How hormones affect mood
Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone change throughout the menstrual cycle, directly affecting serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that creates a feeling of well-being, affecting mood, sleep and appetite.
Dr Sadhna Singhal Vishnoi, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Cloudnine Hospital, New Delhi, India, said that when progesterone hormone increases during the regimen, from after ovulation to before menstruation, women often feel bloated, tired and irritable. This is also the time when PMS or PMDD makes emotions strong and unpredictable.
Conversely, when estrogen levels decrease before and after menstruation, women may be more prone to anxiety, depression, and reduced concentration. In addition, taking hormonal birth control pills or thyroid imbalances can also affect emotional stability.
How to recognize mood due to hormones?
Some signs of mood changes that originate from hormones instead of attitudes:
Repeat cycle: Mood changes at different times during the month, especially before or after your period.
Symptoms: Depression, irritability accompanied by fatigue, cramps, headaches or bloating.
Sudden emotions: facility to cry, restlessness or anxiety for no apparent reason.
Post-menstrual balance: Mood stabilizes again when the hormonal period ends.
How to support women when hormones affect their mood
When hormones change, a woman's mood may be erratic. Understanding this helps you recognize the cause and respond with more empathy. Some simple ways to support include:
Observe and record changes: Pay attention to how your mood, sleep, or energy levels change during the month. This helps recognize hormone-related reps.
Show concern: Listen and share gently, avoid judging or blaming. Sometimes, just feeling listened to helps them feel more comfortable.
Use positive words: Limit hurtful statements, instead use words of encouragement and motivation to help them feel respected.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle: Help them maintain good habits such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising gently and relaxing regularly to stabilize their emotions.
