PMS and Mood Swings: What’s The Connection? Signs, Treatment, and More

If you are a woman or you have a female figure in close contact you might see them being on an emotional roller coaster ride once every month.

Well, that is normal among many women as it is a result of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). A word commonly and casually used by many. But, what exactly is PMS? Is it just the mood swings before the menstruation cycle? Is it bad for my mental health? What can I do to cope with PMSing? These all questions remain unanswered. But, not anymore. It is time to understand the link between PMS and Mood Swings because of your emotional and mental health matters.

Also Read: Master Your Mood Swings: 5 possible causes of severe Mood Swings

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of emotional and physical symptoms experienced by a woman a week or so before the beginning of the menstruation cycle. For some women, it might be a big deal as they might just experience mild physical signs of PMS, but for others, this phase is really hard to cope with.

Also Read: Menopause: Depression, Mood Swings & How To Cope With It?

Signs and Symptoms of PMS

PMS is likely to show up in different ways, this includes physical signs, emotional signs, and behavioral signs. A woman is likely to experience some of them and not all of them.

Physical Signs of PMS	Emotional Signs of PMS	Behavioral Signs of PMS
Cramps	Crying Episodes	Difficulty Focusing
Bloated Tummy	Mood Swings	Forgetful
Tender Breasts	Depressed	Tired
Hunger Pangs	Tense or Anxious	Loss of attention and concentration
Unhealthy Skin	Difficulty Sleeping
Weight Fluctuation	Anger Outbursts
Headache	Feeling Overwhelmed
Muscle Aches and Joint Ache	Prefer Being Alone
Constipation or Diarrhea.

Causes of PMS

Although more than half of the women experience it the causes of PMS is not yet known. It is suggested by the health experts that it is an outcome of change in body chemistry (hormone levels). While the cause is still unknown, certain conditions are found to make it worse. This include:

1. High-stress level.

2. Lack of physical exercise.

3. Inadequate sleep.

4. Too much substance, caffeine, sugar or salt consumption.

So, here is your first recommendation to make sure that your PMSing doesn’t take a toll on you. Avoid the factors mentioned above.

Now, that you have a clearer understanding of PMS is let us see how you can manage and treat it.

Treatment And Management of PMS

When talking about managing PMS, I have to say that it is not one treatment for all approaches that fits here. Maybe journaling or yoga will work effectively, but for your friend or mother taking a balanced diet can work wonders. So, we are sharing with you a pool of treatment approaches that are backed with science to reduce PMS signs.

Lifestyle Changes

Here are some lifestyle changes that are found to bring relief in your mood swings.

1. Practice meditation to master your moods

Meditation is a great way to manage your mood during PMS. Although you are free to choose any form of meditation, be it chocolate or forest, there is one chanting meditation that is found to work as wonders. It is known as Kirtan Kriya herein you chant a mantra and stimulate your pituitary and pineal glands. The mantra that you have to chant is Saa (birth) Taa (life) Naa (death) Maa (rebirth). You can read in detail about it here.

Also Read: Guide Me: Which Type Of Meditation Technique Is Right For Me?

2. Work on your Happiness Hormones

The best way to master your mood swings during PMS is by simply working on your happiness hormones. Involve in activities that boost the four happiness hormones. It will offer you comfort and calm your senses down. To know about these hormones and ways to boost them, read here.

3. Have a Balanced Diet for A Balanced Life

What you eat has a huge impact on how you feel. That is why it is important to focus on what you are eating. Your diet should be low on sugar, caffeine, and sodium to reduce combat mood swings.

Also Read: 10 Mood-Boosting Foods To Increase Happiness

4. Have A Proper Sleep Routine

Sleep, PMS, and mood swings are correlated with each other. So, make sure that you have a proper sleep routine and you abide by it. It will help your body attain inner balance and peace. Plus, you will see the difference in your mood after having quality and quantity sleep.

5. Medication

If the signs and symptoms of PMS can’t be managed by the lifestyle changes then you might need to visit a doctor. Only after analyzing your health condition, you will be given medication.

Now, if you know someone who experiences PMS, take care of their emotional health by sharing this blog with them.

Remember: We all have a Wonder Woman inside us.

Sending you strength and happiness…