Do you feel happy and energized before your period? These feelings could be caused by period hormones.
While most people know about the negative impact of hormones during periods, did you know that some period hormones can make you feel more positive? There are ups and downs to everything in life, and the same applies to your periods!
So, what makes you feel positive during your menstruation cycle, when do these hormonal changes occur, and what effect do they have on your mood?
Let’s find out!
What Causes Positive Mood Changes During the Menstruation Cycle?
Hormonal changes during the second half of the follicular phase can give you positive energy. The same hormones and brain chemicals are released when you experience positive emotions, eat good food, exercise or engage in other positive activities.
When these hormones spike, they trigger “feel good” chemicals in the brain, which result in a calm and positive mood. These hormones are behind the positive feelings that you experience during menstruation:
– Testosterone
Testosterone is higher in men than in women and is responsible for higher energy levels, muscle growth, and other factors. However, during this phase in your mensuration cycle, the level of testosterone in your body will increase. This causes you to feel additional bursts of energy and a better mood.
If you feel more powerful and ready to engage in physical activities, it could be the testosterone at play. And since women naturally have lower levels of testosterone, an increase in this hormone can be a great confidence booster.
– Estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone that regulates your mood. Higher levels of estrogen can cause feelings of happiness and satisfaction. It could also trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine. Both these chemicals are responsible for feelings of joy, happiness, and satisfaction. Some studies show that estrogen can reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, when the estrogen levels become too high, it could cause headaches and negative mood effects. Also, a sudden drop in this hormone is responsible for many of the mood problems that you feel during your period.
Estrogen could also spike as a side effect of certain medications, so check with your doctor if you’re experiencing severe headaches during this phase of your menstruation cycle.
– Endorphins
Endorphins are the primary cause of your positive mood during periods. They regulate mood and act as natural pain relievers. Endorphins are also behind feelings of pleasure, which is why a higher concentration of this hormone will lead to feelings of unexplained positiveness and joy.
Other positive effects of higher levels of endorphins include:
- Reduced anxiety and stress levels.
- Feelings of calmness and bliss.
- Better overall mood.
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Higher energy levels.
Many healthy lifestyle factors can also increase the production of endorphins. Studies have shown that moderate exercise can cause this hormone to increase. Similarly, eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep can also keep your endorphin levels higher.
Positive Effects of These Hormones
High positive hormone levels are beneficial, but only if you use them effectively. Here’s how you can take advantage of these hormonal spikes during your periods:
1. Complete Difficult Tasks
Having more energy is a good thing, so why not make use of it? Compile a list of things to do, something that you’ve been postponing, and try to recover from the mood swings during the first half of the follicular phase. If you’ve set a personal fitness goal, now’s the time to achieve it!
2. Engage in Positive Social Relationships
There will be times during your period when you feel like staying away from everything during your period. So, if you feel a burst of positive energy and an urge to go out, visit friends and family and engage in positive social relationships.
Your positive energy will radiate on those around you, and it will leave them with a positive perception of your personality.
3. Complete Tasks That Require Focus
Can’t focus on certain tasks during other times of your period? This phase is the time to tackle these tasks. According to studies, higher levels of endorphins can also help you concentrate and perform tasks that require creativity and focus.
It’s also natural to be more focused when you’re more positive than when you’re angry or depressed. So, if you have a problem at work that’s been bothering you for a while, now’s the time to get it solved.
Why Does Your Mood Drop After This Phase?
Unfortunately, a positive mood during your period won’t last forever. After this phase, you’ll experience a sudden change in mood resulting in feelings of anxiety, anger, depression, or even helplessness. So why does this happen?
A sudden drop in mood during your period will often be caused by a drop in these “positive” hormones. It’s similar to how sugary foods artificially increase the body’s dopamine levels, making you feel happy. However, the dopamine drops after some time, and you’ll feel lazy and tired.
However, period hormonal fluctuations are nothing to worry about. Always try to make the most of your mood, and you’ll stay happier, regardless of the hormonal changes.
