Mood Swings and PMS: What Is the Connection?

Mood Swings and PMS: What Is the Connection?

Mood swings appear due to drastic drops in estrogen and progesterone levels after ovulation which affect levels of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin. This leads to irritability and unpredictable tearfulness and sadness.

If you've ever cried at a dog food commercial and then snapped at a spoon, you are not alone. Mood swings in periods are a very common symptom, and many women with irregular periods are asking about Ayurvedic treatment for PCOD, which we will discuss later on.

What Is Really Going On Inside It?

However, there are ways to manage and alleviate premenstrual symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise during the second half of your cycle; the luteal phase; and fall just before your menstrual period. Serotonin hormone levels tend to fall along with those changes.

A review of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) by Yonkers et al. (The Lancet, 2008) indicates that PMS is very common and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a more severe variant of PMS, happens to a small share of the patients. According to a study published by Schmidt et al. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1998), the brains of women with PMDD show a higher sensitivity to normal hormonal changes and do not manufacture more or less hormones. Thus, you are not dramatic and your brain perceives events in a different way.

Common Signs Before Your Period

• Irritability over the smallest of things (especially the chewing sound)
• Sudden feeling of sorrow or tears in eyes
• Anxiety
• Cravings for certain foods (especially for sweets and carbohydrates)
• Bloating, breast tenderness and headaches
• Poor sleep and lack of energy

PMS vs. PMDD: A Quick Cheat Sheet

PMS	PMDD
Mood	Grumpy, but I'll survive.
Daily life	Sometimes frustrating/irritating
Help needed	Lifestyle changes are the solution

Why Some Women Feel It More

• Stress and sleep disturbances
• Hormonal conditions (PCOD, thyroid problems)
• The family history of depression and PMS
• Too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol
• Lack of some particular nutrients

Irregular or more intense hormone swings, common in PCOD patients, can make one feel even more hormonal and moody before her periods begin. It is why many PCOD sufferers search for Home tips for PCOD in addition to mood tips for periods.

Home Habits That Take the Edge Off

• Exercise daily: walking, dancing or yoga session helps to improve mood
• Sleep 7-8 hours (Your emotions need a rest as well).
• Eat nutritious meals with protein and fiber. It helps to avoid the rapid decrease in blood sugar
• Avoid coffee, salty foods in the second half of the cycle
• Take a hot bath, write in the journal, or listen to calming music.
• Track your period so you can see some patterns and warn people around you

There was a clinical trial performed by Thys-Jacobs et al. (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1998) in which it was found that calcium supplementation helped patients with premenstrual symptoms, including moodiness. Still, make sure to consult your doctor before using supplements.

The Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, premenstrual mood shifts are usually associated with the disbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas, and the stress and the lack of routine aggravate it. The methods of dealing with this problem include diet, herbs, a regular sleep rhythm and relaxation practices. Some women are also looking for PCOD Ayurvedic treatment to support cycle regularity and the balance of emotions.

Some research also exists. One study carried out by Agha-Hosseini and colleagues (Phytotherapy Research, 2008) indicated that chasteberry; a herb used in Ayurveda,; managed to improve premenstrual symptoms like irritability and mood swings. In their turn, a review written by Dante and Facchinetti (Gynecological Endocrinology, 2011) supported the use of herbs for PMS. These findings are promising, but they are not a definitive answer to the question.

Looking for Ayurvedic herbs for treating PCOS? Some herbs are commonly used:

• Ashoka
• Shatavari
• Lodhra
• Ashwagandha
• Kumari (aloe vera)

These are among the best herbs for PCOS treatment in Ayurveda commonly discussed. Please, do not use herbs that you find on the internet like toppings for your pizza. The herbs work best when they are prescribed by a professional.

Conclusion

Mood swings before periods are a real biological phenomenon and not the weakness of character of women. For those exploring Ayurvedic care, Dr. Puneet Dhawan is one practitioner people may come across. Some women also explore AyuKarma for PCOD treatment as part of their approach to managing PCOD.

Key Takeaways

• Falling estrogen and progesterone affect serotonin, driving premenstrual mood changes.
• Some brains are simply more sensitive to normal hormone shifts.
• Sleep, movement, steady meals and less caffeine can help.
• PMDD and PCOD-related symptoms deserve a doctor's attention.
• Ayurveda may support wellbeing, best under expert guidance.

FAQs

Why do mood swings happen before periods?

 Hormone levels drop, serotonin dips, and your mood feels it.

How long do premenstrual mood swings last?

 Usually from a few days to about a week, easing once bleeding begins.

When are mood swings a sign of something serious?

 When they disrupt work, relationships or daily life, it's time to see a doctor.

Can PCOD make mood swings worse?

 It can, since hormone imbalance adds extra bumps to the ride.

Can Ayurveda help with period mood changes?

 It may support balance, but a qualified practitioner should guide the plan.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general information only and is not medical advice. Mood changes and cycle problems need proper diagnosis, so please consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any herb, supplement, therapy or routine, especially if you have existing conditions, are pregnant or take regular medication.