The Link Between Anxiety and Your Menstrual Cycle
The coupling between anxiety and your menstrual cycle is bidirectional. Hormonal changes during your cycle can trigger spikes in anxiety, while chronic stress can disrupt your cycle. Even the anticipation of your period—whether you’re trying to conceive or have a major event ahead—can bring its own unique stress.
“Stress can interfere with the delicate hormonal balance mediated by the brain, ovaries, and uterus, says Kecia Gaither, M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist and director of Perinatal Services at NYC Health Hospitals/Lincoln. On the other hand, the cyclical hormonal changes can also act as stress factors.
[Here’s] a description of how anxiety and your menstrual cycle relate, as well as expert advice on managing them effectively.
Why You Might Feel Anxious Before Your Period
A high level of anxiety may occur in many individuals just before their menstruation as a result of hormonal fluctuations, somatic pain, or due to other life experiences.
Key Points:
- Hormonal Changes: Interplay between estrogen and progesterone and big drop in serotonin levels, a brain molecule involved in mood control, causes to greater irritability/anxiety.
- Trying to Conceive: For those trying to get pregnant, the two-week wait before a missed period can be especially stressful. Experts also suggest that self-care should be prioritized, including adequate sleep, meditation and talking with protective/supportive relationships.
- Lack of Menstrual Products: Struggling to access period protection can cause significant anxiety. Contact local food banks or clinics for free items as required.
- Fear of Leaks: Anxiety about leakage during important events is common. The use of approved menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, or menstrual cup can reduce this anxiety.
When Anxiety and Medical Conditions Intersect
In other people’s cases, anxiety experienced before or during their menstrual period is associated with medical conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or premenstrual exacerbation (PME).
Key Points:
- PMS: Symptoms like bloating, headaches, and mood swings typically occur a few days before your period. If anxiety sensations are debilitating, seek care from a clinician to create a management plan.
- PMDD: PMDD is a more extreme manifestation of PMSI which is characterized by severe mood fluctuations, despair and sometimes suicidal ideation. Treatment options include antidepressants, hormonal therapies, and lifestyle changes.
- PME: This happens as a result of pre-existing conditions-such as anxiety, depression, or migraine-becoming worse during menstruation. PME symptoms generally improve within a few days after the onset of menses.
Can Anxiety Cause Irregular Periods?
Yes, abnormal cycles with a duration less than 23 days or greater than 36 days arise from a high stress level. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can interfere with ovulation and delay your period. Besides stress, imbalances caused by insufficient sleep, overtraining, or underfeeding can also throw your cycle off.
Other potential causes of irregular periods include thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), early menopause, and certain medications. If the cycle is irregular or painful, a physician should be consulted to exclude underlying factors.
How to Manage Anxiety During Your Period
Rain or shine, do you feel anxiety chronically or just when it is close to your period cr\, there are effective ways to manage it.
- Consult a Professional: Consult with your primary care physician or mental health professional to treat or manage conditions such as PMDD or generalized anxiety disorder.
- Focus on Lifestyle: For stress management increase sleep, eat a healthy diet with whole foods, and exercise to reduce cortisol.
- Practice Self-Care: Meditation, journaling, aromatherapy, and light exercise can pacify the mind.
- Use Reliable Menstrual Products: Select products that bring you comfort and certainty within the menstrual cycle in order to diminish stress and other stressors.
The Takeaway
The connection between anxiety and your menstrual cycle is highly personal, and solutions vary for everyone. If anxiety gets in the way of your life and/or gets worse before your period, see a health care provider. With the right guidance, you can understand your body better and find effective ways to manage both your cycle and your mental health.
