Deciphering the Emotional Journey of Period Excitement

Ever wondered why your menstrual cycle seems like a whirlwind of emotions, not just during the arrival of your period, but especially in the premenstrual week? The ebb and flow of hormones orchestrating your cycle play a monumental role in both your physical and emotional experiences. For some, the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can feel more intense than for others. So, what exactly happens when we find ourselves emotionally charged during our periods, and is there anything we can do about it? (Click to Explore Beautikini's Period Underwear)

Is Emotional Turbulence Normal During Menstruation?

First and foremost—yes, feeling emotionally charged during your period is entirely normal. Let's delve into the reasons behind it: premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.

Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS refers to the array of symptoms many individuals experience in the days leading up to the onset of their period—a phenomenon that's quite commonplace. According to the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS), approximately 30% of women encounter PMS, with its severity not only dependent on the menstrual phase but also on different life stages. As Sleep Foundation notes,

"PMS seems to emerge and intensify when significant hormonal changes occur: during puberty (even before the first menstrual period), initiation/cessation of oral contraceptives, post-pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, postpartum depression, sterilization, or termination of pregnancy.

PMS respects no one, disregarding race or economic status.

So, the next time you find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster during your period, know that it's a perfectly normal part of the menstrual journey. Understanding these hormonal shifts can empower you to navigate the emotional landscape with resilience and self-compassion.

Common Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

You might be quite familiar with these symptoms, but perhaps you haven't realized that what you're experiencing is indeed caused by Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Symptoms can be categorized into physical and emotional:

Why Does My Period Make Me Emotionally Excitable?

- Breast tenderness, sensitivity

- Muscle aches

- Fatigue

- Abdominal bloating

- Cramping

- Headaches

- Acne

- Oily hair

- Emotional fluctuations

- Anxiety

- Irritability

- Difficulty sleeping

- Concentration issues

- Feeling teary-eyed

Understanding the Emotional Excitability During Menstruation

Now that we've explored the most common symptoms of PMS, how much do we truly understand about its root causes and why we feel emotionally charged during our period? According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the exact reasons remain unclear, but doctors believe it's linked to hormonal fluctuations at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

Some individuals are more sensitive to these changes, which could explain variations in the severity of symptoms. Other factors may contribute to emotional excitability during menstruation:

(Beautikini's period underwear offers freedom and comfort without any burdens.)

Low Serotonin Levels

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in influencing our mood, emotions, and sleep. Low serotonin levels can lead to feelings of depression, low mood, and anxiety, explaining the emotional excitability. During menstruation, hormonal changes can cause a temporary drop in serotonin levels. Fortunately, maintaining a positive mindset can boost serotonin levels. Regular exercise promotes endorphin production, further enhancing serotonin levels. Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation also prove beneficial.

Sleep Disruptions

Quality sleep impacts every aspect of our lives, and when insufficient, it can trigger a cascade effect on various domains. Low serotonin levels may also contribute to poor sleep, worsening the situation. Prioritize your sleep today. Set consistent bedtime and wake-up times to help regulate your body's circadian rhythm. Adopt good sleep hygiene habits, such as avoiding screens at least an hour before bedtime and reducing exposure to blue light. Blue light-blocking glasses are excellent tools, and adjusting phone settings to minimize blue light can be helpful. Why is this crucial? Because blue light has been found to inhibit the body's production of melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep. Without melatonin, sleep becomes elusive.

Low Calcium and/or Vitamin D Levels

Research suggests that deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium may worsen PMS symptoms. According to the National Health Service in the UK, everyone should take supplements in autumn and winter. Ensure your diet includes oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, fortified cereals, mushrooms, and other fortified foods. Vitamin D deficiency can result in feelings of fatigue and weakness, accompanied by muscle and back pain. If you suspect inadequate vitamin D intake, consider supplementation.

Low B-Vitamin Levels

B-vitamins are also crucial. Studies indicate that consuming a diverse diet rich in certain B-vitamins can alleviate PMS symptoms. Although more research is needed for precise conclusions, maintaining a balanced diet and controlling these vitamin levels can only be beneficial.

Lack of Exercise

Exercise is known to boost serotonin levels, helping to maintain energy and positive mood. While adhering to a workout routine may be the last thing you feel like doing during a PMS flare-up, believe us, it helps. We created period leggings for a reason—so you can wake up and kick butt every day, regardless of your menstrual cycle. Moreover, we know a bit of movement always makes you feel better, so don't let your flow hold you back.

Poor Dietary Habits

We've mentioned this again, but it's worth emphasizing. A balanced diet, rich in various nutrient-dense foods, increases your resilience against negative emotions. A good diet sustains both your physical and mental health, empowering you with strength and positivity. We're not saying you can't indulge in chocolate cravings during your period rebellion, but we are saying you 100% should possess a happy, healthy body fueled by good nutrition and self-love.

Stress

Self-care is more than just a buzzword—stress can negatively impact many facets of life, not just your mental health. Evidence suggests that stress can affect your menstrual cycle, disrupting hormones and hindering sleep, relaxation, and concentration. All of these contribute to tears, low spirits, and unease.

Recognize when things get too overwhelming to control stress levels. If help is offered, accept it, and make a habit of checking in with yourself regularly to ensure your emotional well-being is cared for. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup—sometimes putting yourself first is okay.

Beautikini Period Underwear: A Comfortable Solution

Amidst the emotional rollercoaster, finding comfort is crucial. Beautikini period underwear is designed to provide reliable protection and comfort during your menstrual cycle.