Feeling extra emotional and crying more than usual during your period is often due to hormonal fluctuations associated with your menstrual cycle.
The Role of Hormones
The primary reason for increased crying and emotional sensitivity during your period lies in the shifting levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes affect brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which influence mood.
- Estrogen: Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout your cycle. A drop in estrogen before your period can lower levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and feelings of well-being.
- Progesterone: Progesterone also fluctuates during the menstrual cycle. Similar to estrogen, changes in progesterone can affect mood and contribute to increased emotional sensitivity.
These hormonal shifts are a key component of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation. Increased crying, sadness, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings are all common emotional symptoms of PMS. The severity of PMS varies significantly from person to person.
Beyond Hormones: Other Contributing Factors
While hormonal changes are the main driver, other factors can also contribute to increased crying during your period:
- Stress: High stress levels can exacerbate PMS symptoms, including emotional sensitivity.
- Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can also worsen mood and make you more prone to crying.
- Diet: A poor diet lacking essential nutrients may also play a role.
- Underlying Mood Disorders: If you have an existing mood disorder such as depression or anxiety, hormonal changes can sometimes worsen these conditions during your period.
Managing Period-Related Crying
Here are some strategies that may help you manage increased crying and emotional sensitivity during your period:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Get enough sleep.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with physical symptoms that might be contributing to emotional distress.
- Hormonal Birth Control: Hormonal birth control can help regulate hormone levels and reduce PMS symptoms. Consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.
- Therapy: If emotional symptoms are severe or interfering with your daily life, consider talking to a therapist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be particularly helpful.
In conclusion, crying more on your period is usually caused by the normal hormonal fluctuations of your menstrual cycle and is often a symptom of PMS. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate these symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, consult with a healthcare professional.
