Periods and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection Between the Two

Periods are just a part of the menstrual cycle; it has many other phases. But perhaps the most painful part is right before the periods start.

Also known as PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, this condition is remarked by a range of physical symptoms. It involves cramps, bloating, zit breakouts, and pains.

But another powerful impact of PMS is its impact on mood and mental health. It causes women to experience irritability, mood swings, and more concerningly, anxiety and blues.

In either case, anxiety, and mental health problems before and during periods are rather common.

Signs of Anxiety

Some women might not have noticed the spike in their anxiety levels before and during periods, but there generally is an increment in the spectrum of negative emotions prior to the onset of periods. Some of the signs that you are having anxiety, courtesy of periods, include:

Anxiety: It could start suddenly, or continue for longer periods of time

Anger: It not only makes you aggressive, but it also makes your emotional state rather fragile

Depression: This feeling is remarked by crying and feeling blue

Mood swings: The fluctuation in moods can be very confusing and upsetting.

Tears: Crying can also be a side-effect of a dark mood, or it could also be attributed to PMS itself.

Women who have a more aggressive type of PMS, known as Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder –PMDD – experience extreme mental and physical stress, and thus might need the intervention of the best gynecologist in Lahore.

The Connection Between Anxiety and Periods

While pending further research, scientists strongly believe that anxiety and periods are connected on account of the change in hormone levels. Before periods start, there is a rapid and steep change in progesterone and estrogen levels.

These hormonal fluctuations then have an impact on the neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting then in not just anxiety, but depression and similar mood problems.

Unfortunately, it is not yet understood why some women have an extreme impact of these fluctuations, while for some, the issue is minimal or not present at best.

Managing Anxiety with Periods

If you have observed an increase in anxiety nearer to your periods, you already know how disruptive it can be. It jeopardizes your well-being and has a great impact on your mental health as well.

Hence, it is important for women to learn how to manage their anxieties better. Some helpful interventions include:

Exercise

Exercise has multiple benefits for your well-being. It helps in improving your mood, as it aids in the release of endorphins. Furthermore, exercise also facilitates lowering stress levels as well.

Specifically for PMS as well, cardio is helpful in improving the signs of severe PMS, especially the ones associated with pain, whether it be physical pain like cramps or pain associated with your emotions and heart.

Practice Relaxations Techniques

Anxiety and stress can be managed slightly better if you know relaxation techniques. These will not stop you from feeling the negative emotions, but the adverse reaction can subside some. Essentially, these techniques help your body feel at ease, and the feeling of fight or flight improves.

So, try to regularly practice relaxation techniques. There are plenty to choose from, but some helpful ones include breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Since PMS-related anxiety is tied to your hormones, hence, anything that upsets the precarious balance of these hormones needs to be avoided. If you don’t get regular sleep or do not follow a proper routine, then, you further the risk of hormonal imbalance.

So, make sure that you prioritize quality sleep. Try to sleep at night and wake up early in the morning. Stick to a regular schedule and get around 7 to 9 hours of shuteye.

Seek Professional Help

If you are unable to manage your anxiety levels, and the depression is extreme, then it might be that you need professional help. You can seek expert help via oladoc.com.