Period Mood Swings Explained: Why You’re Not Too Emotional

Because the mood swings don’t always magically end when your period starts.

There’s this common idea floating around that once your period arrives, the storm clears, mood swing season is over.

But let’s be honest — sometimes the first few days of bleeding bring their own emotional whirlwind.

One minute you’re fine, and the next you’re crying over a missing sock, rage-cleaning your kitchen, or swearing off all responsibilities forever?

Yeah. Me too.

The world might call it being “too emotional.”

But let’s be real: you’re hormonal, human, and probably holding in way more than anyone realizes.

What Causes Period Mood Swings?

In the days leading up to your period, your estrogen and progesterone both take a steep dive.

That drop can mess with your serotonin (aka the feel-good brain chemical), sleep quality, and ability to regulate stress.

When bleeding begins, hormones are still low.

It’s not an instant hormonal reset — it’s more like a hormonal rock bottom before things build back up.

So if you find yourself extra sensitive on cycle day 1, 2, or 3, it’s not just premenstrual hangover.

It’s still hormonally driven, and completely valid.

Check out Dr. Jolene Brighten, on how hormones play a major role in how mood shifts throughout the menstrual cycle, especially during the days leading up to your period.

Here’s the Truth About PMS Mood Swings

Most of us were taught to expect some cramping or irritability before a period— but nobody told us our moods could shift this hard.

Especially not in a culture that tells women to keep it together no matter what their bodies are doing.

But these shifts aren’t random.

They’re rooted in a real hormonal rollercoaster.

Your body is literally preparing to shed a uterine lining and recalibrate its entire hormone system.

So no— you’re not being “too much.”

You’re just feeling everything more acutely because your body is doing the most.

Your Mood Isn’t Random — It’s Rhythmic

Your cycle runs through four phases.

And each one reshapes your brain chemistry, energy levels, and emotional sensitivity.

It’s not just your uterus working — it’s your whole system.

In the first half (Inner Spring and Summer), estrogen rises.

You feel clearer, chattier, maybe even unstoppable.

Then, right after ovulation, things shift.

Progesterone steps in. Estrogen falls.

And suddenly, the things you could brush off last week?

Now they sting, or spark rage, or send you spiraling.

Over the years, I now realize that I need to stay emotionally regulated in my Inner Autumn.

Now I also know, I was missing a roadmap for what my body was already doing, every month.

What Hormones Are Doing Behind the Scenes

Let’s break it down without the science lecture:

• Estrogen = mood-lifting, serotonin-boosting, energy-bringing.
• Progesterone = calm-and-cozy when balanced, but can trigger anxiety or sadness if things are off.

When estrogen drops and progesterone climbs in the second half of your cycle, your serotonin can dip too — which can mess with sleep, stress tolerance, and that general “why does everything feel heavier?” sensation.

When my periods start I usually feel emotionally lighter.

But some months, I still feel a deep sadness.

Still annoyed. Still quick to snap.

Not for long, but for maybe the first day or 2 of my period.

And for a while, I’d beat myself up about that — “Like I should be past this, I’m bleeding now.”

And now I know: for some of us, the emotional dip lingers into menstruation.

Especially if we’re tired, stressed, or didn’t get the rest we needed during the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle, right before your period starts).

So instead of fighting it, I build space for it. I plan less. I speak gently to myself.

We aren’t “overreacting.”

How I Support My Mood During my period

These are small, doable things that actually help:

• Warm, grounding meals: soups, stews, anything with root veggies and protein
• Restorative movement: stretching, lying on the floor, or causal walks
• Low-stimulus space: soft lighting, fewer tabs open, minimal expectations
• Tracking: I’ve noticed my morning temperatures like to slightly dip as my period arrives
• Letting myself feel weird: journal like I’m venting to a friend, because sometimes it’s not deep, it’s just hormones and life colliding

And yes, sometimes a nap or a full-on cry still needs to happen. No shame in that.

When It’s More Than Just a Mood Shift

If your premenstrual symptoms regularly feel unmanageable— like you’re drowning in rage, panic, or sadness every month— it might be more than typical cycle changes.

It could be PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), and it’s worth talking to someone about.

A doctor. A therapist. A friend who won’t minimize it.

There’s no trophy for pushing through without help.

So, What Can You Do About It?

First of all? Don’t gaslight yourself.

If you feel off, there’s likely a hormonal reason.

Some gentle, real-life ways to support yourself during PMS mood swings:

Track your cycle	So you’re not blindsided— knowing it’s coming can be half the battle
Do less, not more	If it feels like the world’s on fire, maybe don’t clean the whole house today
Feed yourself real food	Protein, fat, fiber— it matters
Feel your feels	cry, vent, voice note your rage— whatever helps move it
Let someone help	partner, friend, even a good audiobook— remind yourself you’re not alone

You’re Not Too Emotional — You’re Overloaded

Your body isn’t the enemy. It’s the messenger.

And if no one told you this before: You have full permission to feel big things and still be worthy, capable, and enough.

Whether you’re tearing up during your luteal phase or feeling irritable on cycle day 1 of your period, the point isn’t to fix it.

Mood swings aren’t a personality flaw.

They’re part of the hormonal shifts that literally make your cycle work.

So, if your emotions show up loud in the premenstrual phase and stick around when bleeding starts?

Notice it, name it, and support yourself through it.

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