Why your mood shifts
Mood swings, irritability, feeling low and feeling anxious are among the best-known signs of the last week of the cycle — not a weakness of character, and not something to be ashamed of. For most people it eases once the period starts.
What helps
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1
Movement, which is free. And sleep, which does the most when you can get it.
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2
Put big decisions off. If you can, leave the hard conversation for next week. Not because your judgement is off — because it will be harder than it needs to be.
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3
Tell yourself where you are in the month. Just knowing this feeling will change in a few days helps on its own.
When to get help
If you've had thoughts of harming yourself, call emergency services now or go to your nearest emergency department — and tell someone you trust. Don't be alone.
And book an appointment if:
- severe anxiety or low mood comes back every month
- the symptoms disrupt your work and your relationships
There's a much more intense form of this, and it has its own treatment; you don't have to put up with it.
Sources
- NHS — PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
- ACOG — Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Health information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For your own symptoms, talk to a doctor.
Your cycle, honestly.
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