PMS, Depression: Gynaecologist Explains If It's normal to cry when a woman is PMSing

Women often experience depression, sadness, or anxiety before and after their periods. Even if you don't know why you're crying, it's a sign that something is wrong. Premenstrual syndrome can be understood as a bundle of emotions women undergo before their periods and it can trigger a string of emotions from mood swings to becoming angry at trivial things, bloating or perhaps some food cravings as well.

Dr. Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MotherhoodHospital, Bengaluru, told HerZindagi that "hormonal variations occur during the month as a result of menstruation and ovulation. These adjustments play a large role in why your emotions can be jumbled for weeks before your cycle. This is a typical symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS symptoms, such as depression and weeping, will last well into the first days of menstruation."

Explaining all about it, here is what the doctor has shared:

Is This Usual?

Women can certainly relate PMS symptoms to one another, so if you are sad, anxious, irritable, sore,bloated, drained, or crying during the first few days of your cycle, know that you are not alone. This happens to a lot of women, even though they don't have any other PMS symptoms.

If depression is your only symptom, crying during your cycle can be perplexing. You are not alone, and the hormones are almost certainly to blame.

What Causes This To Happen?

There is no definite explanation for depression and PMS before and after your time. Serotonin, achemical neurotransmitter, is reduced by these hormones.

Serotonin Deficiency Or Anger Outburst

Hormonal variations in the menstrual cycle (fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels) arethought to influence women's moods and cause negative emotions like rage and irritability. It helps in the management of your mood, appetite, and ability to get a good night's sleep.

Even if nothing is wrong, low serotonin levels can trigger feelings of sadness and anger bursts. The lack of serotonin does not make you angry; however, it can make it more difficult to control (translation: cover, swallow, underplay) your frustration. During their periods, many women experience painful and distracting menstrual cramps, which can make anyone agitated or on edge.

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Sleep Deprivation

The consistency of one's sleep may also have an effect on one's mood. Since low serotonin levels makehaving enough sleep difficult, you can find yourself sleep deprived, mentally tired, and irritable. You are more likely to cry if you are not well-rested. This can also become a vicious cycle since being depressed or stressed makes it difficult to fall asleep.

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Appetite Fluctuations

• Women with PMS often report changes in appetite or a tendency to consume sugary or high-carbohydrate foods. However, these foods may have a negative impact on your mood. Carbohydrates, according to a 1995 report, temporarily increase serotonin levels. This may be why you are attempting to self-soothe by eating sweet foods.
• The high you get from eating a box of donuts, on the other hand, is just temporary and can also lead to depression.
• If you drink alcohol instead of or in addition to candy, bear in mind that it can intensify depression andcause tears.

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