It is safe to say that most of us do not actively look forward to our periods. With all the cramps
and bloating, they not only negatively impact our physical health but also our mental health and
general wellbeing.
We’ve all heard jokes or remarks about a woman’s inappropriate behavior and how it somehow,
somehow ties to our “raging hormones.” It is unjust to believe that every choice we make or
utterance we make is a result of our hormones, even though there is some hormonal variance
during menstruation. We can’t just blame these hormones for messing with our heads. We are
impacted by a wide range of additional circumstances, particularly during menstruation.
This isn’t all there is, like our genetic predisposition. Other psychological factors include selfesteem, coping strategies, and individual resilience.
The majority of us are apprehensive about our upcoming periods and don’t exactly jump up and
down in joy at the mere thought of them. The constant bleeding, cramps, backaches, and other
symptoms they cause only make us miserable.
Additionally, there are some women whose periods are unbearable. Periods for women who
suffer from PCOD or PCOS are significantly more unpleasant and painful.
We’ve broken it down into four main categories based on how periods affect our mental health after taking all of the preceding into consideration:
Pre-menstrual syndrome, or PMS:
Although the exact causes and triggers of PMS are still unknown, it is possible that many
women’s familiar feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and moodiness are caused by
constant fluctuations in estrogen levels during this time.
Be kind to yourself and remind yourself, as well as those around you, that these symptoms are
perfectly normal if you feel a little irritable in the days leading up to your period.
Physiological Signs:
However, mood swings are not the only symptom of PMS. These hormonal changes are
accompanied by numerous physical symptoms that can have a significant impact on a woman’s
mental health.
Women may experience a variety of changes in the weeks and days leading up to their period,
including changes in their sex drive and difficulties sleeping, as well as greasy hair and skin
(which can cause acne). A woman’s mental health, particularly her self-esteem, can be directly
affected by any one of these symptoms.
Even during menstruation, symptoms like nausea, migraines, and dysmenorrhea (period pain)
can be stressful for a woman because they can significantly disrupt her day and routine,
especially if they are severe.
Insatiable cravings:
Many women can agree that period cravings are both a blessing and a curse when it comes to
physical symptoms. We hear it all the time that our bodies are like temples, but what about how
our diet affects our minds?
Inadequate awareness:
Even though women’s health has come a long way over the years, menstrual taboos are still
strong enough to keep many women from talking about their symptoms, especially at work.
Even though sanitary bins are required by law, some workplaces do not provide sufficient waste
disposal for women to change their menstrual products at work. Lack of facilities is a serious
issue that can derail a woman’s regular routine and cause her a great deal of stress, as some
women even fear leaving the house during their period due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
It is comforting to know that you are not alone, as we all experience similar feelings from time to
time. However, we must maintain our resolve and always support one another