How to Control Premenstrual Mood Swings

How to Control Premenstrual Mood Swings

What is PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)? 

A few of you might have experienced common changes in your mood and body. It is premenstrual syndrome. PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, is a combination of symptoms that 3 of every 4 menstruating women experience. It is a behaviour of physical and emotional changes between ovulation and the day your period starts and lasts until the few days of your period.  

Though it is not typically an issue for every woman, it is a common concern for women of reproductive age. In some cases, it is managed and controlled effectively, while in others, premenstrual syndrome can severely worsen your health and well-being. 

Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms   

PMS symptoms differ from person to person leading up to your menstrual period. But here are the most common symptoms: 

1. Mood Swings - PMS causes many emotional changes to your body as you reach your period days, including a mood swing. Mood swings typically include irritability, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and more, which are very common. 
2. Bloating - During the days leading to your menstruation cycle, hormones like progesterone increase their level and cause water retention and gas buildup. This leads to abdominal distension and severe discomfort, making you feel swollen and full, which is bloating. It varies from mild to moderate and can even impact your well-being and quality of life.
3. Breast Tenderness - Breast tenderness is a symptom that causes the breast to become swollen, sore, and sensitive. It happens due to the elevated levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which also play a role in causing discomfort. 
4. Fatigue - It is the symptom where the hormonal shift impacts neurotransmitters and causes disruption in sleep patterns, making you feel extremely low and tired. 
5. Headache - Headache is one of the most distressing symptoms of PMS. During the days leading to menstruation, the hormones estrogen and progesterone either rise or fall, affecting the brain's blood vessels and neurotransmitters. This leads to potentially triggering headaches ranging from mild to severe.  
6. Acne - You might have experienced unwanted acne on your skin while getting closer to your menstrual cycle. It is one of the symptoms caused by elevated levels of androgens, which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. And when this excess oil comes into contact with dead skin cells, it clogs pores and leads to breakouts. 
7. Cramps - Often painful, cramps are the most common symptoms experienced by many women, from mild to severe. They are generally caused by the contraction of the uterus when it sheds its lining, and hormonal fluctuations intensify the cramps. 
8. Cravings - Hormonal fluctuations or changes in the level of serotonin trigger intense cravings for foods, either sweet or salty. Noticed a few days before you hit your menstruation, cravings are challenging to resist and can affect your regular diet.  

How to Control Premenstrual Mood Swings

Premenstrual mood swings are the most common of all the symptoms, manifesting a wide range of emotional changes. The changes you may notice are anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, anger, or sadness. These fluctuations in your mood may also affect your health and well-being while making you feel the most discomfort and unwell. However, it's crucial to bring your mood under control and enhance your well-being. 

1. Tracking Symptoms - Start tracking your period cycle and the emotional changes if you haven't yet. Figure out why you are moody to keep things in perspective and offer some validation. Additionally, tracking your symptoms will also help you deal with them. 

2. A Balanced Diet - Maintain a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting caffeine, sugar, and alcohol to reduce mood swings. 

3. Exercising & Meditation - Engaging in physical activities reduces stress and improves mood. Also, incorporating the habits of meditation and yoga distracts your mind while giving you peace of mind by calming you.

4. Hormonal Birth Control - Hormonal birth control regulates hormonal fluctuations and eases frequent mood swings. However, it works wonders for some, and for some, it worsens the mood swings. 

5. Stress & Sleep Management - Practice relaxation techniques or do what makes you happy to control your stress level. Additionally, maintain a consistent sleep schedule for better emotional stability.  

Final Thoughts

It’s okay to have experienced premenstrual mood swings and other symptoms, as they are a natural part of your menstruation cycle. And following these controllable steps and other natural remedies can help ease your mood swings. 

Sometimes, even your periods affect your mood. But remember, Repad is always here to make you feel light and relaxed during your periods. Passing on to your period days, Repad offers the most prominent choice for women nowadays, reusable sanitary pads to accompany you through your challenging days. Even in heavy flows, using Repad's cotton pads for periods ensures you are protected with an extra layer. Not only do Repad's period care products provide leakage-free periods, but they also make you feel comforted and confident throughout the day.
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