present and centered, even when emotional tides are high.

3. Nourish your body with balanced nutrition: If you’ve ever wondered, “Why am I so tired on my period,” what you eat can have a significant impact on your emotional well-being and fatigue levels. Opt for foods rich in nutrients that support brain health, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains.

4. Get moving: Physical activity and workouts during your period aren’t just great for your body – they’re also a natural mood enhancer. Engaging in regular physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, those wonderful chemicals that lift your mood and relieve stress.

5. Seek support and connection: You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your experiences and find comfort in knowing that others are going through similar emotional fluctuations.

When to seek professional help?

Although mood swings during your period are one of the common premenstrual symptoms, it's important to recognize when your emotions are becoming overwhelming or interfering with your daily life.

If your emotional changes are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, consider seeking professional help. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there’s no shame in prioritizing your emotional well-being.

Embracing emotional changes before your period:

While your period can indeed make you emotional, remember that these emotions are a natural part of your cycle. By understanding the hormonal changes happening within you and adopting proactive strategies, you can cope with emotional symptoms with resilience. Empower yourself with self-care, mindfulness, and a supportive community, and know that you have the tools to navigate the emotional journey before your period.

Whether you're experiencing emotional changes before your period for the first time or looking for new ways to manage these fluctuations, you're on a unique journey that deserves understanding and self-compassion.

Here at My Better Period, we encourage you to celebrate the emotional symptoms that make you a beautiful human being.