How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mood All Month (Even After Your Period!)


self
self

By April Daniels Hussar,SELF magazine



PMS -- people love to joke about it, and you've probably experienced it in some form or another. But did you know that there's more to the "syndrome" than those few grumpy, chocolate-craving days before your period? Turns out, your menstrual cycle affects your body and spirit all month long.

"Estrogen and progesterone do a very complicated dance throughout your cycle," Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, an ob-gyn in Beverly Hills, Calif., tells HealthySELF. "It's not merely the estrogen, but the balance between the two hormones, as well as other factors such as lifestyle, diet, stress, habits, othe0r medical conditions and culture that affect us and make us who we are during our fertile and menstruating years."


Related: Kristen Bell Answers Your Biggest Health Questions


As you may know, your monthly cycle is divided into four phases. Here's what's going on during each one, how it can affect you and what you can do to ease any symptoms:

Menstruation - The good news is, as the days go on, your mood lifts, and as your PMS hunger and cravings dissipate, you lose the bloat. "For many, this is when relief of PMS starts," says Gilberg-Lenz, "for others it's when the pain begins." Cramps, heavy bleeding and fatigue can be a problem; Gilberg-Lenz recommends rest, fluids and mild exercise. Heating pads, hot water bottles and old fashioned castor oil packs applied to the belly are also very soothing -- for both your mind and body.


Related: 21 Good-For-You Snacks


Follicular Phase - Whether or not you're trying to get pregnant, the follicular phase is all about fertilization; estrogen levels are on the rise as your body works to select the perfect egg. Some weight gain can happen during this time (think one-quarter to one-half pound), but Gilberg-Lenz says during this phase of the cycle, most women are emotionally symptom-free. "As the brain starts to 'tell' the ovary to get ready to ovulate, estrogen slowly rises and a feeling of well-being and calm prevail," she explains.

Ovulation - "Time to make a baby!" says Gilberg-Lenz. "Vaginal juices are flowing, blood flow increases and cervical mucous is ready to catch a swimmer." During this phase, she says, many women feel more easily aroused, interested in sex and just plain sexy, so enjoy it ... responsibly!

See More: 6 Secrets to Firing Up Your Metabolism


Luteal Phase - Progesterone peaks after ovulation in anticipation of a possible pregnancy and falls off if one is not achieved, explains Gilberg-Lenz. "Some women notice a dip in mood, bloating and breast tenderness as they approach their period." In other words: PMS. "Regular habits like a healthy whole foods diet, lots of water, exercise and good sleep really can aid in regularizing this time of the month," Gilberg-Lenz. "Yoga, stretching and meditation also can help to balance body, mind and spirit, and maintain your mood and perspective."

Finally, keep in mind that Gilberg-Lenz says there is no such thing as "normal" when it comes to how your cycle affects you. "We are all unique within the confines of a broad outline or pattern," she explains. But if a symptom is disrupting your life and making it difficult or impossible to maintain relationships, go to school or work, then it's time to seek medical advice.

More From SELF:
Yoga Moves for Flat Abs
20 Superfoods for Weight Loss
Jillian Michaels: How to Lose Two Pounds a Week
The Healthiest Cities for Women