Menstruation is not just about physical changes. More than that, this condition can also affect emotions and mental health. Some women experience more severe anxiety during menstruation. Even to the point of disrupting daily activities. This is often referred to as bad anxiety during period. So what causes it and how to overcome it? Check out the following review.
Causes of Bad Anxiety During Period
Based on the explanation on the YouTube channel ThePrint, women aged 14 to 50 years are likely to experience this. Meanwhile, increased anxiety during menstruation can occur due to various factors. Both biological and psychological. Here are some of the main causes:
1. Hormonal Changes
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels fluctuate. A decrease in the hormone estrogen before menstruation can affect serotonin levels. Neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood. As a result, some women are more anxious and emotional when their period comes.
2. PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that women experience before menstruation. This can cause mood swings. Including anxiety. However, in some women, the symptoms are more severe and fall into the category of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD not only causes extreme anxiety, but also depression, irritability and sleep disorders.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Several studies have shown that deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin B6 and iron can worsen symptoms of anxiety during menstruation. These nutrients play a role in maintaining the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.
4. Increased Sensitivity
Bad anxiety during periods often occurs due to high sensitivity. In general, during menstruation, the body becomes more sensitive to stress and external stimuli. This can cause an overreaction to situations that are usually not so disturbing.
How to Overcome Anxiety During Periods
After understanding the causes, there are several steps we can take to reduce anxiety during periods. These include:
1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Good nutritional intake is very important for controlling mood. Make sure to eat foods rich in magnesium such as nuts and green vegetables. Increase your intake of vitamin B6 from bananas, chicken and fish to help produce serotonin. Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine consumption which can worsen anxiety.
2. Exercise Regularly
Light exercise such as yoga, walking or cycling can help reduce stress. In addition, it is effective in increasing endorphin hormones which have a calming effect. Try to stay active, even during menstruation.
3. Set a Sleep Pattern
Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety. So try to sleep at least 7-8 hours every night. Avoid using gadgets before bed to improve the quality of rest. Create a regular sleep routine so that the body can adapt more easily.
4. Consult a Doctor If Necessary
If bad anxiety during period feels so severe that it interferes with daily life, you should consult a doctor or psychologist. Especially if the symptoms point to PMDD. Given that this requires further medical treatment such as hormone therapy or antidepressants.
5. Avoid Triggers That Make It Worse
Everyone has different anxiety triggers in period. Some things that we should avoid during menstruation include consuming alcohol and cigarettes, staying up late or working too much and being in a toxic environment. Try to take a break for yourself.
Menstruation can indeed bring about mood swings that trigger bad anxiety during period. But with better understanding, we can control it and live our days more comfortably. So that it will not ruin the days that continue to run.
