For many teen girls, hormones, mood swings, and periods make us feel and act as if we are going crazy. Puberty is a time of big changes, both physically and emotionally, and understanding what’s happening in your body makes a difference. Knowing that the surge of hormones and other chemicals coursing through your body are causing you to feel and act differently can help keep you sane. The link between hormones, the chemicals your body produces, and mental health is a key piece of the puzzle, especially when it comes to your menstrual cycle.
What Are Hormones and Why Do They Matter?
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers. They play an important role in regulating everything from your mood and energy levels to your sleep and appetite. However, during puberty, your body starts producing more of certain hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate your menstrual cycle. So, until the levels reach their optimal balance, you can struggle with mental and physical health.
As these hormone levels rise and fall during your cycle, they impact how you feel emotionally. You might have mood swings, anxiety, or sadness at different points in your cycle. Some of us tear up at the sight of a cute puppy, while others sail through the emotional highs and lows. Remind yourself that it’s not just in your head—there are real biological reasons for these emotional shifts.
Hormones and Mental Health
The fluctuation of oestrogen and progesterone has an impact on your brain chemistry and mental health.
- Oestrogen: This hormone helps increase levels of serotonin, which stabilises your mood and promotes a feeling of well-being. When oestrogen levels are high, like in the follicular phase (first half of the cycle), you’re more likely to feel happy and energetic. When oestrogen drops, especially in the luteal phase (second half), you might feel anxious or sad.
- Progesterone: Known as the “calming hormone,” it has a sedative effect, helping you to feel relaxed. On the flip side, if levels are too high, it can make you feel sluggish or even depressed. If you’ve ever felt unusually sad, anxious, or irritable in the days before your period, it’s probably because of these progesterone shifts.
Chemicals in Your Brain: The Role of Neurotransmitters
Aside from hormones, there are chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters which also play a role in regulating your mood. The two main ones linked to your period are serotonin and dopamine:
- Serotonin: This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. Oestrogen increases serotonin production, which is why you may feel happier and more energised during the follicular phase. When oestrogen drops, so does serotonin, leading to feelings of irritability or sadness.
- Dopamine: This is your brain’s “reward” chemical, linked to motivation and pleasure. Dopamine levels can fluctuate during your cycle, which is why you might crave certain foods or feel less motivated at different times.
Support Your Mental Health Throughout Your Cycle
Knowing how to manage the emotional ups and downs is important. Here are some tips for supporting your mental health throughout your cycle:
- Track Your Cycle: In this way, you can start to notice patterns in your mood and energy levels. Use an app like Clue or Flo – or even an old-fashioned diary – to keep track of how you’re feeling during each phase.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps boost mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. Even light activities like walking or yoga can help, especially in the days leading up to your period.
- Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, is crucial. Get enough sleep, eat balanced meals, and take time to relax and actively de-stress.
- Talk About It: It’s important to talk openly about how you’re feeling, whether with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Hormonal changes are natural, but if you feel like your emotions are interfering with your daily life, it’s okay to ask for help. Your cycle is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, be proud of being a woman!
Understanding the connection between your cycle and your state of mind can really help you to manage your mental and emotional wellbeing.
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For more information on handling your period with dignity, contact Komani now.