Menstruation comes with hormonal fluctuations that can cause bloating, headaches and odd patches of moodiness. These symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are well known, and more than 90 percent of women experience at least one symptom before their monthly cycle. But for some women, the symptoms go beyond minor discomfort and a feeling of being off. Some of us will experience what is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe, often disabling extension of PMS. How is it different? According to the Mayo Clinic, women with PMDD usually battle at least one prominent emotional and behavioral symptom:
· Sadness or hopelessness
· Anxiety or tension
· Extreme moodiness
· Marked irritability or anger
While often viewed as a primarily physical experience, PMS and the more severe PMDD prove that your periods each month can have an impact on your mental health. EmpressBody has researched this topic and put together a few tips to help anyone currently experiencing this, you are not alone, and it will get better!
The Hormonal Link Between PMS, PMDD, and Mental Health
For both PMS and PMDD, the exact cause is unknown, but most researchers agree that PMDD is related to the hormonal changes that correspond with the menstrual cycle. According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown a connection between PMDD and low levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps transmit nerve signals. Changes in serotonin levels can contribute to PMDD systems since serotonin helps control mood, sleep, and pain.
While underlying depression and anxiety are common in both PMS and PMDD, the hormonal changes that trigger a menstrual period can worsen the symptoms of mood disorders. Relationships can suffer from the emotional symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability, leading to additional stressors on mental and emotional health.
How These Symptoms Mimic Depression
Intricately woven into the current state of your mental health, PMDD symptoms mimic those of major depression. This means that women suffering from PMDD also take on the risks of major depression, like an increased risk of suicide during the two weeks they are affected. For women who have a personal or family history of mood disorders — including major depression or postpartum depression — they’re at a greater risk for developing PMDD to begin with. Unlike major depression, however, PMDD symptoms lessen or go away at the start of your period.
Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors
Some women may be more at risk than others, with physicians considering both environmental and genetic risk factors during the diagnostic process. Stress, a history of interpersonal trauma, seasonal changes, and socio-cultural aspects can impact the development of PMDD. It’s unknown if PMDD is hereditary, but PMS symptoms are: 30 to 80 percent of women who suffer from PMS indicate that other women in their family suffer, as well.
EmpressBody recommends:
Sunshine!
It may sound simple, but something as basic as a 10 minute walk in the sunshine (weather permitting) everyday can help increase serotonin levels and vitamin D intake. Both of these chemicals are linked to your mood and thought processes.
Speak out!
Feelings of anxiety can leave a person feeling very locked into their problem, isolated and scared. These feelings can even exasperate the issue and make your feelings of anxiety or depression before or during your period worse. Reach out to a friend, a sister, your mother. Share our experiences, as you may never know, someone might be feeling exactly the same way as you!
Diet.
A diet high in saturated fats will leave you feeling sluggish and down, whereas the better energy you get from eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low on animal products will leave your mind and body feeling sharper and better able to cope with fluctuations in mood you may experience.
EmpressBody Detox Pearls
We recommend our detox pearls, which are made of 100% organic materials and not only are they kind to the earth, but they have so many benefits for women; from their bodily wellness to their sense of self-worth. Embarking on a yoni detox can help you physically and mentally enjoy a sense of wellbeing and clarity.
EmpressBody detox pearls work by using specially selected herbs that create a pulling effect that draws toxins, bad bacteria, dead cells, old blood clots, mucus and more from your yoni while at the same time tightening your yoni and deterring vaginal dryness and other ailments. They are wrapped in cotton meshing with a string attached for easy removal.
There are other uses and benefits from yoni detoxing with EmpressBody detox pearls:
1. Remove toxins from the body:
Long-term exposure to toxins (environmental pollutants, cancer-causing chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial waste) affects our metabolism, behavior, immune system, which can lead to disease. Toxins can end up being stored in your tissues and cells throughout the body, including the brain, - often for years!
2. Prevent chronic disease:
Environmental toxins are responsible for many cancers, neurological diseases, heart disease, strokes... you name it. Our bodies do have a built-in detox function to deal with these dangers, but those systems are frequently overloaded. Detoxing can assist and improve what our bodies do naturally.
3. Enhance immune system:
A compromised immune system can make us vulnerable to colds and flus, affecting our quality of life and productivity. Regular detoxing helps strengthen the immune system’s functioning and fights off infection.
4. Lose weight:
Toxins affect the body's natural ability to burn fat, leading to weight gain. Diabetes, heart disease, (in some cases PCOS) and high blood pressure are directly linked to weight issues. Detoxing rids the body of toxins stored in fat cells and increases metabolism.
5. Slow premature aging:
Detoxing rids the body of free radicals and heavy metals partially responsible for aging. Detoxing helps to increase nutrient absorption, including antioxidants and vitamins that help fight oxidative stress.
6. Improve quality of life:
Simply put, our bodies don't function very well when they're loaded with toxins. We may have joint pain, headaches, digestive disorders, sleep problems, and lack of energy. Depression may be eased and memory may be improved as a result of detoxification!
7. Increase energy:
You will have more mental, physical, and emotional energy after detoxing. People tend to sleep better, needing less of it as they are getting better quality REM sleep.
8. Improve skin quality:
Diet and environmental toxins undeniably affect our skin. Detoxing improves acne, and strengthens hair and nails, and gives us a natural, healthy glow.
9. Mental and emotional clarity:
When the body's systems are aligned, a shift also occurs with our mental and emotional states. We can deal with stressful situations better when we're clear and grounded. We can make better decisions, analyze accurately, and see things differently.
10. Restore balance to our body's systems:
Our digestive, nervous, and hormonal systems were designed to work together to achieve optimum health. This is what our bodies want to do! When we overload them with toxins and unhealthy foods, these systems don't work as well as they should and we get sick. Detoxing brings balance back and helps our systems function properly again.
NOTE: We do not recommend you detox during your period, please allow for three days before and after your menstruation before you use an EmpressBody Detox Pearl
Click here to read more about EmpressBody Detox Pearls
Click here to view the full range of EmpressBody yoni wellness products
Click here to view the full range of EmpressBody body wellness products