This article discusses the reasons for mood swings before a period and includes a list of additional symptoms that may occur around this time. We also discuss how to address mood swings and when to contact a doctor.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and mental symptoms that begin around a week before your menstruation. It makes some people feel irritable, while others feel bloated and achy. PMS can also induce mood fluctuations in some people in the weeks leading up to their period. Mood swings are characterised by a rapid, unexplainable shift in mood. You may wake up in a good mood, only to become irritated and grumpy an hour or two later for no obvious reason.
Emotional symptoms of PMS include:
- sadness
- irritability
- anxiety
- anger
Why does PMS happen?
The specific cause of PMS is unknown, but it is likely connected to hormonal variations that occur during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation occurs around halfway through your cycle. During this period, your body releases one egg, resulting in a reduction in oestrogen and progesterone levels. A change in these hormones might cause physical and emotional discomfort. Serotonin levels are also affected by changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels. This neurotransmitter helps in the regulation of your mood, sleep cycle, and hunger. Low serotonin levels have been related to feelings of sadness and irritation, as well as difficulty sleeping and unexpected food cravings, which are all frequent PMS symptoms.
What are PMS mood swings?
- sadness
- unexpected and inexplicable mood swings
- Crying spells
- irritation
- Inadequate or excessive sleep
- Having difficulty concentrating
- a lack of excitement for your usual duties
- fatigue
- low level of energy
Natural remedies for PMS mood swings
A few vitamins may help with PMS-related mood swings. A calcium supplement was proven to help with PMS-related sensations of sadness, irritation, and nervousness in a clinical trial.
Food that should be taken during PMS
- Consume a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Increase your intake of calcium–rich, low–fat dairy products.
- Take some vitamin D.
- Snack on some nuts.
- Consume complex carbohydrates.
- Consume whole grain food.
- Salt should be reduced.
- Consume alcohol in moderation.
- Caffeine should be avoided.
- Iron-rich meals, such as lean meats, should be consumed.
You can also take a daily calcium supplement containing 1,200 mg, which you can get online or at a pharmacy store near you. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t notice immediate benefits. It may take three menstrual cycles to see any improvement in symptoms when using calcium supplements.
Several lifestyle factors also seem to play a role in PMS symptoms:
- Exercise
Try to be active for at least 30 minutes on at least five days of the week. Even a regular walk around the street can help relieve emotions of sadness, anger, and anxiety.
- Nutrition
Try to avoid the junk food cravings that often accompany PMS. Large quantities of sugar, fat, and salt may all have a negative impact on your mood. You don’t have to eliminate them entirely, but try to balance them out with fruits, veggies, and whole grains. This will help you stay full throughout the day and minimise blood sugar dips, which can make you cranky.
- Sleep
If you’re a few weeks away from your period, not getting enough sleep might ruin your mood. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night, especially in the week or two before your period.
- Stress.
Unmanaged stress might worsen mood swings. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help to relax both your mind and body, especially if you are experiencing PMS symptoms.
- Medication
If other treatment choices aren’t working, an antidepressant may. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently used antidepressants to treat PMS-related mood swings. Create a dosing schedule with your doctor. They may advise you to take an antidepressant solely for the two weeks preceding the onset of your symptoms. In other circumstances, they may advise taking them every day.
Finding support @ Diva Women’s hospital
The best strategy to deal with PMS is to identify your own patterns and the remedies that work best for easing your symptoms. There are several approaches to managing PMS symptoms; not all of them are medical, scientific, or evidence-based. You don’t always need proof to know what makes you feel better, from a hot bath to your favorite comfort food.
When you begin to notice mood swings before your period, your gynecologist may be the first person you contact for help. It’s vital that you have faith in your doctor and that he or she takes your symptoms seriously. Diva Women’s Hospital, the best gynaecologist hospital in Ahmedabad, always prioritizes the patient’s health, whether it’s for PMS mood swings or other women’s health complications. You may simply contact our physician via our website, or you can book an appointment and visit the clinic.
FAQ
Why do I have a PMS mood swing?
It is natural to suffer from mood swings when you have PMS. Before the period, many women suffer from mood swings and other psychological problems. For the most part, the symptoms are modest. Some women, however, may endure significant symptoms that interfere with their personal relationships and daily lives.
When do PMS mood swings start?
PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, occur during the last (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle, which begins after ovulation and lasts from the 14th day to the 28th day of a woman’s monthly cycle. Mood swings normally subside after menstruation begins.
What causes PMS mood swings?
Some people are hypersensitive to normal hormone changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, according to Diva Women’s Hospital, the best gynaecologist hospital in Ahmedabad. This hypersensitivity may predispose a person to mood changes during menstruation. Severe premenstrual mood swings can sometimes be an indication of an underlying health issue.