So you feel fine all month, happy, maybe you’re busy at work, but generally everything’s pretty good. Maybe you get a niggle of anxiety, but it’s pretty easy to brush it aside.
But then you know your period’s coming. Your anxiety heightens. It’s off the charts. It’s debilitating. It’s scary and many people just don’t get it.
This experience may have affected your job, relationships and fun times. And after a while you notice it only happens (or gets worse) before your period.
For many women there may be a biochemical reason for this! Progesterone, which raises in the second half of your cycle is related to a brain chemical called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a calming brain chemical. So if we don’t have enough progesterone, chances are, GABA may also be lower than normal, hence giving you the feeling of anxiety.
Other PMS symptoms that you may experience on top of anxiety can be (but not always) period cramps, heavy bleeding and acne around the jawline.
What to do about Anxiety Before Your Period
So for right now, it’s important to talk to a supportive friend or family member. If you are experiencing anxiety, seek support.
Go for a walk or run, do a meditation, eat some Magnesium rich foods like almonds or banana’s.
Medium term action you can take include talking to your GP or counsellor. If you decide to go down the path of seeing a naturopath, find one who knows about neurotranmitter (brain chemical) biochemistry as well as hormone balancing. They need to assess whether your progesterone levels need to be lifted using herbal and nutritional medicine as well as support your GABA pathways, again by using herbal and nutritional medicine – these herbs and nutrients are non- habit forming and help your body to rebalance naturally, yet powerfully.
Which ever path you decide to take for your anxiety, it’s important to take action. Don’t sit alone in your anxiety. Reach out and grab some help. You don’t have to do it alone.
Resources
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
Lifeline 131 11 14
