As a woman, it is likely that you are familiar with the discomfort that comes with PMS.

But did you know that anxiety is also a PMS symptom?

In fact, 76.1% of the participants in a study by BMC Women’s Health showed signs of PMS anxiety.

It can be overwhelming and disrupt your daily life, but rest assured; there are ways to manage and alleviate your anxiety. 

This article will explore the causes, signs, and effective strategies to help you calm your mind and ease PMS-related anxiety.

Causes

To date, experts have little understanding of what causes PMS symptoms and conditions.

But they believe that PMS symptoms, including anxiety, result from changing hormonal levels.

Levels of the reproductive hormones (Estrogen and Progesterone) fluctuate a lot during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Fact
Phases of the menstrual cycle (For a 28-day cycle)

  • Follicular/ proliferative phase- This phase occurs from the day your period starts (day 1) through day 13
  • Ovulation- It lasts for about 16 to 32 hours on day 14 of the menstrual cycle
    Luteal/ secretory phase- This stage starts from the 15th day and goes on till the 28th
  • When the body prepares for pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of hormones. But if there is no egg implantation, the hormone levels drop, and menstruation begins.

    This up and down in the hormones can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain, which are associated with regulating one’s mood.

    This might explain the PMS symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.

    Could it be a sign of something else

    Severe menstrual anxiety might sometimes indicate Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) or Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME).

    PMDD

    Bloating
    Bloating

    PMDD is a health disorder similar to PMS but is more severe, affecting up to 5% of the menstruating population.

    It usually presents with severe symptoms which interfere with a person’s everyday life.

    These symptoms include:

    • Extreme tension or anxiety
    • Lasting irritability or anger that might potentially affect other people
    • Feelings of sadness, despair, or even thoughts of suicide
    • Panic attacks
    • Trouble thinking or focusing
    • Tiredness or low energy
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Mood swings or crying episodes
    • Food cravings or binge eating
    • Physical symptoms, like cramps, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain

    PMDD has a strong correlation with pre-existing mental health conditions.

    Individuals with a personal or familial history of depression or anxiety may be at a greater risk.

    Recommended Article:
    To learn about PMDD and how it is different from PMS, read PMDD vs PMS: What’s the Difference?

    PME

    PMDD and PME are closely associated. 

    Rather than the development of new symptoms, PME is characterized by the worsening of pre-existing disorders, such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder, due to hormonal changes during menstruation.

    The pre-existing physical and mental conditions that flare up right before your period include:

    • Migraine
    • Anxiety disorder
    • Depression
    • Seizures
    • Eating disorders
    • Schizophrenia
    • Substance abuse disorder

    The difference between PME and PMDD is that individuals with PME experience the mentioned symptoms throughout the month. They just worsen in the weeks leading up to their period.

    Treatment options

    There are certain things that you can do to manage your premenstrual anxiety and other PMS symptoms, the first step being awareness.

    Having an awareness that your anxiety is linked to your menstrual cycle can aid in developing effective coping strategies to manage the associated symptoms.

    Other things that you can try to help your PMS anxiety include the following.

    Aerobic Exercise

    Aerobic exercise
    Aerobic exercise

    Research has shown that incorporating moderate exercise throughout the month experience less severe PMS symptoms.

    It has also been shown to reduce other physical symptoms associated with PMS.

    Stress Reduction

    Using relaxation techniques to reduce stress may, in turn, help to control PMS-related anxiety.

    Some of the techniques include yoga, massage therapy, and meditation.

    Diet

    Consuming alcohol, caffeine, high calories, sugar, salt, or fat in foods is related to a high risk of PMS symptoms.

    Eating foods rich in calcium, like soy, milk, and yogurt products, is advisable.

    You may also want to consume a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

    Sleep

    Prioritize taking rest and a good night’s sleep. Try developing a sleep schedule wherein you go to bed and wake up at a certain time daily.

    Vitamins and minerals

    Vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B and D, calcium, and magnesium, might help alleviate PMS symptoms.

    Incidences of PMS have been reported to be lower in women who had a diet rich in these vitamins and minerals.

    Warning
    Do not take any supplements without a doctor’s prescription.

    Track your symptoms

    The suggestions discussed above have the potential to effectively manage typical PMS symptoms and minimize the chance of their occurrence. 

    But there is only so much that you can do about it.

    However, tracking your symptoms might be of some use.

    It can assist you in identifying patterns in your symptoms and add data about the lifestyle changes you have incorporated.

    This can help you figure out what works best to minimize your symptoms.

    Takeaway

    A little anxiety a week or two before your menstrual cycle begins is considered normal.

    But if the symptoms are affecting you severely, there are things you can try to alleviate the discomfort, like, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep.

    If nothing helps, consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and chalk out a treatment plan for managing your anxiety.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I stop PMS anxiety?

    There are several ways to manage PMS-related anxiety, including regular exercise, stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, aerobic exercises, and meditation, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and seeking support from a healthcare professional if needed.

    How long does PMS anxiety last?

    The duration of PMS anxiety may vary among individuals. Typically, the symptoms begin a week or two before the onset of menstruation and subside shortly after the period starts. However, certain women may experience persistent anxiety throughout their menstrual cycle or beyond, requiring further assessment and treatment.

    How can I calm my PMS anxiety?

    There are many ways to reduce PMS-related anxiety, including deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, abstaining from caffeine and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and asking for support from a healthcare provider if necessary.

    Why do I get so anxious before my period?

    Experiencing anxiety before menstruation might be a sign of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). It might result from hormonal fluctuations and can potentially worsen pre-existing mental health conditions. PMS and PMDD may cause a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

    Can exercise relieve PMS symptoms?

    Yes, exercise can relieve PMS symptoms, including anxiety, cramping, bloating, and mood swings. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the body. Additionally, regular exercise can help regulate hormones, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can all contribute to alleviating PMS symptoms.

    Citations:
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