Monthly Hormonal Changes and your Mood

Many women notice that their mood, energy, and emotional resilience change throughout the month. These shifts are not imagined, exaggerated, or “in your head.” They are closely connected to natural hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle.

Understanding how hormones influence mood can help normalize emotional changes, reduce self-blame, and support more informed mental health care.

The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Fluctuations

A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, though cycles ranging from 21–35 days are considered normal. Throughout the cycle, levels of estrogen and progesterone rise and fall in predictable patterns. These hormones do more than regulate reproduction, they also interact directly with brain chemistry.

Estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which play key roles in mood regulation, anxiety, motivation, and emotional stability. As hormone levels shift, it is common for mood and emotional sensitivity to shift as well.

Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)

This phase begins on the first day of menstruation. Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest.

Some people experience:

• Lower energy or fatigue

• Increased emotional sensitivity

• Reduced motivation

• A desire for rest or solitude

Lower estrogen during this phase may contribute to decreased serotonin activity, which can affect mood and resilience. While some people feel relief once bleeding begins, others may feel more vulnerable or emotionally raw.

Follicular Phase (Days 6–14)

After menstruation ends, estrogen levels gradually rise. This increase is associated with improved mood, energy, and cognitive clarity for many people.

Common experiences include:

• Increased motivation and focus

• Improved mood and optimism

• Greater emotional stability

• Increased sociability

Rising estrogen supports serotonin and dopamine activity in the brain, which can enhance mood and emotional regulation. Many people feel more “like themselves” during this phase.

Ovulation (Around Day 14)

Ovulation occurs when estrogen peaks and an egg is released from the ovary. This hormonal peak is often associated with high energy and confidence.

During this time, people may notice:

• Elevated mood

• Increased confidence or assertiveness

• Higher energy levels

• Stronger emotional resilience

Not everyone experiences noticeable changes during ovulation, but for many, this is a mentally and emotionally balanced point in the cycle.

Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)

After ovulation, progesterone levels rise while estrogen gradually declines. Progesterone has a calming effect for some, but for others, these hormonal shifts can contribute to emotional changes.

Possible experiences include:

• Increased irritability or anxiety

• Mood swings

• Lower stress tolerance

• Fatigue or brain fog

In the late luteal phase, estrogen and progesterone both drop sharply. This hormonal withdrawal can affect serotonin levels, which may contribute to symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm.

PMS and PMDD: When Mood Changes Are More Severe

For some individuals, mood changes during the luteal phase are more intense and disruptive.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) may involve emotional symptoms such as irritability, low mood, or anxiety that interfere mildly to moderately with daily life.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe condition characterized by significant mood symptoms, including depression, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, that substantially impair functioning. PMDD is not caused by abnormal hormone levels, but rather an increased sensitivity to normal hormonal changes.

Both PMS and PMDD are legitimate medical and mental health conditions that deserve appropriate evaluation and care.

Why These Changes Are Often Misunderstood

Because hormonal mood changes are cyclical and not constant, they are frequently minimized or dismissed. Many people internalize these experiences as personal weaknesses rather than biological responses. Recognizing patterns across the menstrual cycle can help differentiate between situational stress, underlying anxiety or depression, and hormonally influenced mood changes.

Supporting Mental Health Across the Cycle

Understanding hormonal patterns can be an important part of mental health care. Tracking mood changes alongside the menstrual cycle can provide valuable insight for both individuals and mental health professionals.

Support may include:

• Lifestyle adjustments

• Stress management strategies

• Medication management when appropriate

• Ongoing monitoring of symptoms

Care should always be individualized, as hormonal sensitivity varies widely from person to person.

Conclusion

Mood changes throughout the month are not a personal failure or lack of emotional strength. They reflect the complex interaction between hormones and brain chemistry.

If you notice significant or disruptive mood changes related to your cycle, a qualified mental health professional can help evaluate symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options. You deserve care that recognizes both your biology and your lived experience.