Mensuration is a natural biological process that occurs in women every month. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining, which is accompanied by bleeding, cramps, and other physical and emotional symptoms. One of the most common and challenging symptoms of mensuration is mood swings, which are sudden and unpredictable changes in mood or emotional state.
Mood swings can affect a woman’s mental health, relationships, work, and daily activities. They can make her feel irritable, angry, sad, anxious, depressed, or even suicidal. Some of the factors that can contribute to mood swings during mensuration are:
- Hormonal changes: The levels of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, fluctuate throughout the month. These hormones can affect the brain’s neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that control mood, emotions, and behavior. When the hormone levels drop before and during mensuration, they can cause mood swings.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): PMS is a group of physical and psychological symptoms that occur in the days or weeks before mensuration. PMS can cause mood swings, as well as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and food cravings. PMS affects about 75% of women of reproductive age.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): PMDD is a severe form of PMS that causes extreme mood swings and emotional distress. PMDD can interfere with a woman’s ability to function normally and can affect her quality of life. PMDD affects about 3-8% of women of reproductive age.
- Stress: Stress is a common trigger for mood swings, as it can affect the body’s hormonal balance and immune system. Stress can also worsen the symptoms of PMS and PMDD. Stress can come from various sources, such as work, family, relationships, finances, health, or social issues.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can influence mood swings during mensuration, such as diet, exercise, sleep, alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and drugs. These factors can affect the body’s hormonal levels, blood sugar levels, inflammation, and neurotransmitter production. For example, a diet high in sugar, salt, and fat can increase bloating and irritability, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can improve mood and energy. Similarly, exercise can release endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters, while lack of exercise can increase depression and anxiety. Sleep is also essential for regulating mood, as lack of sleep can impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
Mood swings during mensuration are not a sign of weakness or abnormality. They are a normal and natural response to the changes that occur in the body and the brain. However, mood swings can be difficult to cope with and can affect a woman’s well-being and happiness. Therefore, it is important for women to understand their mood swings and seek help if they are severe or interfere with their daily life.
It is also important for the people around women, such as their partners, family members, friends, co-workers, and employers, to understand and support them during their mensuration period. Some of the ways that people can show understanding and support are:
- Be empathetic: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Empathy can help people to validate and acknowledge the mood swings that women experience during mensuration, rather than dismiss or judge them. Empathy can also help people to avoid taking the mood swings personally or reacting negatively to them. Empathy can be expressed by listening, asking, and offering help.
- Be flexible: Flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing situations and needs. Flexibility can help people to accommodate and respect the mood swings that women experience during mensuration, rather than expect or demand them to behave in a certain way. Flexibility can also help people to adjust their plans, expectations, and communication styles according to the mood swings. Flexibility can be expressed by being patient, understanding, and supportive.
- Be respectful: Respect is the feeling of admiration and appreciation for someone or something. Respect can help people to value and honor the mood swings that women experience during mensuration, rather than criticize or ridicule them. Respect can also help people to recognize and celebrate the strength and resilience of women who cope with mood swings every month. Respect can be expressed by being polite, courteous, and appreciative.
Mood swings during mensuration are a common and natural phenomenon that affect many women around the world. They are not a flaw or a fault, but a part of being a woman. Mood swings can be challenging and stressful, but they can also be managed and overcome with the help of self-care, professional help, and social support. Mood swings can also be an opportunity for growth and learning, as they can reveal the emotions, needs, and desires of women. Mood swings can also be a source of connection and compassion, as they can foster empathy, flexibility, and respect among the people who live and work with women. Mood swings during mensuration are not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be embraced.
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