Menstrual Cycle and Mood: Understanding Menstrually Related Mood Disorders
How do menstrual cycles affect women’s moods. What are the common symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). How does perimenopause impact emotional well-being. What treatment options are available for menstrually related mood disorders.
The Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on Women’s Mental Health
The menstrual cycle is an integral part of a woman’s reproductive system, but its effects extend far beyond fertility. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle can significantly impact mood and behavior, leading to a range of experiences from mild irritability to severe depression. Understanding these menstrually related mood disorders is crucial for women’s health and well-being.
Menstrually related mood disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions that are directly linked to the hormonal changes occurring during the menstrual cycle. These disorders can affect women at various stages of their reproductive lives, from adolescence through to menopause.
Key Menstrually Related Mood Disorders
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Perimenopausal Depression
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): More Than Just Mood Swings
Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly known as PMS, affects a significant number of women during their reproductive years. While often dismissed as mere “mood swings,” PMS can have a substantial impact on a woman’s quality of life.
Do all women experience PMS? While an estimated 85% of women report at least one symptom of PMS per month, the severity and combination of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
Common Symptoms of PMS
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Food cravings
For some women, like Morgan Sheets from Indianapolis, PMS can turn everyday tasks into emotional challenges. “I begin feeling like everything in my life is wrong,” Sheets describes, highlighting how PMS can affect decision-making and emotional stability.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): When PMS Becomes Severe
While PMS is common, a more severe form known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects 5-10% of women in their reproductive years. PMDD is characterized by more intense mood disturbances that can significantly impact relationships and daily functioning.
How does PMDD differ from PMS? PMDD involves more severe emotional and physical symptoms that can be debilitating. Women with PMDD often experience clinical levels of depression or anxiety in the week or two before their menstrual cycle.
Key Characteristics of PMDD
- Severe irritability
- Depressed mood
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Difficulty in relationships
- Impaired functioning in daily life
It’s important to note that symptoms of PMDD are cyclical, emerging during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and resolving with the onset of menstruation. Women with PMDD typically experience a symptom-free interval between menstruation and ovulation.
Diagnosing PMDD: Distinguishing from Other Mood Disorders
Accurate diagnosis of PMDD is crucial for effective treatment. However, it’s not always straightforward, as symptoms can overlap with other mood disorders.
Why is careful evaluation important in diagnosing PMDD? An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mood disorder rather than PMDD itself. This distinction is critical for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
Steps in Diagnosing PMDD
- Tracking symptoms over at least two menstrual cycles
- Ruling out other mood disorders
- Assessing the timing and severity of symptoms
- Evaluating the impact on daily functioning
Treatment Options for PMS and PMDD
Managing PMS and PMDD often requires a multifaceted approach, combining lifestyle changes with medical interventions when necessary.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Regular exercise
- Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Dietary changes (reducing caffeine, salt, and sugar intake)
- Adequate sleep
Medical Treatments
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Oral contraceptives
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin B6 supplements
Recent research has shown promise in using certain oral contraceptives for PMDD relief. A study at the University of North Carolina found that a particular oral contraceptive formulation may ease suffering for women with severe PMS.
Perimenopause and Mood: Navigating the Transition
Perimenopause, the transitional period leading to menopause, is another stage in a woman’s life where hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact mood and emotional well-being.
What exactly is perimenopause? It’s defined as the period when menstrual periods gradually become lighter and less frequent, leading up to the complete cessation of menstruation (menopause). This transition can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
During perimenopause, women may experience a combination of PMS and menopausal symptoms, or they may have no symptoms at all. However, for some women, this period can bring about perimenopausal depression.
Perimenopausal Depression: A Unique Challenge
Perimenopausal depression is characterized by a range of emotional symptoms that can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life during this transitional period.
