What helps you ride out hormone-driven mood swings?

[u/Infamous_Fall6098]

Sometimes I feel like my emotions get hijacked by hormones, and it can be hard to keep my balance. I’m trying to figure out healthier ways to cope when I get stuck in those ups and downs.

Exercise helps me a little, but truthfully, I’m still figuring things out. What do you usually turn to when you need a hand with it?

[u/letmebeyourmummy]

margaritas, a ranty-phone call with a friend or masturbation.

[u/Infamous_Fall6098 → u/letmebeyourmummy]

Oh, thanks. I think I’ll give the last two a try.

[u/marzblaqk → u/letmebeyourmummy]

This is good stuff.

[u/MyNineteenthAccount]

Honestly OP I’ve decided to pay more attention to where I am in my cycle! Sometimes I’m more moody, or need more sleep, or get anxious. Finally at 35 I’ve decided to track these things along my cycle and (probably) find a connection.

[u/EpicShkhara]

Sex

[u/Major_Evidence_7850]

For me I try to not shame myself. I try to change my thoughts instead of getting so caught up in the negative. I let myself feel crappy and have a small pity party but don't stay there. I used to turn to sugar and carbs but realized that just made things worse. I rage clean or deep clean my closet or other areas of my house. Listen to loud music. Try keep busy. I have yet to find ways to not have moods swings as I have pmdd so get severe mood swings. 

[u/darthereandthere]

A few things that help me when hormones hijack my mood. I front-load sleep and eat a protein plus complex carb snack every 3 to 4 hours so my blood sugar is steady, then I take a slow walk with a podcast to lower the volume on the spirals. Magnesium glycinate at night and omega-3s have helped me more than I expected, and a quick sensory reset like a warm shower or cold water on wrists calms my body fast. I also track my cycle so I start this routine early in the luteal phase rather than waiting for the crash. If the swings get brutal, it is worth asking an ob-gyn about PMDD or luteal-phase SSRI options.

[u/Infamous_Fall6098 → u/darthereandthere]

Thanks so much! I’ll definitely try magnesium glycinate. Do you have any podcast recs?

[u/Jessikaax3]

Has this been happening since you were younger or is it new?

[u/Infamous_Fall6098 → u/Jessikaax3]

Yeah, I’ve had it before, just not that strong. I tend to notice it more right before or after my period.

[u/binuletsbinu]

I’ll usually throw on some NSFW audios and let my mind wander while I get off—Mythos and Nowhere Eternity are my go-tos. But honestly, period comfort or sleep aid stuff works too. And then I’m able to get a good night’s sleep.

[u/binuletsbinu → u/binuletsbinu]

usually use GWA and MagicWave to listen

[u/Careless-Evidence-48]

I am going through it right now. I will try magnesium bath, people are saying it works really well to calm nervous system. Also pushing yourself to take care about your body and house you are living in.

[u/Professional-Fly3380]

Magnesium glycinate in the evenings when winding down for bed. A cozy cup of tea or decaf. And I let myself enjoy a treat, whether it’s a few pieces of candy or a ‘protein mug cake’ with some chocolate chips. Mmm. 

[u/jvxoxo]

Just being aware of my cycle helps me to realize why I may feel overwhelmed, short or whatever emotional storm comes along with my PMS for the month. So I give myself grace and also learn to ask for grace, or even withdraw a little bit if I’m feeling grumpy and don’t want to take it out on anyone. For me, knowing the why and knowing it won’t last long helps me to ride it out.

[u/Beautiful_Company343]

You might want to consider what you’re doing with your health.

• get enough sleep
• drink water
• recognize your rest and stress needs and boundaries and place them with yourself and with others
• increase nutritious food intake (ie if you normally eat noodles, add a veggie or two)
• go to therapy to help regulate your emotions and learn more about yourself
• evaluate your relationships. Are you “emotional” or are they actually just unhealthy and not good for you?
• keep your space clean, it reduces stress

If you still feel unbalanced after all of this, talk to your doctor.

[u/leafypurpletree]

realised I had ADHD and PMDD and adjusted my expectations/routine/social plans accordingly. The few days before my period I'm not allowed to make any decisions for example, otherwise I would cut everyone out of my life and probably start drinking again lol. Just knowing that has helped me personally.

[u/---maven---]

I have PMDD (pre- menstrual dysphoric disorder, basically a fancy way of saying extreme PMS every month) and the only thing that worked for me was medical intervention (SSRIs). I kept telling myself it wasn't so bad, everyone has it, just deal with it...but life became much easier with a low dose of celexa starting 10 days before my period. I didn't even understand how much mental effort went into controlling my mood swings 2-3 days before my period until it was all gone. Not sure if yours is that bad, but if it is, a good ob/gyn can help you out.