From sadness to joy: what is the connection between PMS and emotionalism?

interesting PMS health

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is what the doctors call a complex of symptoms that are observed solely before the monthlies. These include irritability, being nervous and a desire to cry, even if the reason is insignificant. Isn’t there anything we can do about it? Of course there is!

How are emotional changes in this cycle phase explained?

It’s all about the sex hormones. They have a substantial impact on the central section of the nervous system, being especially prominent in the limbic structures. Do not get worried about the term. These are the structures that control our behavior and emotions.

There are two types of sex hormones that are generated in our female body:

  • Estrogens; and

  • Progesterone.

They affect emotions and behavior differently. For instance, estrogens act as stimulants, i.e. improve your mood. Progesterone, on the contrary, has a calming-down effect on the limbic structures. This is why it depresses the mood and increases the emotional lability, meaning that it makes you irritable, overly maudlin, touchy or aggressive.

How does the hormone balance change?

You have surely understood which hormone determines that you are going to have PMS. Sure, it’s progesterone. In some females, its level increases especially strongly before the monthlies, while the estrogen level goes way down. They are the ones who experience the PMS symptoms most frequently. This risk is especially high if:

  • there are some concurrent conditions;

  • you like salty food;

  • you lead a sedentary lifestyle;

  • you often slim on strict diets (causing a deficiency of magnesium, zinc and other beneficial elements to form in the body); or

  • your mother or grandmothers suffered from PMS too (ask them just in case).

How to react to the uncontrolled emotions during PMS?

The main thing here is to realize that the problem is solvable. It is only at first sight that uncontrolled emotions seem out of control. Follow our advice:

  1. Keep a menstruation calendar.

  2. Mark down days when you feel the «rage attack».

  3. Remember and be careful during these days that can last for a week before the monthlies or, perhaps, longer or less (everything is individual).

  4. If you feel that a storm of negative emotions is approaching, know that you can calm it down on your own. Take a deep breath or count to 10 mentally. Choose whichever way is more convenient for you.

Here are a few simple rules. Employ them and enjoy life even during «these days».

1Move more


Choose whatever sports appeal to you. Do you like dancing? — go dance. Do you prefer running? — run! Aerobics or riding a bicycle — everything is at your disposal. Strolls outdoors are an excellent option. Sufficient amount of oxygen in the body facilitate a faster utilization of agents that boost irritability (adrenalin, noradrenalin and others).

2Eat healthy

Scientists proved that some foodstuffs increase the PMS manifestations. Better steer clear of them, especially immediately before the monthlies. These are:

  • alcohol;
  • coffee and caffeine-containing products;
  • junk food;
  • carbonated drinks;
  • too salty, too spicy or too sweet food.

3Treat yourself


You are the one know what can cheer you up. A trip to the countryside, shopping or a visit to friends — don’t limit yourself in these activities one week before the monthlies. This way, you will reduce the affectability of your nervous system and subsequently will feel none of the irritability or other unpleasant symptoms.

4Temper yourself

Tempering of your body will help you to strengthen your immune system. It means that many conditions that aggravate the PMS course (common cold or recurrence of old infections or others) will hold no fear for you.