Have you ever felt like a completely different person during your period? One moment you're fine, and the next, you're crying at a commercial or snapping at loved ones for no real reason. If you've wondered whether you're "going crazy" or if something is wrong with you, let me stop you right there. You're not crazy. You're experiencing the very real, scientifically proven connection between menstruation and mental health.
Here at Glow by Hormone University, we know this struggle personally. Our brand was born from our founder's own frustrating journey with hormonal health challenges, where her symptoms were dismissed and misunderstood .
We believe every woman deserves to understand what's happening in her body. The link between your menstrual mental wellness and your hormones is profound, and once you understand it, you can take back control of your emotional health.
How Does Menstruation Affect Mental Health?
Your menstrual cycle is like a monthly hormonal symphony, with estrogen and progesterone taking turns conducting the orchestra. When these hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle, they directly impact neurotransmitters in your brain—the chemical messengers that regulate your mood, emotions, and mental health.
During the luteal phase (the two weeks before your period), progesterone rises and then sharply drops right before menstruation. Progesterone has a calming effect on the brain, so when it plummets, you might experience increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Meanwhile, estrogen, which helps produce serotonin (your "happy hormone"), also drops before your period, potentially triggering depression during period.
These hormonal shifts affect different women in different ways. Some might experience mild changes, while others face severe mental symptoms that significantly impact their daily lives. The key is recognizing that these changes are biological, not character flaws.
Can PMS Cause Anxiety or Depression?
Absolutely. PMS and anxiety are closely linked, and for good reason. During PMS, your body experiences:
- Hormonal fluctuations that directly affect brain chemistry
- Inflammation that can worsen mood symptoms
- Blood sugar swings that can trigger irritability and anxiety
- Sleep disruptions that compound emotional challenges
For some women, these changes go beyond typical PMS. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects 3-8% of menstruating women. PMDD involves intense mental health disorders symptoms like severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts that appear in the luteal phase and disappear shortly after menstruation begins.
Common Mental Health Disorders Linked to Menstruation
Understanding the spectrum of mental health disorders connected to your cycle helps you identify when to seek support. Beyond PMS and PMDD, women may experience:
- Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME): When existing mental health conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder worsen before your period
- Menstrual Psychosis: A rare but serious condition involving hallucinations or delusions during menstruation
- Catamenial mood disorders: Any mood disorder that follows a menstrual pattern
The symptoms of bipolar disorder in women can particularly fluctuate with hormonal changes, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. Many women report that their bipolar symptoms worsen during certain phases of their cycle.
What Helps Mood Swings During Periods?
Managing period mood swings treatment requires a multi-faceted approach. Here's what actually works:
Targeted Hormonal Support
One of the most effective ways to address mood swings is to support your hormonal balance throughout your entire cycle. Our Period SOS Cream was specifically formulated to address the root cause of PMS symptoms. Applied daily to your lower abdomen, it contains:
- Vitex: This powerful herb helps balance estrogen and progesterone levels, directly targeting the hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings. One user reported her "pms is so much less severe (especially mood swings)" after consistent use .
- Wild Yam: Supports natural progesterone production, which has a calming effect on the nervous system .
- Marshmallow Root: Reduces inflammation and bloating, which can contribute to irritability and discomfort .
The Mind-Body Connection
Your mind body connection plays a crucial role in menstrual mental wellness. When you're stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can worsen PMS symptoms and create a vicious cycle of anxiety and physical discomfort.
Our Super Rich Magnesium Body Lotion is a game-changer for managing stress and improving mental symptoms. Magnesium is nature's relaxation mineral, and when applied topically, it:
- Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety
- Improves sleep quality (crucial for mood regulation)
- Relieves muscle tension and cramps
One user called it the "Best Magnesium Cream Ever" for helping with sleep and muscle tension . Better sleep equals better mood regulation.
Creating Calming Rituals
Simple rituals can profoundly impact your emotional health. Our All-Natural Flaxseed and Lavender Pad provides both physical and emotional relief. The warmth soothes cramps while the lavender scent calms anxiety. One user described the experience as "like being in a spa" .
