We've all absorbed the stereotypical image of menstruation from pop culture – sitcoms and other TV shows, movies, popular music, and more – and it's true that menstruation isn’t exactly globally known for lifting spirits. However, the reality goes far beyond the typical "looks like someone's on their period" stereotype, and many people have yet to realize this: menstruation can be quite difficult, particularly for women who have irregular cycles.
Today’s article will explore how menstrual cycle irregularities affect mood and mental health. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of how your body functions and the reasons behind certain processes, which can be both biological and cultural. And if you’re lucky enough and don’t experience these issues yourself, you’ll have a notion of how to be more empathetic towards those who do, whether it's your partner, a friend, or a loved one.
What is menstruation?
To clarify this term, we'll refer to the definition provided by the US Office on Women's Health (OWH). Menstruation, often called a period, is the monthly bleeding women experience. This bleeding occurs when the body sheds the monthly buildup of the uterine lining. During menstruation, blood and tissue leave the womb through the cervix and exit the body via the vagina. Throughout the menstrual cycle, the uterine lining thickens to prepare itself for pregnancy. Now, if pregnancy doesn't take place, the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone drop and trigger menstruation, thus restarting the menstrual cycle.
What is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle, which starts on the first day of menstruation and ends the day before the next period begins, is a monthly hormonal process that—in the simplest of terms—prepares a woman's body for pregnancy. Variations in primary reproductive hormone (progesterone and estrogen) levels during this cycle might result in various symptoms, some of which we'll cover today.
How long should a regular menstrual cycle last?
Although it typically lasts 28 days, a woman's cycle might differ monthly and between cycles. Periods are considered regular if they happen every 24 to 38 days, meaning the time between the beginning of one period and the next varies. Irregular menstrual periods can be excessively long or short due to various hormonal imbalances, which you tame using a hormone-balancing pill. Many women have reported it as being something of a life-saver.
What are menstrual cycle irregularities?
These irregularities happen when the gap between periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days. Of course, anybody who menstruates can experience these anomalies from time to time, but they’re more prevalent in adolescence and the days leading up to menopause.
Besides puberty and menopause, the usual causes of irregular periods include pregnancy, with a missed period often appearing as an early sign. Hormonal contraception such as the progestogen-only pill, contraceptive injection, and intrauterine system (IUS), a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus that prevents pregnancy by releasing progestogen; significant weight loss or gain; stress and anxiety; and excessive exercise.
How these irregularities affect mood and mental health
Now that we've covered the basics let's explore how irregularities in the menstrual cycle can impact mood and overall mental health.
Menstrual cycle irregularities and depression
Menstrual cycle irregularities and depression, one of the most common mood disorders, can impact one another. The hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can worsen depressive symptoms (persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, etc.), while depression can, in turn, disrupt menstrual regularity.
Impact of menstrual cycle irregularities on the severity of depression
Menstrual cycle irregularities can greatly affect the severity of depression. Irregular periods often correlate with higher levels of symptoms of depression among women. These irregularities (may include variations in cycle length, heavier or lighter bleeding, and inconsistent timing) can disrupt daily life and increase overall stress, which can, in turn, worsen depressive symptoms. Moreover, regular periods can provide structure and support, which can be beneficial in managing depression.
How depression affects the menstrual cycle
On the other side, depression can also have an impact on the menstrual cycle, as it can lead to irregular periods. Depression-related stress (together with other symptoms and changes in lifestyle) can intensify these menstrual irregularities. Additionally, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are often associated with both menstrual irregularities and depressive symptoms, highlighting the interconnected nature of these issues.
The role of antidepressants in menstrual cycle regulation
Antidepressants, medications frequently used to treat depression, may impact the menstrual cycle. Certain medications may cause changes in menstrual regularity, such as adjustments to the duration or flow of the cycle. Antidepressant-using women should be mindful of their menstrual cycles; the simplest and most effective way to do this is with a menstrual-tracking app. They should also let their doctor know if they notice any changes.
Menstrual cycle and other mental health phenomena
Research (such as this study first published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing journal) indicates that irregularities in the menstrual cycle are associated with a variety of mental health issues, not just depression. The study mentioned above has shown that women with irregular cycles have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD (interestingly, this is not the case with anxiety). The relationship between menstrual irregularities and mental health is complex and influenced by various factors: hormonal fluctuations, stress, and socioeconomic background.
Menstrual cycle irregularities and anxiety
The same study has concluded that women with irregular menstrual cycles have a lower risk of anxiety disorders compared to those with regular cycles. That is a discovery, as previous studies haven’t explored the link between anxiety and cycle regularity in such detail. The distinct neuroendocrine pathways involved in anxiety and depression might explain the difference in how these disorders interact with menstrual cycle irregularities.
Menstrual cycle regularity and ADHD
Here’s another finding that the study uncovered: there’s a higher prevalence of ADHD among women reporting irregular cycles. However, this association was no longer significant after they adjusted for race. Caucasian women are more likely to report both conditions. Now, this might reflect cultural values emphasizing resilience and strength (values found in African American women), potentially leading to underreporting of psychiatric symptoms.
Conclusion
There are many ways in which menstrual cycle irregularities affect mood and mental health. They can worsen depression and cause unwanted stress, damaging the quality of daily life. Because depression itself alters hormone levels and general health, it can also cause irregular periods. Menstrual abnormalities are associated with anxiety and ADHD, and they can also be impacted by cultural background and socioeconomic situation. Understanding these connections is essential for providing effective care.
Keyphrase: menstrual cycle irregularities
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Images:
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References:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irregular-periods/
https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/ius-hormonal-coil/what-is-it/
https://www.neuraliatms.com.au/understanding-how-depression-and-the-menstrual-cycle-interact/