Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Gynecologist · Gynecology, Women and Reproductive Health
Yes, many women experience higher levels of emotionality and mood swings around the time of their period. This is often attributed to hormonal fluctuations occurring during the menstrual cycle. When estrogen and progesterone levels rise during a woman's premenstrual phase, they can cause an increase in neurotransmitters such as serotonin which are responsible for modulating emotions. Additionally, researchers have found that women with a history of depressive symptoms tend to be more sensitive to hormone changes resulting in greater emotional reactivity on their period. While it's normal to feel more emotional before or during your period, if you find your irritability or sadness is impacting daily life then it may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional about ways to manage these heightened emotions and cope better with them.
