How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Behavior
[ad_1]
Feeling Good: The Follicular Phase
“Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, also tends to increase alongside estradiol and plays an important role in mood and emotions. You may be more likely to make progress on work or school projects,” says Dr. Hahn, adding that with this energy boost, you may be more interested in exercise and physical activity, too.
Feeling Frisky: The Ovulatory Phase
“Testosterone rises around the ovulatory phase and is closely linked to improved mood and energy,” says Hahn, adding that as a result, “sex drive and desire may increase.”
Some experts believe that this timing has a biological basis to naturally encourage sexual activity around the time of ovulation and increase the likelihood of pregnancy, Hahn adds.
Feeling Crappy: The Luteal Phase
After you ovulate, the follicle left behind by the departing egg secretes progesterone, a hormone that gets the uterus ready to accept and maintain a fertilized egg. “Progesterone can initially improve sleep and lower anxiety, however, some may experience bloating, constipation, fatigue, and fluid retention,” says Kahn. It may also increase cravings for junk food and less-nutritional dietary habits, she adds.
PMS Mood Swings
- Libido changes
- Feelings of anxiety, sadness, or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in appetite
- Insomnia
“For some, these symptoms may be mild, almost nonexistent, or generally go unnoticed. But for others, the symptoms can be significant and distressing,” says Kahn.
What Causes PMS?
While experts don’t fully understand what causes PMS, they have some leading suspects:
Ways to Manage PMS
Experiencing PMS symptoms does not necessarily mean something is wrong, according to Kahn: “Every person who experiences menstrual cycles could potentially experience PMS symptoms, but the severity and how they are able to manage those symptoms may vary widely.”
For mild PMS symptoms, Hahn recommends these tips:
- Make sleep a priority. “Sleep allows both your body and mind to rest, repair, and re-energize during a time when daytime fatigue can be a major issue,” says Hahn. Try to get a full eight hours during this time.
- Focus on a balanced diet. “Try and avoid giving into those cravings. The junk food and high-sugar sweets can taste good for a moment, but they don’t help with PMS and can often worsen symptoms like bloating, nausea, and cramping,” says Hahn, who adds that eating smaller, more frequent healthier meals may also lessen PMS symptoms.
- Engage in low-impact activity. While exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do in the midst of PMS symptoms, movement increases endorphins and can improve and stabilize mood, tamper food cravings, and decrease pain and discomfort, says Hahn. “Choose something as easy as walking around your block or just stretching in your living room,” she adds.
“Women respond differently to hormonal changes that are out of their control,” says Cernadas. Though your hormone levels may feel beyond your influence, you can use the information to feel empowered about your own menstrual cycle and your behavior changes throughout.
If you’re unsure about your PMS symptoms, your healthcare provider can help you figure out how to address them.
“I would highly encourage a visit with your doctor or trusted healthcare provider to discuss ways to minimize symptoms, particularly if [they] are interfering with your life, relationships, work, or school,” says Cernadas.
[ad_2]
