It is undeniable that hormonal changes in women can indeed affect mood (mood). No wonder many women are easily offended, sad, even angry before and during menstruation.
Hormones are natural substances produced by the body and play an important role in various functions and processes in the body, from growth, metabolism, sexual and reproductive function, to mood.
Recognize the Types of Hormones in Women
There are two main types of hormones in women, namely estrogen and progesterone. Levels of both hormones will experience changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
The hormone estrogen plays an important role in the reproductive process and develops female sexual characteristics, such as breast growth, body shape, and regulation of the menstrual cycle.
While the hormone progesterone plays a more important role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy, such as preparing the uterine lining for a fertilized egg and suppressing estrogen production after ovulation.
Women also actually have the hormone testosterone which is a male hormone (androgen hormone). However, the amount of testosterone in women is less than in men.
Effects of Hormonal Changes on Mood
Hormonal changes in women are normal conditions, especially before and during menstruation, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and before menopause.
The effects of hormonal changes often cause women to experience: mood swings or an erratic mood, so that they are easily angry, sad, irritated, lazy, even depressed.
Estrogen is a type of hormone that is closely related to these mood swings. This is because estrogen also affects brain function that controls emotions and moods.
At the time premenstrual syndrome (PMS), for example. Changes in estrogen levels before menstruation will affect the work of serotonin, a chemical compound in the brain in charge of regulating emotions and moods.
Handle Mood Swing Due to Hormonal Changes
The following are some ways you can do to overcome mood swings due to hormonal changes:
1. Apply a nutritious diet
Eating nutritious foods, especially those containing complex carbohydrates, is considered to be able to help overcome mood swings due to hormonal changes. The reason is, this substance is able to increase the production of the hormone serotonin which can improve body health mood. Examples of foods that contain complex carbohydrates are whole grains and legumes.
Various other foods that you can consume to deal with mood swings are broccoli, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, cabbage, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.
2. Exercise regularly
In addition to improving physical health, exercising regularly is also good for maintaining mental health. When you exercise, your body will produce endorphins which are good for reducing stress and dealing with stress mood swings. Examples of sports that you can do are cycling or a leisurely walk.
3. Limit alcoholic, caffeinated, and sugary drinks
When you're feeling mood swings, You should avoid consuming alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Besides being able to make you feel tired, these drinks can also cause or worsen anxiety.
As much as possible avoid sweet foods or drinks, because the sugar contained in them can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels which can make it worse mood swings.
4. Overcome stress
Mood swings can cause a variety of complaints. One of them is stress. To control stress, you can do meditation, yoga, or massage therapy. You can do this yourself or with the help of an instructor.
Hormonal changes in women are natural processes that can have an impact on mood swings. However, if mood swings due to hormonal changes interfere with daily activities, consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.