Symptoms of Perimenopausal Depression
- Emotional flatness
- Feeling unable to cope
- Irritability
- Social isolation
- Tearfulness
- Decreased energy
- Loss of enjoyment in normal activities and relationships
Why is perimenopause a vulnerable time for depression? The intense hormonal fluctuations during this period can increase vulnerability to depression, even in women with no prior history of mood disorders. The gradual onset of symptoms can make it difficult for women to recognize them as part of a reversible condition, often interpreting them as a permanent life change.
Research and Future Directions in Menstrually Related Mood Disorders
Ongoing research continues to shed light on the complexities of menstrually related mood disorders and potential treatment options. Scientists are exploring various avenues to better understand and manage these conditions.
Current Research Areas
- Genetic factors in PMDD
- Hormonal treatments for perimenopausal depression
- Neurotransmitter involvement in menstrually related mood changes
- Impact of lifestyle factors on symptom severity
One interesting area of research focuses on the potential hereditary link to premenstrual depression. A study at the University of North Carolina has found evidence suggesting a genetic component to PMDD, which could open up new avenues for treatment and prevention.
Additionally, researchers are investigating the use of estrogen replacement therapy to prevent depression and cardiovascular disease during the perimenopausal transition. This dual-purpose approach could provide significant benefits for women’s overall health during this challenging period.
Coping Strategies and Support for Women with Menstrually Related Mood Disorders
While medical treatments are often necessary for managing severe symptoms, there are numerous coping strategies that women can employ to better navigate the challenges of menstrually related mood disorders.
Self-Care Techniques
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Engaging in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation
- Keeping a mood diary to track symptoms and identify patterns
- Engaging in regular physical activity
How can social support help women with menstrually related mood disorders? Building a strong support network can be invaluable. This can include family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges of these conditions.
Professional Support Options
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Support groups for women with PMS, PMDD, or perimenopausal depression
- Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider
- Consultation with a nutritionist for dietary support
It’s important for women to remember that seeking help for menstrually related mood disorders is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards better health and well-being. With the right combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and support, many women find significant relief from their symptoms and improved quality of life.
As research in this field continues to advance, there is hope for even better understanding and more effective treatments for menstrually related mood disorders in the future. By raising awareness and continuing to study these conditions, we can work towards a world where every woman can navigate her menstrual cycle and hormonal transitions with confidence and support.
Menstrually Related Mood Disorders – Center for Women’s Mood Disorders
Menstrually-related mood disorders are mood disorders associated with the menstrual cycle. Menopause and cycles of menstruation are time of intense hormonal fluctuation that can cause increased vulnerability to depression. Perimenopausal Depression, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are menstrually-related mood disorders treated in our program.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Perimenopausal Depression
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Many women experience symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). In some instances the mood symptoms and emotional components of PMS are the most troubling. To women in such cases, PMS is often referred to as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a more severe form of PMS, affecting 5-10% of women in their reproductive years.
In contrast to PMS, PMDD is characterized by more significant premenstrual mood disturbance that can seriously impact relationships and impair functioning. Many women with PMDD experience clinical levels of depression or anxiety during the week or two before each menstrual cycle. It is not uncommon that the emotional symptoms of depression anxiety and irritability can seriously interfere with normal functioning and relationships.
Common symptoms include: irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, or mood swings. Mood symptoms are only present for a specific period of time, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms emerge one to two weeks before menses and resolve completely with the onset of menses. Women with PMDD should experience a symptom-free interval between menses and ovulation. An estimated 40% of women who seek treatment for PMDD actually have a premenstrual exacerbation of an underlying mood disorder rather than PMDD. Therefore, it is important for patients to be carefully evaluated for the presence of an underlying mood disorder in order to develop the best treatment plan.
For more information:
Watch these videos about PMDD:
The Biology behind PMDD
Oral Contraceptive relief for PMDD
Or read these articles about PMDD research at UNC:
Oral Contraceptives May Ease Suffering of Women with Severe PMS
Study finds hereditary link to premenstrual depression
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Perimenopausal Depression
Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of the menses. Perimenopause is defined as the transitional period from normal menstrual periods to no periods at all. At this time menstrual periods gradually lighten and become less frequent. The transition to complete menopause may last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
During the perimenopausal transition you may experience a combination of PMS and menopausal symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some normal symptoms of the perimenopause period are hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and mood problems. Symptoms of perimenopausal depression are emotional flatness, “inability to cope,” irritability, social isolation, tearfulness, decreased energy, and failure to enjoy normal activities and relationships.
