the link between hormones and how you feel
many people notice that they feel different at different points in their cycle, whether that is more energetic in some weeks, more tired in others, or more prone to certain physical or emotional symptoms as a period approaches. this pattern is closely linked to the rise and fall of hormones across the month, particularly oestrogen and progesterone.
how oestrogen and progesterone can influence the body
oestrogen and progesterone do not only affect the reproductive organs. they also interact with other systems in the body, including the brain, skin, digestive system and how fluid is retained, which is part of why their fluctuation can be felt so widely.
- in the run up to ovulation, rising oestrogen is often linked with higher energy, improved mood and clearer skin for many people
- after ovulation, rising progesterone can bring a calmer but sometimes lower energy feeling for some
- in the days before a period, falling oestrogen and progesterone are often linked with symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, low mood, irritability or tiredness
why symptoms are not identical every month
even though the underlying hormonal pattern is broadly similar cycle to cycle, symptoms can still vary quite a bit from month to month. this can be influenced by factors such as sleep, stress, diet, exercise, illness and simply natural variation in how sensitive the body is to hormonal shifts at any given time.
premenstrual symptoms
many people experience some degree of premenstrual symptoms, often referred to as pms, in the days before a period. these can include physical symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness, and emotional symptoms like irritability or low mood. mild premenstrual symptoms are very common and generally considered a normal part of the cycle, though the severity varies enormously between individuals.
when symptoms feel like more than "normal"
for some people, premenstrual symptoms are severe enough to significantly affect daily life, work, or relationships. this level of impact is not something you simply need to put up with, and there are recognised approaches that can help.
getting to know your own pattern
tracking symptoms alongside your cycle, for example noting mood, energy and physical symptoms each day, can help you spot your own personal pattern over time. this can make symptoms feel more predictable and less unsettling, and it also gives useful information to share with a healthcare professional if needed.
if your symptoms feel severe, are getting worse over time, or are significantly affecting your quality of life, please speak with a healthcare professional, who can help explore options tailored to you.