Depression during period: How your menstrual cycle triggers major mood swings

Hormonal weakness and flow can be difficult to process and can become even more difficult during the menstrual cycle. These variations can affect the way you feel physically and emotionally. Your back may start to get hurt, and you may feel throbbing pain in your abdomen. So, at this time of the month, the heating pad will become your best friend. Aside from physical pain, you may notice changes in your mood. Depression during periods is a common complaint between menstruating girls and women. Are you wondering why it happens to you and what you can do to deal with it? Here’s an easy way to deal with it.

What causes depression during the period?

Several factors contribute to depression during the period, and knowing the cause of it can help you deal with it too:

1. Hormonal changes

Estrogen is an important hormone involved in mood regulation. “During the first half of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are usually associated with improved mood and increased energy,” says obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi. However, just before menstruation (during the luteal phase), estrogen levels drop, which can contribute to feelings of irritability and sadness. Rapid drops in estrogen levels can also lead to mood swings and depressive symptoms. Similarly, high progesterone levels can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even depression.

2. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

It is a common condition affecting many individuals in the days leading up to their time. “It can cause symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, anxiety and sadness,” says Dr. Vishnoi, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research in 2014.

3. Premenstrual breach disorder

“This is a more serious form of PMS that can cause severe mood swings, depression and irritation,” the expert says. It is related to hormonal imbalances and can affect the brain’s response to hormonal changes. According to a study published in the Journal of Fosurive Disorders in March 2024, approximately 1.8-5.8% of menstrual women have unpleasant premenstrual disorders.

4. Past experiences and stress

Psychological factors such as stress, history of mental health problems, and past trauma can enhance the emotional and psychological effects of menstruation. “This can lead to depression during the period of some women,” experts say.

What are the symptoms of depression during the period?

Symptoms of depression may vary during the period, but generally include:

• Enduring sadness and despair
• Extremely irritating or mood swings
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Changes in appetite (either overeating or anorexia)
• Sleep disorders (either insomnia or excessive sleep)
• Valuelessness or guilt
• Difficult to concentrate or make decisions
• Physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems can overlap with period-related discomfort.

Menstrual irregularities can be a sign of depression during the period. Depression changes the hypothalamus-pituitary axis (a system of organs and hormones that help manage stress) that can lead to irregular periods, following a study published in Cyreus in 2021.

“Many women begin to feel symptoms of premenstrual depression that occurs about a week or two before menstruation. This phase is characterized by a decrease in estrogen and an increase in progesterone. They also experience depression feelings during the menstrual period itself, as hormone levels continue to fluctuate.

Depression and duration of pain

Convulsions during your period may also be related to this mental health condition. A study published in a Bioinformatics briefing in November 2024 found that depression can increase the likelihood of feeling pain over time.

The key factors in the relationship between depression and duration of pain are as follows:

1. Hormonal fluctuations

Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, especially before and during the menstrual phase. This can lead to mood swings, irritability and depressive symptoms. “These hormonal changes also affect pain receptor sensitivity, making people with depression more sensitive to pain, including pain over time,” says Dr. Vishnoy.

2. inflammation

“Depression is associated with increased levels of inflammation in the body, and inflammation also contributes greatly to pain over time,” experts say. Inflammatory responses that occur during menstruation that can cause convulsions and discomfort can be exacerbated by underlying depression and strengthen the overall pain experience.

How can I manage depression during this period?

There are several treatment options to manage depression during the period:

• Stress management techniques such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, proper sleep, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help reduce pain during mood symptoms and durations.
• Antidepressants may be prescribed for people experiencing moderate to severe depression. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a study published in the Cochranethe database of systematic reviews in August 2024, may reduce psychological and physical symptoms in women experiencing PMS.
• Hormonal treatments, including contraceptives and hormone therapy, can help regulate hormone fluctuations that contribute to mood changes.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns. “This is especially useful for managing emotional symptoms of PMS or PMDD,” experts say.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen help manage pain over time and reduce inflammation.
• Acupuncture can help inserting a thin needle into the skin at a strategic point in the body. A study published in the 2018 Medical Journal found that it could reduce pain and related symptoms over time.

The causes of depression during the period may vary, but understanding the symptoms and available treatments can help you manage your well-being during this period. If your depressive symptoms are severe, consult your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.