“PMS is milder and usually involves physical menstrual symptoms, as well as emotional ones.” “With PMDD, major depression and extreme irritation are the foremost symptoms,” says Livoti. These women become seriously depressed a week or two before their periods. Severe PMS: Beyond Run-Of-The-Mill Mood Swingsīetween 3 and 8 percent of menstruating women have an even more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Lower serotonin levels are associated with depression, irritability, and carbohydrate cravings, all of which can be PMS symptoms. “Reduced levels of estrogen during the luteal phase of the cycle could possibly cause a drop in serotonin, although more research needs to be done to confirm this link,” says Livoti. Some research suggests that female hormones interact with brain chemicals in a way that can affect mood in those with PMS. “Stressful situations, such as a divorce or job loss, don’t cause PMS, but they can make it worse,” adds Livoti. These hormonal peaks and valleys are thought to cause mood swings and other menstrual symptoms. “Then estrogen levels drop like a rock and begin rising slowly before dropping again just before menstruation starts,” explains Livoti. Estrogen levels begin to rise slowly just after a women’s period ends, and it peak two weeks later. The most common emotional PMS symptoms are:Īlthough researchers don’t know exactly why PMS strikes, these emotional disturbances are thought to be connected to the rise and fall of hormones, specifically estrogen, throughout the menstrual cycle. Once menstruation starts, mood swings usually disappear. PMS symptoms, including mood swings, occur during the last (luteal) phase of the menstrual cycle, which starts after ovulation - typically day 14 to 28 of a woman’s monthly cycle. “You’ll know these emotional ups and downs are due to PMS if they start consistently a week to two weeks before your period and stop a day or two after menstruation starts,” says New York City gynecologist and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Carol Livoti, MD. PMS can cause wild, uncontrollable mood swings in some women, who may go from crying spells to angry outbursts and anxiety attacks, then back to a stable emotional state - all in one day. Fortunately, treating PMS with medication and lifestyle changes can help women control mood changes and other emotional difficulties. And while menstrual symptoms like irritability, anger, and mood swings are a monthly bother for most women, severe PMS can be emotionally debilitating for some. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects a high percentage of women of childbearing age, with many women feeling mood changes in the days before menstruation.
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