Emotional Symptoms
Aside from the physical symptoms mentioned above, PMS can also affect a patient’s emotional and mental well-being. And unfortunately, emotional symptoms are often more severe than physical signs. Patients described the experience as riding an emotional roller coaster ride. They may feel crankier, gloomier, and sadder than usual. Some patients also showed symptoms of anxiety, extreme irritability, depression, and extreme mood swings.
The fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone levels causes these changes in emotions. To explain further, estrogen influences the release of endorphins. Endorphins are called feel-good or happy hormones since they help relieve pain, improve well-being, reduce stress, and feel pleasure. The sudden drop in endorphins can make a person feel depressed and irritable for no apparent reason. On the other hand, experts also highlight the calming effects of progesterone. When this hormone decreases, patients may find it hard to relax, resulting in anxiety and panic attacks. Women may also find themselves crying uncontrollably because of low progesterone levels.
The menstrual cycle messes up most women’s hormones, emotions, and mental health. These make it harder for them to deal with the physical symptoms of PMS.