Times of intense hormonal fluctuation can cause increased vulnerability to depression. Perimenopause may be a period of increased vulnerability to the onset of depression in women with no prior history of depression. Since symptoms are gradual in onset, women will not recognize symptoms as part of a reversible disorder, but rather will interpret them as a permanent change in their life.
For more information:
UNC researchers investigate estrogen replacement therapy to prevent depression and cardiovascular disease
How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Behavior – Women’s Health Center
When a task as simple as a trip to the supermarket becomes an emotional ordeal, Morgan Sheets knows that her period is just around the corner.
The 29-year-old from Indianapolis says that during some months, she notices her emotions becoming more unstable in the five days or so before she is due to start menstruating.
“I begin feeling like everything in my life is wrong and that I’m leading the wrong life,” says Sheets, a marketing director.
“Little things like making decisions about groceries to buy or getting dressed in the morning become monumental, and I agonize over them.” Sheets says she also becomes much more sensitive and cries more easily.
Sheets is just one of the many women who experience premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, a collection of unpleasant symptoms, such as anxiety and bloating, that typically occur one to two weeks before menstruation and might influence behavior through in the menstrual cycle.
An estimated 85 percent of women experience at least one symptom of PMS per month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates.
While PMS and its related hormonal changes are often talked about and are even the subject of endless jokes on TV sitcoms, the truth is that the hormones in a woman’s body can influence her moods and actions throughout the month.
“We know hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month,” says Diana Schwarzbein, MD, an endocrinologist and author of Menopause Power.
“There are going to be corresponding fluctuations in other hormones that are definitely going to affect emotions, processes of thought, and physical well-being.”
Here’s what your reproductive system is doing during throughout your menstrual cycle and how hormonal changes may make you feel and act.
Feeling Good: The Follicular Phase and Ovulation
The follicular phase of your menstrual cycle begins on the day you start your period and lasts for about 10 to 14 days. During this time, the hormone estradiol begins to rise.
Follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, is secreted, stimulating the production of follicles in the ovaries that contain eggs.
This is more likely to be your “happy” time of the month. “It may just be in contrast to the second part of the month,” says Tracey Banks, MD, an ob-gyn with Adriatica Women’s Health in McKinney, Texas. “Those two weeks are usually good compared to how you feel toward the end [of the cycle].”
Sheets agrees, saying she’s much more likely to notice her bad moods than her good ones.
“The times of the month when I’m energetic, happy, and inspired, I don’t spend much time dwelling on them,” she says.
However, there may be a biological basis for the “happiness” of the first half of a woman’s cycle. The good feelings may stem from a more sensitive brain.
Women in the follicular phase of their cycle might display greater brain activity at the thought of possibly winning money than women who were in other stages of the menstrual cycle, an experimental study published in PNAS found.
The estradiol rising in the body can help to tamp down the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, Dr. Schwarzbein says, and that could also play a part in preserving happy moods.
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot: The Ovulatory Phase
During a woman’s ovulatory phase, a substance called luteinizing hormone increases.
This hormone prompts the release of an egg from the ovaries into the fallopian tubes for fertilization. Estradiol is present in significant quantities around the time of ovulation, and it can interact with other hormones to increase your libido.
“Estradiol makes insulin more effective,” Dr. Schwarzbein says. “Then the insulin tells the body to release more testosterone, and testosterone is one of the hormones that regulate sex drive.” Some experts surmise that this may be nature’s way of encouraging women to have sex during their most fertile time.
