Anxiety, Depression, And Your Cycle: What’s Really Going On?

If you’ve ever felt like your emotions spiral just before your period, you’re not making it up. These mood swings during periods are rooted in real hormonal shifts that can change how your brain functions and how you feel. Understanding what’s going on can help you feel a little less lost and a little more in control.

PMS vs PMDD: Not All Period Emotions Are The Same

PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome, is often used as a catch-all phrase to explain away period moods. You’re snappy? “Must be PMS.” You’re sad for no reason? “Just your hormones.” But PMS is a real thing. It comes with a mix of physical and emotional symptoms that usually show up a week or so before your period - irritability, fatigue, and yes, those mood swings during periods that can throw you off.

Then there’s PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), which is more intense and far less talked about. If you find yourself struggling with panic attacks, deep sadness, bursts of uncontrollable rage, or hopelessness month after month, it could be PMDD. This isn’t just “feeling off.” It can make getting through the day feel impossible.

Knowing which one you’re experiencing matters. PMS might be manageable with small lifestyle tweaks. PMDD often needs medical support, whether that’s therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Your Hormones Aren’t Out to Get You — But They Do Affect Your Mind

Throughout your cycle, your hormone levels are in constant motion. Estrogen and progesterone rise and fall, and those changes can affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals help regulate your mood, energy, and sleep. So when hormone levels dip, it’s not unusual to feel emotionally wobbly.

If you already live with anxiety or depression, these shifts can magnify what’s already there. And while you can’t stop the changes, you can support yourself through them in small, powerful ways. Something as simple as slipping into Mahina’s comfortable period panty instead of dealing with itchy pads or anxious leak checks can reduce stress you didn’t even realise you were holding in your body.

Emotional Red Flags To Keep An Eye On

Some emotional ups and downs before your period are expected. But if you’re regularly dealing with things like these, it’s worth tracking those feelings:

• Crying spells that come out of nowhere
• Sudden bursts of anger
• Intense anxiety or panic
• Feeling emotionally flat or numb
• Avoiding people or daily routines

A mood journal can help you notice patterns and give you the language to talk to a doctor if you need one.

6 Gentle Ways To Take Care Of Your Mental Health During Your Cycle

You may not be able to stop your hormones from doing their thing, but there are ways to soften the edges. Here’s what many menstruators swear by:

1. Move, But Gently

   Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to help. A slow walk, dancing in your room, or a short yoga flow can boost serotonin and ease anxiety. Make sure what you wear feels good, opt for comfortable period panties that stretch, breathe, and stay put can help you move without distractions.

2. Eat To Feel Steady

   Blood sugar swings can make moods worse. Balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre help keep things even. Many people find that as they become more intentional with food, they also become more conscious of choices like switching to reusable period panties - small changes that reflect bigger self-care shifts.

3. Track It All

   Your brain may forget, but your notes won’t. Keep track of your cycle and your mood in a journal or app. When you start noticing patterns, you can build your schedule around your needs. Some of the best period panty brands in India now offer resources that encourage this kind of body-literacy.

4. Prioritise Sleep Like It’s Sacred

   Sleep is often the first thing to get messy in the days before your period. Try to build a wind-down routine — low lights, no screens, warm showers, and maybe a guided meditation. Quality sleep won’t fix everything, but it can make your mood swings during periods feel more manageable.

5. Name What You Feel, Then Soften It

   When a big emotion comes up, try saying, “This is anxiety” or “This is sadness.” Just naming it can reduce its grip. Follow that up with kindness. You don’t need to fight your feelings or “snap out of it.” You need space, softness, and rest.

6. Ask for Help When It Feels Too Much

   You don’t need to wait until things fall apart. If the emotional toll of your cycle is disrupting your work, your relationships, or your peace of mind, talk to someone. Therapy, CBT, medication, or hormonal support might be what your body needs.

   
   

Mental Health Is Period Health

We’ve been taught to treat periods as a physical problem. Solving it with painkillers, heating pads, and leak-proof gear. But the emotional side deserves just as much care. Supporting your mental health during your period can look like choosing a comfortable period panty that doesn’t stress your skin or nerves. It can look like eating more intentionally or resting when you need to. It can also mean asking your people to check in, or telling them you need space.

Choosing reusable period panties or making any conscious care choice is more than a purchase. It’s a reminder to yourself that your comfort and your mind matter. If your cycle brings mental chaos, you are not dramatic, broken, or too sensitive. You’re human. And you deserve support that flows with you.