Post-Period Mood Swings: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Post-period mood swings, also known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), affect around 5% of menstruating women. PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is a common condition that affects up to 85% of women during their reproductive years. While PMS causes mild to moderate physical and emotional symptoms, post-period mood swings causes severe emotional symptoms that can disrupt daily life.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for post-period mood swings.

Causes of Post-Period Mood Swings

The exact cause of PMDD is unknown, but researchers believe that it may be due to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors.

Hormonal factors: PMDD is associated with changes in hormone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle. Specifically, PMDD is thought to be related to fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can affect the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood.

Genetic factors: There may be a genetic component to PMDD. Studies have found that women with a family history of PMDD are more likely to develop the condition.

Environmental factors: Stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances can all contribute to the development of PMDD.

Symptoms of Post-Period Mood Swings

PMDD symptoms typically begin a week or two before the start of the menstrual period and usually improve within a few days of the onset of menstruation. Symptoms of PMDD can vary in severity and may include:

• Mood swings, including feeling depressed, irritable, or anxious
• Tension or anxiety
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in appetite or food cravings
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms, including breast tenderness, bloating, and headaches

These symptoms can interfere with daily life, making it difficult to work, socialize, or carry out routine activities.

Treatment Options for Post-Period Mood Swings

The treatment of PMDD typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy.

Lifestyle changes: Women with PMDD may benefit from making certain lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. These changes can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce symptoms.

Medication: There are several medications that can be used to treat PMDD, including antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Antidepressants are often prescribed to treat the emotional symptoms of PMDD, while hormonal contraceptives can help to regulate hormone levels. NSAIDs can be used to relieve physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness and headaches.

Therapy: Therapy can be an effective treatment for PMDD, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help women to identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to their symptoms. Other types of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy and mindfulness-based therapy, may also be helpful.

It is important to note that not all treatments work for everyone, and it may take some trial and error to find the best treatment for each individual.

Managing Post-Period Mood Swings

In addition to treatment, there are several self-care strategies that women with PMDD can use to manage their symptoms. These include:

• Keeping a symptom diary to track symptoms and identify patterns
• Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
• Getting regular exercise, such as yoga or walking
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which can exacerbate symptoms
• Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as spending time outdoors, reading, or spending time with loved ones
• Seeking social support from friends and family

It is also important for women with PMDD to have a support system in place. Talking to friends or family members about their symptoms can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and provide emotional support. Support groups for women with PMDD can also be helpful in providing a sense of community and a safe space to discuss their experiences.