Menstruation and Its Impact on Mood

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women, typically lasting around a week. During menstruation and the periods before and after, women often experience significant emotional instability, easily becoming emotionally volatile over minor matters. These emotional fluctuations are often triggered by specific events, and some women may even feel that their menstrual cycle somehow affects their mood, although the exact relationship remains uncertain. So, does menstruation really affect mood? Let's take a closer look.

Does Menstruation Affect Mood?

Yes, it does. Modern medicine and psychology research suggest that different emotional states can have varying impacts on menstruation. Emotional stress can lead to increased menstrual flow and earlier menstruation, while depression or sadness can reduce menstrual flow, and in severe cases, even lead to amenorrhea. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes that emotional imbalances are an important factor in causing menstrual pain. Prolonged emotional stress or significant fluctuations can stimulate the central nervous system, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland, affecting the secretion of gonadotropins, leading to impairments in follicular maturation and ovulation function, which can further cause menstrual disorders and even amenorrhea. Therefore, it is essential to regulate our emotions and maintain a positive mindset. When facing problems, it is advisable to discuss them with family and friends rather than keeping them bottled up inside. When feeling down, find healthy ways to express and release your emotions, such as talking, enjoying a meal, or singing. During menstruation, try to relax and focus on pleasant thoughts.

In addition to emotional regulation, there are other aspects that we should also consider to maintain a healthy menstrual cycle. First, hygiene is crucial. Keep the external genitalia clean by washing with warm water every night and change underwear frequently. Second, maintain a balanced diet, avoid excessive weight loss, and consume nourishing and iron-rich foods. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods, and limit meat consumption. Third, establish regular routines. Irregular lifestyle habits are a significant contributor to menstrual disorders. Therefore, women should ensure regular schedules, avoid staying up late, and refrain from excessive exertion. Finally, regular exercise can enhance immunity and improve menstrual irregularities. Engage in full-body exercises such as running, swimming, and cycling.

Why Do Women Feel Moody During Menstruation?

It is common for women to experience mood swings during menstruation, particularly before and during the menstrual period. Symptoms may include low mood, depression, irritability, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating. While these symptoms are a regular occurrence for most women each month, few understand the reasons behind their emotional distress during this time, sometimes even feeling inexplicably upset. To help women better understand themselves, let's explore the reasons behind menstrual moodiness.

One factor is fluctuating sex hormones. Depression is commonly seen in women during the premenstrual phase, menopause, postpartum, and among those using contraceptives. This suggests a connection between sex hormones and depression. Another factor is environmental influences, including cultural norms and social environments. Traditional beliefs have long influenced women to believe that anxiety is inevitable before menstruation, which is a result of cultural oppression towards women. Many women, therefore, anticipate feelings of anxiety and low mood during this time.

Hormonal levels also play a role. Evidence suggests a relationship between emotions and hormonal levels. For instance, women with menstrual pain may have immature psychological development, manifesting as a neurotic personality. Functional uterine bleeding is associated with emotional disorders and sexual issues in 70-80% of patients, as stress can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to vascular changes and heavy bleeding. Endocrine instability is another factor. Menstruation is controlled by the endocrine system, and during menstruation, some women may experience instability in their neural and humoral regulation, leading to changes in brain activity. Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, causing physical discomfort and subsequent emotional changes.

In conclusion, menstrual moodiness is a part of menstrual syndrome and not necessarily a sign of menstrual irregularities. Proper dietary adjustments during menstruation can help. If feelings of discomfort are particularly severe, consider supplementing with female-specific nutrients like evening primrose oil and soy isoflavones, which can help alleviate menstrual discomfort and regulate mood.