Menstrual and Mental Health Intersections

As the school year ramps up, an important factor in the process of this endeavor is student mental health. Although academics play a huge role in school, mental health is crucial to excel in various areas of life. The intersection of mental health and menstrual cycles is a factor that is often overlooked: It is crucial to remember that for some, periods are not just a physical experience, but they can also impact mood, well-being, and state of mind.

The significance of these emotions are often undermined due to the fact of menstrual cycles, but the fluctuations of these hormones accounts for this and validates these feelings. In fact, premenstrual hormonal changes can lead to symptoms such as worsening depression, moodiness, and anxiety. Attention and concentration can also be impacted by these changes, which can account for disruptions in academic ventures. As stated by Loma Linda University of Health, more than half of women experience these premenstrual symptoms in varying degrees of severity; along with this, individuals with severe symptoms might be experiencing PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Along with these symptoms, individuals with medical or mental health conditions can have worsening premenstrual and menstrual symptoms, such as individuals with ADHD. ADHD is known to be worsened in the wake of menstrual symptoms, so many see that their medication doesn’t work as well as before, along with feeling worse overall.

To understand these patterns and symptoms is already a step forward to getting to know your inner self, along with managing the impact of your own, unique menstrual cycle. Once these patterns are recognized, tracking them through apps or calendars can help you manage and prepare for these natural fluctuations in mood or mental health. Nevertheless, it is vital to call for medical help if these symptoms grow more severe than expected. In all, educating oneself on these topics will not only help menstrual health, but mental health as well.

Reference:

https://news.llu.edu/health-wellness/how-menstrual-cycle-impacts-mental-health

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