Ovulation and Anxiety: Is There a Link?

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Many women only think about ovulation when they’re trying to get pregnant or prevent becoming pregnant, but did you realize there’s so much more to it than meets the eye? It’s a remarkable procedure that has an impact on our overall health!

Anxiety During Ovulation

Anxiety can manifest itself in a variety of ways, but the following are some of the most common:

excessive concern, anxiety, and stress

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical and psychological symptoms that occur during your cycle’s luteal phase. After ovulation, the luteal phase begins and ends when you get your period, which usually lasts around two weeks.

Many people suffer mild-to-moderate mood swings during this time. If your symptoms are extreme, you may be suffering from a more serious condition such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

What causes this to happen?

Professionals are still baffled by premenstrual symptoms and diseases.
However, the majority of people believe that PMS symptoms, such as anxiety, are caused by changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. During the luteal phase of menstruation, the levels of these reproductive hormones rise and fall drastically.
After ovulation, your body begins to prepare for pregnancy by increasing hormone production. If an egg does not implant, hormone levels drop, and you begin to receive your period.
This hormonal rollercoaster might disrupt neurotransmitters in your brain that regulate your moods, such as serotonin and dopamine.
This could explain some of the psychological symptoms associated with PMS, such as anxiety, despair, and mood swings.
It’s unclear why some people are more affected by PMS than others. However, genetics may cause some people to be more sensitive to hormone swings than others.

Is it a sign of something else?

Severe premenstrual anxiety can be caused by a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or premenstrual exacerbation (PME).

PMDD

The following are some instances of symptoms that are usually severe enough to disrupt your daily routine:

Anger or irritation

Sadness, hopelessness feelings

Mood swings or a lot of crying

The desire to participate in activities or form connections has faded.

Concentration problems

Food that is low in energy Having trouble with cravings or binge eating

Feeling out of control during sleeping

Physical symptoms include cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, migraines, and joint or muscle soreness.

Other mental health disorders have been connected to PMDD. If you have a personal or family history of anxiety or depression, you may be at a higher risk.

PME

PMDD and PME are closely connected. It occurs when a preexisting ailment, such as generalized anxiety disorder, worsens during your cycle’s luteal phase.

Other conditions that may flare up before your menstruation include:

depression

Anxiety problems

migraine \ seizures

eating problems and substance abuse

schizophrenia

The distinction between PMDD and PME is that PME patients have symptoms throughout the month, and they only get worse in the weeks leading up to their period.

Is there anything that I can do to help?

There are several things you may take to reduce premenstrual anxiety and other PMS symptoms, the majority of them include lifestyle and dietary modifications, but don’t be alarmed the changes aren’t that significant.

In truth, you’ve already taken the first step: being aware

Knowing that your anxiety is tied to your menstrual cycle will help you prepare for when the symptoms appear.

Anxiety can be managed by doing the following:

Exercise aerobic: People who exercised regularly throughout the month had less severe PMS symptoms, according to data by Trusted Source. Regular exercisers had a reduced risk of mood and behavior disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating than the general population. Exercising can also help to alleviate uncomfortable physical sensations.

Techniques for relaxation: Relaxation practices for stress reduction may aid in the management of premenstrual anxiety. Yoga, meditation, and massage therapy are examples of common practices.

Sleep: If your hectic schedule is disrupting your sleep patterns, it’s important to make regularity a priority. It’s critical to get adequate sleep, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Attempt to establish a consistent sleep plan in which you wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, including weekends.

Diet: Consume carbohydrates (seriously). Moodiness and anxiety-inducing food cravings can be reduced by eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and starchy vegetables, during PMS. Yogurt and milk, which are high in calcium, may also be beneficial.

Vitamins: Calcium and vitamin B-6 have both been shown in studies to help with the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Find out more about PMS vitamins and supplements.

Things to keep in mind

PMS symptoms can also be triggered by a variety of factors. You should avoid or limit your intake of the following foods in the week or two leading up to your period:

alcohol

greasy foods with caffeine

salt \ sugar

Is there a way to avoid this?

The aforementioned suggestions can assist you in managing active PMS symptoms and reducing your odds of encountering them. However, there isn’t much else you can do about PMS.

However, you might be able to get more bang for your buck by utilizing an app or a diary to document your symptoms throughout your cycle. Add in information about your lifestyle adjustments to obtain a better picture of what works best and what you can go without.

Markdown days when you obtain at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity, for example. Check to see if your symptoms improve as your fitness level improves.

Is it necessary for me to see a doctor?

If your symptoms don’t improve after making lifestyle changes, or if you suspect you have PMDD or PME, speak with your doctor.

If you’ve been keeping track of your period and PMS symptoms, bring them with you to the appointment.

If you have PME or PMDD, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the first line of treatment for both diseases (SSRIs). SSRIs raise serotonin levels in the brain, which may aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

It’s quite natural to experience some anxiousness in the weeks leading up to your period. However, if your symptoms are interfering with your life, there are certain things you can do to get some relief.

Begin by making a few lifestyle adjustments. If those don’t seem to be enough, speak with your healthcare physician or gynecologist.