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Feeling depressed, sad, or anxious is very common in women before and during their period. It's easy to cry when it's time to get your period, even when you can't figure out what went wrong. This is because the menstrual cycle and ovulation create hormonal changes throughout the month. The result of this upheaval is emotional turmoil in the weeks leading up to menstruation, often as part of premenstrual syndrome.
1. Is it normal to cry easily during menstruation?
Up to 75% of women experience some degree of discomfort from PMS symptoms. These include physical and mental abnormalities. If you feel depressed, anxious, irritable, or find yourself crying easily during your period, this is completely normal.
A lot of women go through this in an incredibly varied way. If sadness is the only symptom, it can be confusing for a woman herself to suddenly become sensitive to the menstrual cycle. However, this is not the only case and hormonal changes are the underlying cause.
2. Why do women cry easily when it comes to menstruation?
The exact reason for the true sadness or sensitivity to the menstrual cycle is still not clear.
However, experts believe that sex hormone changes in the blood, specifically the drop in estrogen and progesterone that occur after ovulation, are responsible for the condition.
Low serotonin levels
Serotonin is sometimes considered the chemical of happiness. It helps regulate one's own mood, increase appetite and the ability to get a good night's sleep.
The female sex hormones fluctuating during the premenstrual days reduce serotonin production. Accordingly, when serotonin levels are low, a woman may feel sad, even if nothing is out of the ordinary.
Poor sleep quality
Sleep quality can also affect a person's mood. Because reduced serotonin levels make it difficult for women to get enough rest, they may find themselves constantly sleep deprived, mentally fatigued, and irritable.
Due to the lack of rest, constantly under stress and pressure, it can make psychological insecurity, easier to cry. This can also become a vicious cycle, as feeling sad or stressed can also make it harder for the body to fall asleep.
Changes in appetite
Changes in appetite or desire to eat sugary or high-carbohydrate foods are common in women with PMS. However, when tolerated, these same foods can have an adverse effect on mood.
According to a study, carbohydrates temporarily increase serotonin levels, making the body feel more comfortable. This may be why the body is always trying to calm itself by constantly looking for sweet foods. However, a hasty or overused supply of starches only temporarily relieves stress but can then lead to deeper feelings of depression.
Limit physical exercise
Other premenstrual symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bloating, can make the body feel like resting, being more passive than exercising, engaging with the lips outside school.
At this time, being sedentary can also lower your mood, making you feel worse.
3. How to treat easy crying during menstruation?
Easy to cry when menstruation usually goes away within a few days. If you don't get better on your own or if you feel extremely sad, talk to your doctor about the right medications to help regulate your mood.
Initial therapy may include contraception, such as oral contraceptives. Birth control pills prevent ovulation and hormonal fluctuations, effectively contributing to the improvement of symptoms of mental abnormalities.
Alternatively, your doctor may also prescribe an antidepressant, such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
4. How to deal with menstrual sensitivity at home
Mild depression and crying before menstruation usually disappear quickly if a woman knows how to change her diet or lifestyle:
Instead of eating a lot of sweets like candy, ice cream to solve cravings try eating fatty fish or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. This has been shown to be a reliable food source for reducing feelings of depression.
Try to build and incorporate strength training or active activities into your daily life, even if you are feeling uncomfortable due to bloating, menstrual cramps or cramps. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which help improve your mood quickly.
If the feeling of bloating or menstrual pain prevents exercise, a woman also needs to make sure to avoid salty foods, as these can aggravate water retention. At this point, low-dose over-the-counter diuretics can also be helpful.
Distracting yourself from negative emotions and thoughts may not be an easy thing to do, but if successful, it will bring great results. Therefore, changing your emotions by listening to your favorite music, watching a funny or horror movie, and spending time with friends can also help.
Yoga can naturally increase endogenous serotonin levels and increase feelings of happiness, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
If insomnia is making you feel worse, overcome the habit of staying up at night to make it easier for your body to fall asleep. Accordingly, it is advisable to turn off electronic devices an hour before going to bed and cut down on caffeine in the evening.
Aromatherapy can also be beneficial. Try essential oils known to be calming, such as lavender, rose, and chamomile.
5. When to see a doctor?
Feelings of depression, sadness or extreme anxiety often require professional care and support. If you always feel lethargic, empty, or hopeless, this person may be suffering from depression.
Although some women experience some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, if the condition worsens, premenstrual depression is suspected, including:
Bipolar disorder Extreme Depressive Disorder Feeling suicidal or having thoughts or actions of self-harm Alcohol abuse disorder Eating disorder Schizophrenia Anxiety disorder Persistent or uncontrollable crying episodes, Severe depression or sadness that interferes with daily life can be a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In this context, a woman should be referred to a mental health professional as soon as possible for appropriate help, treatment, and proactive prevention for the next cycle.
In summary, crying easily during menstruation is very common and may be related to premenstrual syndrome. Feelings of sadness and mild depression or increased sensitivity to the menstrual cycle can often be treated at home with lifestyle changes. However, if the feeling of sadness is severe, affecting a lot of daily activities, then the woman may have a real medical condition that needs medical treatment or support from a mental health professional to help her cope. timely adjustment.
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Reference source: healthline.com