Recent studies have concluded that women are indeed more likely to display sexual behavior just before ovulating and may have a greater tolerance to pain too. You might also be more likely to buy clothes, makeup, and other items to help yourself feel more attractive, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology.
The Other Shoe Drops: The Luteal Phase
After ovulation, the empty follicle that once contained the egg begins to secrete the hormone progesterone to thicken the lining of the uterus and prepare it for the possible implantation of an embryo.
As progesterone levels rise, you may begin to feel moodier.
This happens because progesterone helps the body make cortisol, a hormone that tends to be higher in people who are stressed. If cortisol levels are already elevated because of outside factors, like a busy workweek, the progesterone can cause an excess of cortisol in the body. “If I’m already doing something to give myself high cortisol levels, by the time I get to the second half of my cycle, I’m going to be irritable,” Schwarzbein says.
The “yucky” feelings that come in the days before your period might have you looking for creature comforts to feel better. The same Journal of Consumer Psychology study found that women are more likely to eat high-calorie foods during the luteal phase of their cycle. “We do find that women crave certain foods during this time,” Dr. Banks says. “However, everyone is a little different, and not everyone has the same symptoms.”
Although the unpleasant symptoms of the luteal phase can be hard to deal with, Schwarzbein says you can do a great deal to shut them down by developing healthier lifestyle habits.
Eating a poor diet, drinking lots of alcohol, and skimping on sleep can all disrupt the body’s hormone levels, making premenstrual symptoms much harder to deal with. “If someone is having PMS, there’s something wrong with her lifestyle habits more so than a hormone problem,” Schwarzbein says. If you’re practicing good habits and still have period-related moodiness, contact your doctor, as you could have a hormone imbalance that needs correcting.
TELL US: Do you notice a change in your moods from week to week? Share your experiences in the comments. (Note: Mobile users won’t be able to comment.)
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Hormones during the menstrual cycle and PMS
Comment from an expert
Gynecologist Anastasia Degteva
“The diagnosis of PMS is made only on the basis of the patient’s complaints and the testimony of his diary: mark the symptoms that bother you in the menstruation app.
There are diseases that may be more disturbing before the start of the cycle than on other days: depression, anxiety disorder, thyroid disease. It is important to see a gynecologist to understand if PMS is really bothering you.
If you are told “you just have PMS” to the manifestations of emotions regarding some unpleasant situation, then these are manifestations of gaslighting.
In order to understand what PMS is, it is worth first understanding what female hormones are and how they affect the reproductive system of women, because they control all the processes associated with the menstrual cycle – from the first menstruation to the very last, each cycle, without exception, depends on hormones.
Hormones affect not only menstruation, but also mood, ability to perform physical work, and even food preferences. Despite the fact that the menstrual cycle in all women depends on the same hormones, someone tolerates such changes easily and imperceptibly for themselves, and for some it becomes a monthly test.
What is PMS?
PMS is a condition that affects mood, physical condition, and behavior on certain days of your menstrual cycle, usually a few days before your period starts.
PMS, like many other aspects of women’s health not directly related to childbearing, is still little studied, and there are still no clear criteria for assessing PMS.
Research shows that PMS is more or less affected by 5 to 97 percent women.
In fact, it is worth distinguishing premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (PDS), which is observed in about 3-8% of women, from the myth of PMS.
PMS is a monthly premenstrual condition in which at least 5 symptoms of PMS are present and are severe enough to interfere with a woman’s daily life.
In one way or another, many women experience monthly symptoms that are related to PMS, and they are quite real.
What are the symptoms of PMS?
Symptoms of PMS are usually mild or moderate.
About 80% of women experience at least one of the symptoms of PMS to a degree that does not interfere with their daily lives. About 20-30% of women experience tangible symptoms that can affect certain aspects of daily life. 3-8% have PDS.
The severity of symptoms may vary from cycle to cycle and also depends on the individual assessment of each woman.
Breast hypersensitivity
Puffiness
Headaches
Fatigue
Acne and skin eruptions
Irritability
Distended abdomen
Increased appetite
Anxiety
Sadness
Diarrhea or constipation
Depressed mood
Abdominal pain
Sensitivity to light and sound
Why do PMS symptoms occur?
