PMS and mood changes

PMS and mood changes

Why you may feel different in the days before your period? Many women notice they feel different in the days or weeks before their period. You may feel more sensitive, easily irritated or have less energy. This is called PMS, premenstrual syndrome. These complaints occur in a fixed part of the cycle, in the phase after ovulation and before menstruation.

What is PMS

PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It describes a combination of physical and emotional complaints that begin one to two weeks before menstruation and usually disappear when the period starts. These complaints return in the same phase of the cycle.

Complaints

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Fatigue or low energy

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Bloating

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Mood changes such as irritability, low mood and emotional sensitivity

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Skin problems such as acne during this period

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Headaches

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Tender breasts

The role of hormones in this phase

PMS occurs in the luteal phase of the cycle, the period after ovulation and before menstruation. During this phase, hormone levels such as estrogen and progesterone change. After ovulation these hormones rise and just before menstruation they drop again. Medical sources link PMS complaints to these hormonal fluctuations.

Why mood can change

During this phase, mood changes can occur such as irritability, low mood, tension or emotional sensitivity. Sources indicate that hormonal fluctuations can affect brain chemicals involved in mood, sleep and energy.

Why this can be linked to acne before your period

Many women experience acne just before their period, often called period acne. This is caused by hormonal changes during this phase of the cycle. Hormones can increase oil production in the skin, which can clog pores and lead to pimples. These skin problems often return in the same phase of the cycle.

Why this is part of the rhythm of the cycle

The days before menstruation form the last part of the menstrual cycle. When hormone levels drop, menstruation starts and a new cycle begins. The changes in mood, energy and skin are linked to this natural hormonal transition.

Sources and references

Cleveland Clinic, Premenstrual Syndrome https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24288-pms-premenstrual-syndrome

Cleveland Clinic, Period Acne https://health.clevelandclinic.org/period-acne

NHS, Premenstrual Syndrome
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/