Menstrual Health is Mental Health: Let’s Talk About It

For generations, menstruation has been spoken about in hushed tones — as though it were a monthly inconvenience rather than a vital indicator of health. But even more overlooked is this truth: Menstrual health is mental health.

We’ve normalized the pain, the mood swings, the exhaustion. But what if they aren’t just “normal” — what if they’re warning signs that the mind and body are crying out for care? In this article, we’re breaking the silence around how deeply periods and mental well-being are connected, and why it’s time we started talking about it — openly, honestly, and without shame.



Our menstrual cycles are governed by a delicate dance of hormones — estrogen, progesterone, and others — which fluctuate throughout the month. These hormonal shifts don’t just affect our bodies; they dramatically influence our moods, thoughts, and behaviors.

• Estrogen helps boost serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone.
• When estrogen dips before menstruation, serotonin also drops — causing irritability, sadness, and anxiety.
• Progesterone, which rises post-ovulation, can create a sense of calm — but in excess, it may lead to fatigue or depression.

The result? A rollercoaster of emotions that many people experience monthly — but few feel safe talking about.



We’ve all heard of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), but how seriously is it taken? Often dismissed with a joke or a side-eye, PMS symptoms affect up to 75% of menstruators. These include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Trouble concentrating
• Sleep disturbances

But for some, the symptoms are far more severe. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) affects an estimated 3–8% of women and people who menstruate. It’s a severe, clinical form of PMS marked by debilitating depression, rage, and despair — sometimes even suicidal thoughts.

And yet, PMDD is often misdiagnosed as depression or bipolar disorder. It’s time we start treating menstrual-related mental health as a serious medical concern — not a footnote in women's health.




Why don’t we talk more about this?

Because society has conditioned us to see menstruation as something dirty, shameful, or weak. From school-aged girls hiding pads in their sleeves to adult women pushing through workdays with unbearable cramps, we’ve learned to suffer in silence.

This silence is harming us.

• It leads to underdiagnosis of serious conditions.
• It creates isolation — making women feel "crazy" for what they're experiencing.
• It stops us from demanding better policies in workplaces and schools.

If we want to improve mental health, we must include menstrual health in the conversation. Here’s how we can start:

Apps like Clue, Flo, or even simple journaling can help connect emotional patterns to hormonal shifts.

Speak openly with friends, family, and partners. Normalize conversations about PMS, PMDD, and mental lows during your cycle.

If your periods are affecting your mental health, talk to a gynecologist or mental health professional. You deserve to be heard and helped.

Advocate in schools, colleges, and workplaces for menstrual education that includes emotional health — not just the biology of bleeding.

Your body goes through internal shifts every month. Honor the days when your energy is low. Self-care is not laziness — it’s survival.

You’re not being “too sensitive.” You’re not “just hormonal.” You’re a human being riding powerful internal changes every single month. And the emotional impact of that deserves respect, resources, and real attention.

Menstrual health is mental health. Let’s talk about it — and let’s never silence it again.

If your period affects your mind, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it. In a world that still treats menstruation as a taboo, speaking up is an act of power. Let this be the conversation that opens the door for many more.

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Frequently Asked Question [FAQ's]

1. Can mental health conditions like anxiety or depression become worse during menstruation?Yes. People with pre-existing mental health conditions often report heightened symptoms around their period due to hormonal fluctuations. Tracking symptoms can help differentiate between a chronic mental health condition and period-related changes.
2. Are there medical treatments specifically for PMDD?Yes. PMDD can be managed through a combination of treatments such as hormonal birth control, SSRIs (antidepressants), lifestyle changes, and cognitive behavioral therapy. A gynecologist or psychiatrist can help develop a tailored treatment plan.
3. Can lifestyle changes like diet and exercise really help with period-related mood issues?Absolutely. Regular exercise, a diet rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and complex carbs, along with good sleep hygiene, can reduce the severity of mood swings and PMS/PMDD symptoms.
4. What is the difference between PMS and PMDD in terms of mental health impact? PMS causes mild to moderate emotional and physical symptoms, while PMDD is more severe and debilitating, often interfering with daily functioning and resembling clinical depression.