Many people feel like Jekyll and Hyde during their cycle – happy and balanced one week, an angry mess the next. This can really affect the relationships with those close to us.
Firstly, know that it’s ok to feel angry.
Women are socialised to think they must be smiley and helpful all the time. But… in reality there is a lot for us to be angry about. Our rage is often shining a light on something that needs our attention, so have compassion with yourself when the anger bubbles up.
That all said, there can be hormonal issues which are contributing to our monthly anger. After ovulation our body produces a hormone called progesterone which *should* soothe our nervous system, help us be calm and focussed, and give us a fabulous night’s sleep.
However, sometimes we are not producing enough progesterone or our body has difficulty reacting to the different levels of progesterone.
I’m pleased to share there are LOADS of simple things you can do to help this though.
1. Ensure you are eating well and pooping daily.
2. Sleep is everything! Try to go to bed 20 mins earlier each night, turn off all screens by 8pm (yes 8pm!) and keep your phone in a different room at night.
3. Find a way to empty your stress bucket every day. Just like we know we must brush our teeth every day, we need to set aside time to do soothe our nervous system every.single. day. Take 5 mins daily rest with your eyes closed listening to music, set an alarm on your phone to take 10 deep slow breathes, try abdominal massage, spend some time in nature. ⠀
4. Acupuncture can be magic for many kinds of hormone and reproductive health issues.
5. CBD oil can really help PMS, although I appreciate that is not available everywhere. I love the brand Kloris.
By the way, if you feel the rage and other PMS symptoms starts up to two weeks before your period you may be experiencing, Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. The same ideas I shared can help and in addition I highly recommend you seek out support from others with PMDD through the IAMPD Facebook group.
Many women with PMS found that my 6-week course Embrace Your Cyclical Power was a game changer in understanding themselves and how to manage their moods. You can find out more here.