Building Good Mental Health Throughout Your Cycle
Women's wellness isn't just about managing symptoms when they appear—it's about building resilience throughout your entire cycle. Here's how to support your mental health proactively:
Track Your Patterns
Start documenting your mental state throughout your cycle. Note when you feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. Many women are surprised to see clear patterns emerge, which helps them prepare for and manage difficult days.
Nourish Your Body
What you eat directly impacts your mental health. During the luteal phase, focus on:
- Complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar
- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
- B vitamins to support neurotransmitter production
Our Bloating SOS drink mix supports digestive health and reduces bloating, which can significantly impact mood. When you feel physically comfortable, your emotional health improves .
Prioritize Sleep
Poor sleep worsens every mental health symptom. Create a bedtime routine that includes:
- Turning off screens an hour before bed
- Applying magnesium lotion to promote relaxation
- Keeping your bedroom cool and dark
Move Your Body
Gentle exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones. Even a 20-minute walk can improve your mental wellbeing.
Are Period Mood Changes Normal?
Yes, experiencing some mood changes during your cycle is completely normal. Your hormones are designed to fluctuate, and these changes can affect your emotions. However, "normal" doesn't mean you have to suffer. If your mental symptoms interfere with work, relationships, or daily activities, it's time to seek support.
The line between normal mood changes and a mental health condition isn't always clear. Generally, seek help if you experience:
- Mood symptoms that last throughout your entire cycle
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Inability to function at work or home
- Symptoms that worsen over time
How to Improve Mental Health During Your Menstrual Cycle
Improving your mental health during menstruation involves addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of your cycle:
-
Hormone Balance: Use targeted support like our Period SOS Cream to address hormonal fluctuations at their source,
- Stress Management: Regular use of magnesium and calming practices can significantly reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
- Nutritional Support: Eat regular, balanced meals and consider supplements that support mood and hormone balance.
- Movement and Rest: Balance gentle exercise with adequate rest, especially during your period.
- Community and Support: Connect with others who understand. You're not alone in this journey.
When to Seek Professional Mental Health Support
While self-care strategies are powerful, sometimes professional mental health support is necessary. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms significantly impact your quality of life
- You've tried self-care strategies for several cycles without improvement
- You have thoughts of harming yourself
- Your symptoms are getting progressively worse
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many effective treatments exist for PMS depression treatment and other menstrual-related mental health issues.
Reproductive Health and Mental Health: The Bigger Picture
The connection between reproductive health and mental health extends beyond just your monthly cycle. Major reproductive events like pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause all involve significant hormonal shifts that can trigger or worsen mental health conditions.
During pregnancy, some women experience mental health in pregnancy challenges, including depression during pregnancy. After giving birth, depression after giving birth (postpartum depression) affects up to 15% of new mothers.
As women approach menopause, menopause depression anxiety becomes increasingly common. The dramatic drop in estrogen can trigger mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Our Menopause SOS Cream helps manage these symptoms by supporting hormonal balance during this transition .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal to feel suicidal before my period?
While severe mood changes can occur with PMDD, suicidal thoughts are never "normal" and require immediate professional help. Please reach out to a healthcare provider or crisis hotline right away.
Q: Can birth control help with PMS-related mental health issues?
Some hormonal contraceptives can help stabilize mood by preventing the natural hormonal fluctuations of your cycle. However, others may worsen symptoms. Work with your doctor to find the right option.
Q: Why do I get angry before my period?
Premenstrual anger or rage is common and relates to dropping progesterone levels, which normally have a calming effect. This, combined with other stressors, can make you feel unusually irritable.
Q: Can improving gut health help with PMS mood symptoms?
Yes! Your gut produces many neurotransmitters that affect mood. Supporting digestive health with products like our Bloating SOS can positively impact your mental state .
Q: How long should I try natural remedies before seeking medical help?
Give natural approaches like our hormone-balancing creams at least 2-3 full cycles to show results. However, if symptoms are severe or worsening, don't wait—seek professional help immediately.
Your menstrual mental wellness matters. The connection between your hormones and your mental health is real, valid, and deserves attention. You don't have to accept monthly suffering as "just part of being a woman." With the right understanding, support, and tools, you can nurture both your physical health and emotional health throughout your cycle.
