Mood changes and irritability are the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or known as the PMS. This affects a lot of women who are in the peak years of their womanhood from age 20 to 35.
There are even women who complain about their mood swings because they affect their relationship with their partners. Going through PMS is not easy but there are effective ways to control your mood but first you have to know if your mood swings are caused by your approaching period.
According to Everyday Health, Carol Livoti, New York City gynecologist and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said, "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." But this doesn't last very long, she added. Once menstruation starts, these PMS symptoms will tone down.
There is still known exact cause of PMS in women according to Mayo Clinic but there are factors that may trigger the symptoms.
1. Hormonal changes
This can cause a woman to change their mood. More likely they become irritable and aggressive. If a woman is pregnant or in menopausal stage, this factor would not count.
2. Changes of chemicals in brain
A neurotransmitter chemical called serotonin that influence mood changes in our brain can trigger PMS. This may also lead to PMS depression if the serotonin is in very low levels.
There are also treatments and therapy that you can have to minimize PMS symptoms.
1. Frequent eating but in small amounts
The point here is to keep your sugar levels in the body at normal range. If it goes over or lesser than the acceptable levels, this could worsen the symptoms. Low blood sugar can make women more irritable and more likely to cry.
2. Avoid coffee or any caffeine drinks.
It is commonly known that coffee increases anxiety and can cause insomnia. If this is happening along with PMS, it is a total disaster in your mood swings. You may be very irritable and may experience depression.
3. Hit the gym.
Getting some physical exercise can treat depression caused by PMS. Your brain releases endorphins during exercise and this can prevent mood swings. So if you feel you are starting to experience the symptoms, try to sweat it out.
