Increased sweetness, tea-coffee, and mood swings during periods: Weaker immune system, iron deficiency, and responsible hormones
People often say that a girl’s mood changes like the weather during the rainy season. She may be laughing happily one moment, but then suddenly start crying, asking something with love but snapping at the same time, and getting angry without any reason. Boys cannot always understand girls’ mood swings, and unknowingly, it leads to conflicts in their relationships.
Actually, the reason for women’s or girls’ mood swings is their periods. Every month, girls have to bear the pain of periods for 3 to 5 days, and during this time, they may experience mood swings as well.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the cause of mood swings in women. The female menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones like estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Dr. Ritu Sethi, a gynecologist at Cloudnine Hospital in Gurugram, explains that mood swings during periods are called Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Due to this, their mood keeps changing constantly because of these hormones’ fluctuations.
In this syndrome, women may experience tension, anxiety, depression, anger, insomnia, craving for food, headaches, fatigue, body ache, breast tenderness, weight gain, and constipation. These symptoms can occur a few days before the start of periods and may last for 2 to 3 days after the periods begin. However, it is not necessary for every woman to experience these symptoms.
Hormones cause mood swings during periods
During periods, there are fluctuations in hormones in the body. This is why mood swings happen. When a woman’s body produces eggs, it is called ovulation.
After this, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease in women’s bodies. Hormonal fluctuations affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter present in our brains, which impacts mood. Serotonin is a happy hormone.
If a woman suffers from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), there is a decrease in serotonin, leading to mood swings or depression.
How do periods affect the immune system?
A research conducted using the Clue app found that some women’s immune system is weakened before or during periods, making them more prone to getting sick.
Some experience body aches, while others may feel feverish. Researchers call this “period flu.” The cause behind this is believed to be luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which increase during ovulation and suddenly drop before periods start. This can affect a woman’s immune system and make her vulnerable to period flu.
At the same time, research has shown that 40% of women with asthma complain of asthma attacks before or during their periods.
If there is no relief, symptoms may persist even after periods
If a woman experiences Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) without seeking timely treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), the symptoms can be similar to PMS. Studies by the Child Mind Institute in America have shown that even after the periods are over, the symptoms of PMDD can still persist.
Dr. Ritu Sethi says that women who suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder may have suicidal thoughts, and they can harm themselves in this condition. If a woman experiences PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation), her mood can still swing even if her mental health was stable before.
Mental disorders are an existing issue
Dr. Ritu Sethi states that if a woman’s mental health was not stable earlier, she may still experience mood swings. This condition is called Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).
According to the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, mood swings during periods can worsen significantly in women suffering from anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The severity of pre-period mood swings and premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms can be so alike that diagnosing the problem becomes challenging.
It is essential to recognize it properly and get appropriate help to manage it effectively.
Understanding Mood Swings
Many women don’t know that they can experience mood swings. In this article, let’s create a diary during every period. Record any mood swings you have. This way, women can find out if they are only experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) during their periods.
Actually, mood swings can also be found in anemia (iron deficiency), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Reduce Sugar in Your Diet
Reduce the intake of sugary foods. Excessive sugar can lead to mood swings. Also, decrease your consumption of tea and coffee or stop them altogether.
Women who consume more processed and fast foods are more prone to mood swings, so it’s best to completely avoid them.
Include Calcium in Your Diet. It will help reduce stress, disappointment, and mood swings.
Boost Happy Hormones, Avoid Mood Swings
During this time, women should engage in activities that make them happy. Pursue your hobbies or interests. If someone enjoys painting or gardening, they should do it. Take some time for yourself. Exercise or do yoga every day.
Keep yourself busy throughout the day. All these activities increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a happy hormone that works like dopamine. If a person feels happy, they won’t experience mood swings.
