Period Mood Swings: Brace For An Emotional Rollercoaster

I can recall countless experiences filled with pure tension and anxiety that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and thinking, “My period must be on the way”. As a person who has experienced an intense menstrual cycle since the tender age of 9, I am no rookie to the qualms and pressures of having strong period mood swings. The physical pain can be excruciating; nausea, swollen feet, walking around while feeling every symptom of a heart attack. Even more than this, the emotional pain of going from feeling tense and anxious because of morning traffic to feeling bewildered and depressed by watching Finding Nemo is overwhelming and exhausting.

Here are some tips that have helped me cope and ease the jolt of my period mood swings.

Exercise And Eat

Physical activity can lift moods and decrease symptoms of depression because it helps clear estrogen from the body at the end of its life cycle. It also decreases stress-associated neurotransmitters and increases endorphins. So as tired and unmotivated as you may feel, going to hot yoga or walking around the block during lunch will elevate your mood. If you struggle with cramping during your period, Dr. Epstein suggests working intently to reduce or remove sources of inflammation from your…