A blog about hormones, havoc, and crying at “HopeForPaws” videos…
You know the drill. One minute you’re a relatively high functionning adult, sending out emails, folding laundry and feeling vaguely in control of your life. The next, you’re sobbing because the dishwasher made a weird noise and your jeans made you look fat. Then, those tummy cramps you thought were from overindulging in cake the night before start to worsen and suddenly, it all makes sense: it’s that time of the month, again…
So what’s actually happening here? Why does menstruation sometimes feel like someone has swapped your personality with a moody teenager who’s just been told that the Internet is not working.
Let’s grab a few biscuits together and have a meander…
First off: it’s all about the hormones. Estrogen and progesterone being the main culprits here. These two are like your brain’s moody flatmates; when they’re balanced, life is manageable. When they plummet (usually right before your period), they take your serotonin (another hormone) levels down with them. And serotonin, as you may know, is the brain’s version of a warm hug and a good cup of tea. Without it? Everything feels bleak. Even your favourite TV show feels pointless.
Most people have heard of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which includes mood swings, irritability, and a deep, primal urge to karate-chop anyone who breathes too loudly. But there’s also PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), a more intense, clinical condition that causes severe depression, anxiety, and rage in the days before your period. Like PMS, but on steroids and with fewer coping mechanisms .
If your monthly mood drop is more of a mental health cliff-dive than a gentle wobble, you might want to speak to a GP or gynaecologist about PMDD. You’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not just “overreacting.”
Of course, there’s more at play than just biology.
You’re also expected to carry on as normal; go to work, be productive, remain charming, while bleeding, cramping, and experiencing the emotional range of a Shakespearean heroine. Meanwhile, Karen from Accounts says things like”When I get period cramps, I just have a green juice and meditate.”
Karen, and I say this with love: “shush please”.
While we can’t completely dodge the hormonal rollercoaster, we can build in a few padded seats:
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Track your cycle: Knowing when the mood dip is coming helps you plan. You can even label it on your calendar: “Emotional Apocalypse Cancel Meetings/No hiking in the Peak District.”
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Eat food that actually fuels you: Your body’s crying out for iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins. Not just that fifth double chocolate TamTam. (Though no judgement; TamTams have their place and it’s not on a supermarket shelf, especially when they are on special offer.)
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Move, if you can: Yes, exercise is perhaps not the first thing on your mind when you’re on a period, but a walk does help your brain create its own anti-depressants. (Even if you cry the entire way.)
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Be unashamedly kind to yourself: Lower your standards. Rest more. Say no. Watch crap TV. You’re not lazy. You’re bleeding from your internal organs and still functioning. That’s gladiator status!
If your period leaves you feeling like an anxious, exhausted ghost version of yourself every month, know this: you’re not dramatic, and you’re not alone. It’s not weakness, it’s biology and a lack of public nap spaces.
So the next time Karen says, “You seem a bit moody, is it your time of the month?” Smile sweetly, and resist the urge to throw the green smoothie she’s just handed you in her face. Maybe it tastes better than it looks?
Then go eat a brownie and remind yourself that you’re doing brilliantly; do what you need to get through these few days and then go back to enjoying life.
Photo by Behnam Norouzi
