Menstrual cycle can be a difficult time for a woman. It is a time when a woman’s body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy. It is regulated by hormonal fluctuations that occur in four key phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase.
These hormonal shifts can affect mood, energy levels and physical well-being throughout the cycle. The hormonal fluctuations can also impact mental health significantly which eventually influences mood, cognition and emotional well-being. The changes in the oestrogen and progesterone levels affect neurotransmitters like serotonin which regulate mood, thereby, causing psychological changes.
As a result, some women may have fluctuations in mental health throughout the cycle, with symptoms peaking just before menstruation. Here, take a look at how hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle can affect mental health. Mood Swings During the menstrual cycle, the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate which causes mood changes.
When oestrogen peaks, it can help to improve mood and energy. However, when the level of oestrogen and progesterone hormone drops, particularly before menstruation, one might have feelings of sadness, irritability or anxiety. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Many people experience PMS which can lead to mental health symptoms like irritability, fatigue and mood swings.
This happens as a result of the natural hormonal changes leading up to menstruation, especially due to the drop in oestrogen .