The causes of PMS are still not clear, but many researchers attribute it to changes in hormone volume and serotonin levels in the period 5-10 days before the onset of menstruation.
Levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone first rise and then fall sharply just before menstruation, and this can probably cause anxiety, irritability and mood swings, as they modulate activity in areas of the brain associated with PMS symptoms. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that strongly influences mood and emotions, it is also called the “hormone of happiness”.
How do female hormones work?
The hormone estrogen and progesterone play a huge role in the human body and are part of its endocrine system, which controls almost all the functions of our body.
Moreover, these hormones are also produced by the male body, only in smaller quantities, so they are usually called female hormones. In the female body, they control the reproductive system and sexual health, including libido. It is precisely because they play such an important role that it is important to understand how they work.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone secreted by the ovaries, the level of which rises during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, causing the growth of endometrial tissue in the uterus.
This phase of the cycle is called follicular. A sharp drop in estrogen (and progesterone) levels causes menstrual bleeding. It also affects heart and bone health. Active production of estrogen begins in adolescence, and decreases with age until it reaches menopause, when menstruation stops.
Progesterone
Progesterone levels rise after ovulation, during the second half of the menstrual cycle. If conception has occurred, then the level of progesterone continues to rise, maintaining the thickness of the uterine endometrium for the further development of pregnancy. If there was no conception, then the level of progesterone drops, giving a signal to the body to start rejecting the thickened endometrium. Some of the unpleasant symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness, acne, and swelling, have been linked to this hormone.
When does PMS usually start?
Symptoms of PMS in women occur in the second half of the cycle, after ovulation.
Most often, the strongest both psychological and physical symptoms of PMS are observed 3-4 days before menstruation, and then disappear with the onset of bleeding. PMS symptoms can start and end at other times as well: for example, some women begin to experience symptoms immediately after ovulation, and for some, they may disappear after the end of menstruation, and not with it.
How do I know if I have PMS?
The best way to find out if you have PMS is to use a diary of symptoms, which should be noted on the same calendar that you use to mark your cycle. If you have a smartphone, there are now many applications in which it is convenient to do this and which can even prompt your statistics on their own. If symptoms appear at about the same time each cycle, then PMS is the most likely cause.
When should I see a doctor?
If physical pain or other symptoms persist or seriously interfere with your daily life, you should see a doctor.
PDS is diagnosed if you have one of the symptoms regularly and then disappear on other days. However, such symptoms can be associated with a variety of other conditions, such as endometriosis, thyroid disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, connective tissue diseases, and rheumatism, and the doctor will need to rule them out.
Remember that all people have hormones in general, and their level is not constant.
PMS is not something to be ridiculed or embarrassed about, and you don’t become magically inadequate during it: according to research, mood swings happen with about the same frequency in both men and women.
How does the day of the cycle affect mood? Count and check
The more you know about yourself and your internal cycles, the easier it is for you to understand what is happening with the body and feel its needs.
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Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts.
But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.
First phase. Renaissance
The 1st day of the cycle is considered the day of the beginning of our menstruation.
What happens to hormones?
The endometrium, which covers our uterus, peels off, and the blood stream flushes it out, cleansing occurs. At the very beginning of this phase, the level of estrogen and progesterone is extremely low, but at the same time hypota-
lamus, which regulates thirst, hunger, sleep, libido and endocrine functions, releases follicle-stimulating hormone. Yes, yes, preparations for ovulation are already beginning, hope is already dawning!
Energy
During this period, at first we want to close for the time being, and we strive to be left alone. But gradually we begin to wake up, become prettier and feel cheerful again.
What are we doing?
The first day of the cycle, we are the most vulnerable.
Insist that you are not disturbed on this day. If possible, take a day off. Be alone with yourself, feel how your body actually feels, what you are experiencing. Ask your lover to be especially gentle and caring during this period. On the first day, it is better to refrain from exercise and physical activity.
