Menstruation is a natural part of being a woman, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Especially for teenagers, it can be a confusing and challenging time. One of the most talked about symptoms of menstruation and your hormones is mood swings. These fluctuations in your mood can suddenly make you angry, sad, or very happy, without you knowing exactly why. Fortunately, there are ways to deal with this. In this blog series First Aid for Menstruation (EHBM) and we will give you more information and especially tips about everything to do with your menstruation, hormones and cycle. Whether it’s your first or umpteenth, we will give you information for every situation.
What are mood swings and why do they occur?
Mood swings during your menstrual cycle are mainly caused by hormonal changes in your body. The levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout your cycle, which can affect your brain and emotions . This means that you may feel energetic and cheerful one day, while the next day you may feel tired and irritable.
First Aid for Mood Swings
- Understand your cycle
One of the first steps to better managing mood swings is to understand your menstrual cycle. Each phase of the cycle brings different hormonal changes. Knowing which phase you’re in can help you prepare for potential mood swings. It can help to use a menstrual app that tracks your emotions and physical symptoms.
- Eat healthy and balanced
What you eat can have a big impact on how you feel. Foods rich in magnesium, such as nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate, can help stabilize your mood. Avoiding too much sugar and caffeine can also help, as these can quickly spike and crash your blood sugar levels, which can affect your mood. Cravings are often a sign that your body needs certain nutrients. A tasty and healthy recipe can help you satisfy these cravings.
- Keep moving
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mood. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, chemicals known to have a positive effect on your mood . Try to find a form of exercise that you enjoy, whether it’s dancing, cycling, or a fun team sport. Even a short walk with the dog or your parents can make a difference.
- Get enough sleep
Sleep plays a major role in how you feel. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be more irritable and prone to mood swings. Try to establish a consistent sleep routine where you get enough sleep every night. This can help keep your mood more stable.
- Talk about it
Many girls experience mood swings during their menstrual cycle, but find it difficult to talk about it with parents, sisters or friends. But that is exactly something that can help you understand your emotions better and deal with them. Sharing your experiences can really help and give you new insights.
The most important thing to remember is that mood swings are normal and it’s okay to not always have your best day. Be patient and kind to yourself during these times. Try not to be too hard on yourself when you’re not feeling well and take the time to do what feels right for you.
Do you have any menstruation questions? Please let us know via our Instagram DM or email support@moodiesundies.com
