menstrual cycle A woman may have a tough time. This is the time when a woman’s body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy. It is regulated by hormonal fluctuations that occur in four major phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. These hormonal changes can affect mood, energy levels, and physical well-being throughout the cycle.

Hormonal fluctuations can also have a significant impact on mental health ultimately affecting mood, cognition, and emotional well-being. Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels affect neurotransmitters like serotonin that regulate mood, causing psychological changes. As a result, some women may have fluctuations in mental health throughout the cycle, with symptoms peaking just before menstruation.

Here, see how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect mental health.

mood swings

During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, causing mood swings. When estrogen is at its peak, it can help improve mood and energy. However, when estrogen and progesterone hormone levels drop, especially before menstruation, a person may have feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Many people experience PMS which can cause mental health symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and mood swings. This occurs as a result of the natural hormonal changes that occur before menstruation, specifically a drop in estrogen and progesterone which can affect brain chemicals such as serotonin.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

For some people, PMS symptoms are more severe and can lead to a condition called PMDD. PMDD is a severe form of PMS that has serious mental health effects, such as depression, intense anger, anxiety, or irritability. It is associated with extreme hormonal sensitivity during the luteal phase of the cycle.

anxiety and stress levels

Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can increase anxiety. Low levels of progesterone in the luteal phase can increase feelings of stress or anxiety. High estrogen levels can sometimes cause feelings of nervousness, especially in people who are sensitive to hormonal changes.

sleep disturbance

Hormonal changes can also affect your sleep. A decrease in progesterone, which has a calming effect, can cause sleep problems in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Poor sleep can lead to irritability, stress, and anxiety, creating a cycle that impacts mental health.

cognitive function

Some people have difficulty with memory, concentration, or focus, especially in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes can reduce cognitive acuity or cause brain fog, making daily tasks more challenging.

risk of depression

People with pre-existing mental health conditions like depression may notice that their symptoms get worse at specific points in their cycle, especially during the luteal phase. Hormonal fluctuations can reduce serotonin levels that are important for regulating mood, potentially making depressive symptoms worse.

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