ADVERTISING – CONTINUED BELOW
During this period it is necessary to pay attention to the body. the body calls for your attention. Take a bath with your favorite aromatic oils, nourish yourself, your body needs care. Actually, in many ways, the reasons for our emotional breakdowns on others during this period are that you need to stay alone and take care of yourself, and you are forced to maintain activity that is unusual for this cycle. Your body and psyche require solitude and nourishment! Calm yin yoga, stretching, yoga nidra are best suited for exercises during this period.
second phase of the cycle. Preparation for fertilization, or the Creative phase
What happens to hormones?
An increased synthesis of pituitary and hypothalamic hormones begins, which affect the ovaries.
The main one is follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which causes intensive growth and development of several follicles. The ovaries, in turn, produce the sex hormone estrogen; its significance is to stimulate the renewal of the endometrium and prepare the uterus to accept the egg. This stage lasts about two weeks and ends due to the release of hormones into the blood that suppress the activity of FSH. Your uterus is lined with endometrium, you are preparing to accept life. Readiness for fertilization is born in our body! We feel with our whole being that we can give life. Therefore, this is the most creative, I beg your pardon, creative phase!
Psychological aspect: according to our hectic hormonal life during this period, we are oh-oh-very friendly to male energy, we are very feminine, flirtatious and very attractive!
Energy
Physical, sexual energies increase, estrogen levels increase. Closer to ovulation, this hormone is at its maximum level! And here it is, our favorite radiance, and the eyes shine, the skin is tender, velvety, the mood is playful.
Even the most difficult things are on the shoulder. We easily achieve success these days both with men and in everyday affairs. Increased sexual desire. There is a need to actively participate in society.
What are we doing?
First of all, pay attention to how you feel. What does your body feel, what does it yearn for? How is your body experiencing this beautiful phase of being ready to create? Pay attention, do you accept it, rejoice, let it into your life? Do you feel how your creative energy has increased? What projects are knocking and require implementation? And if you have caught this rhythm, this wave energy of your own cycle, then ride it! Rejoice, be active, flirt, dress brightly and beautifully, meet men or arrange romantic dates with your lover.
Third phase. Recession, or the Period when we reap the rewards
What happens to hormones
oocytes from the follicle. The egg enters the lumen of the fallopian tube and begins its movement towards the uterus, while waiting for fertilization.
As soon as ovulation occurs, the amount of progesterone increases. With a reduced rate of the hormone in the blood in the second half of the cycle, a woman may experience irritability, which, in turn, can lead to depression.
Progesterone is responsible for women’s health, regulates the ability to conceive and bear a child, shapes the female body, is responsible for metabolism, and even affects such seemingly exclusively psychological characteristics as maternal feelings and peace of mind. Today it is called the hormone of motherhood, it is necessary for carrying a pregnancy. If conception has occurred, then in the prevailing amount it persists until the very birth.
Psychological aspect: the hormone of motherhood makes us reasonable, balanced. A woman turns into a hostess, loves to stay at home, bring comfort, cook a delicious dinner. Men are more tempted to feed them than to flirt with them. If the pregnancy did not take place, then closer to menstruation, the level of hormones decreases.
At this time, the body is cleansed, resting, gaining
Energy
As soon as ovulation ends, the decline gradually begins, our energy seems to slow down. We may become more depressed and sad. It is worth paying attention to your condition and accepting it, take care of yourself, reduce stress factors in life. And by the way, experience joy!
Psychological aspect. Here, depending on your hormonal background and psychological harmony, you can feel two diametrically opposite energies: an unreasonable feeling of failure, dissatisfaction, or pride in your success.
During this period, you may want to change. All aspects that have not been working for you for a long time and from which it is time to get rid of begin to manifest themselves especially actively in this phase.
Fourth phase. Distillation
What happens to hormones?
The decline continues. The production of both estrogen and progesterone is reduced.