Have you ever wondered how one moment the world can be at peace and by afternoon, there is a raging storm within that cannot be quenched? Hormones can really affect how we are feeling. As women, our hormone fluctuations can be all over the place. Some days we feel at peace and calm and other days we feel the world is caving in, even when it’s not. Similar to the weather, there are days of sunshine and rain clouds, with no real explanation, until now.
The hormones responsible for these different emotions are progesterone, estrogen, cortisol and serotonin. These levels change depending on the time of month.
There are a variety of stages in our monthly cycle, which help explain some of the emotions we experience.
Amazingly, our bodies have an increased level of estrogen and serotonin, during the most painful parts of our monthly cycle. Our bodies are designed in an incredible way. When we are feeling the worst, we get an extra boost of estrogen to help us to feel good and be our best.
Also, when our bodies are getting ready to release an egg, called ovulation, is when our estradiol peaks and testosterone increases. This combination can increase our spirits and make us feel more sexual. These hormones help our bodies to achieve their natural design to procreate.
After your body releases the egg, it enters a stage of increased progesterone. Then, if you are not pregnant, all hormone levels decrease. This decrease of hormones like progesterone, estradiol and testosterone can lead to emotional fluctuations, breast tissue discomfort, stomach swelling, fluctuations in eating habits, pimple breakouts, brain fog and libido fluctuations, difficulty sleeping, increased nervousness and unhappiness.
We are all familiar with the dreaded term PMS! Premenstrual Symptoms or A.K.A ‘Shark Week! Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, levels increase during this time also. A perfect storm for a foul mood.
Although there a multiple hormones which are out of our control, there may be several actions an individual can do to help decrease PMS symptoms.
Some specialists in the field believe dietary factors may also play a part. Individuals who consume sodium rich, fatty and high fructose foods can have increased PMS symptoms. Also, cigarette smoking is possibly linked to negative thinking and behavior symptoms.
Ideas to improve PMS symptoms include:
- Getting enough sleep. At least eight solid hours a night could help improve weariness during the day
- Eating less fatty, high fructose and sodium containing foods. This can help improve stomach swelling, pain and queasiness
- Increase physical activity. Getting moving can increase the hormone called endorphins which will help decrease PMS symptoms
Hormones can greatly affect how an individual is feeling. The hormone fluctuation can help explain somewhat why women feel they way they do. We all experience hormones in different ways but the thing we all have in common is we do have hormones, and they do fluctuate.
If you are experiencing extreme mood fluctuations beyond your control, please reach out to your health care provider for more assistance.
By: Julie, RN ~ Perinatal Support Manager
Resources:
My.clevelandclinic.org
Everydayhealth.com