“Oh, you are on your periods! That's why you are being so moody”
If you are lucky enough to get periods every month or so, chances are that you have heard this statement at least at some point in your life. Even with ample amounts of dialogue regarding menstrual hygiene awareness, there still are a lot of stigmas attached to it. While menstrual advertisements ‘motivate' women to wear white pants and are their best versions during ‘that time of the month', they are still squeamish to use the actual colour of blood in them. But what happens during periods? Do you turn into a green-eyed monster or is PMS just seen in a negative light?
PMS – what is it?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is not the same for all individuals. It comes with a wide range of signs and symptoms that one has to cope with. Although symptoms might differ from one individual to another, almost 47.8% of people who menstruate suffer from PMS. The prevalence rate for PMS is about 14.3% to 74.4% in India among women. But still, due to the taboo associated with it, not a lot of people openly talk about it or are aware of it. PMS can be easily managed but how can you do so if you are not aware of what is happening to your own body?
There are several physicals as well as emotional symptoms of PMS including:
1. Cramps
2. Bloating
3. Joint pain
4. Acne
5. Hunger pangs
6. Gastrointestinal problems
7. Consistent low mood
8. Anger
9. Mood swings
10. Anxiety
11. Irritability
Mental health and PMS – how are the two related?
While PMS might bring in an array of physical problems, it can manifest itself by bringing in drastic changes in your mental health. The hormonal changes in your body and your mental health have a symbiotic relationship. As you begin chumming, your menstrual cycle is reset and it brings in changes in your body. Your estrogen and progesterone levels go down. This makes you feel not just tired but it brings in neurochemical changes in your body. Your brain starts producing serotonin or the happy
hormone in lesser quantities. As you are done with your periods, your body starts producing serotonin in more quantities and you can notice changes in your mood. This keeps on going till the time you reach menopause. But life doesn’t work according to your chumming schedule. In the meantime, you are bombarded with work and stress. It can take a toll on your menstrual cycle by delaying or fastening it. If you have ever felt extremely low or anxious during your periods, you may have been suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). It can mimic the symptoms of depression easily. Women with a history of depression in their relatives are at a higher risk. But it's not just depression that they are battling. They have to deal with the associated risks as well. Usually lasting for two weeks, it can increase suicidal tendencies in severe cases. Irregular menstrual cycles are also related to mood disorders and anxiety disorders.
Condition in India
It is pretty evident that although the availability of menstrual products has increased, people are still shy to talk about it. It is not uncommon to see a shopkeeper wrap up a pad in a black polythene bag to keep up the secrecy regarding menstrual hygiene products. We may now get sick leaves for our periods, yet it still does come with a fair share of ridicule from society. Women are expected to
‘bear’ with it because it is a natural process. Yet, why is there so much stigma around it? In the rural parts of India, women still use cloth on those days of the month. Even to this date, women are shunned away when they are chumming and labelled as being ‘dirty'. As soon as a woman gets her period, she is made to sit alone and not allowed to be a part of society. Often, they are stopped from entering temples or taking part in any auspicious event. Inability to speak about their symptoms, social isolation as well as lack of access to hygienic conditions makes it difficult for those with a uterus.
When one is dealing with PMS, these are the things that can worsen the condition and make the situation even grimmer for the individual. PMS can be managed. Lifestyle modifications and the right medication can help you lead a better quality of life. If you know anyone who is struggling with PMS, do not hesitate. Reach out to a medical professional immediately for medical assistance. In case your emotional symptoms are getting you overwhelmed, you can talk to a mental health professional. If the next time you see someone on their period, please do try to think before commenting. A casual comment on your part can be devastating for the individual who is dealing with it.
Comments