Changes in body are not the only indicators of the arrival of menstruation but the hormonal changes taking place during menstrual cycle is also strongly related to one’s mental health. Bleeding, breast tenderness, cramps and bloating are some of the physical symptoms observed during periods.

On another hand, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which is found in the three to eight per cent of women, is a very serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which can cause several emotional and physical symptoms every month during the week or two before the beginnig of period. This syndrome can leave one feeling irritable, upset, nervous anxious, panic and depressed.

The levels of estrogen and progesterone are low on the day of the period, which is also marked as the onset of the menstrual cycle. Then after periods end, these hormonal level in the body rises again and are at the peak just before ovulation. Later they plunge furthermore if there is no indication of pregnancy.

Studies have revealed that low levels of estrogen are linked to low levels of serotonin, the “happy chemical” which leads to the feeling of satisfaction.

A crucial relationship is observed between stress and the incidence of dysmenorrhoea or painful menstruation. It found that women with high stress levels were twice as likely to go through dysmenorrhoea. Similar studies have found “An important association between stressful jobs and shorter menstrual cycle”.The average menstrual cycle is around 21 to 35 days. Every menstruating female has her own period pattern.

The ‘hypothalamus’ is that area of the brain which manages hormone regulation. Hence, when one is stressed or mentally hassled for some reason, for a long duration of time, they might notice getting irregular periods. This is due to the fact that stress and hormone irregulation due to that stress can disturb the menstrual cycle.

Hence, it can be concluded that mental health is important for everyone, for women mental health issues can have adverse effects on their menstrual cycles.