“My family has a history of PCOD. So whenever my period cycle becomes a bit irregular, my mind straight away starts thinking that oh my god it’s setting in in me too. That leads to a cycle of uncertainty and anxiousness in me. In most cases, it is nothing, but just the fact that there is a possibility really takes a toll on my mental health sometimes,” said Bhumika (name changed).
“There are so many days when I’m having irritable mornings or just experiencing a very low level of tolerance towards general things. I spend hours wondering why I’m behaving like this, what’s the reason, etc. It leads to a lot of self-introspection, and sometimes it isn’t good for your mental health because it unnecessarily puts you into a chain of thought. Then I realise my period is coming near, and it’s just hormones,” said Shruti (name changed).
The symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome and the impact it can have on women are well known. This is because a majority of the women, 90% to be precise, experience such symptoms before their monthly cycle. While symptoms like bloating, headaches and moodiness are commonly associated with menstruation, the impact it has on the mental health of women is still in unchartered territory.
However, just because it doesn’t form part of the general discourse, doesn’t mean it’s not real. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD in abbreviated form can be defined as an extension of PMS. However, it can have a significant impact on the mental health of 3-5% of the menstruating women who experience it.
PMDD And Its Impact On Mental Health
While PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, it also causes emotional symptoms that can make it difficult for women to socialise, work and have healthy relationships. A person suffering from PMDD described it as a ‘self destruct‘ button that leads to imploding her life once a month. The emotional impact of PMDD ranges from feelings of anxiety, tension to hopelessness and irritation.
In some cases, people suffering from it have also expressed suicidal feelings. For someone already living with mental health problems, being diagnosed with PMDD can further deteriorate their mental health. Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder have been known to worsen during the premenstrual period as well.
Other Ways Periods Can Have An Impact On Mental Health
The intersectionality between periods and mental health can be looked at from a variety of ways. Broadly classifying it, there are several ways menstruation can have an impact on the mental health of women. The first is the hormonal factors. For example, the two hormones responsible for regulating menstruation- oestrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest during the premenstrual period. Low levels of oestrogen can have an impact on the serotonin levels, which affects mood processing and ultimately leads to women feeling low.
Another way menstruation can have an impact on the mental health of women is via social factors. In a society where menstruation is looked upon as a taboo and isn’t freely talked about, period time can be a particularly lonely time. The lack of support and discussion amongst friends and family can foster feelings of loneliness and isolation.
“Whenever I get my period, it’s like my mother’s senses get heightened. She asks me to stay out of the kitchen, coddles me much more than normal, and just acts on her tiptoes when she’s around me. While sometimes it is done with an intent to pamper and take care, sometimes it subliminally makes me feel that those 4-5 days are something that shouldn’t be talked about,” said Bhumika (name changed).
Such a practice is particularly evident in India. Socio-cultural factors and taboos associated with menstruation can also impact women mentally. When they are asked to stay out of religious places, not touch certain foods and are isolated from family during menstruation, it drives in the point subliminally that they aren’t wanted. This societal alienation can also foster feelings of abandonment and self-doubt among menstruating women. Research has revealed that perceived social isolation can foster feelings of depression, anxiety and even hallucinations.
The first step towards solving any problem is having an open discussion about it. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact menstruation can have on women from a mental health perspective. The conversation around menstruation and mental health shouldn’t be just restricted to PMS or mood swings. Mental health is a concept that has several social, cultural, personal factors at play. It’s time we look at this angle to find sustainable solutions. Only then adequate mental health aids can be developed for menstruating women all over the world.
The author is a part of the current batch of the #PeriodParGyan Writer’s Training Program