“One thing all women hear throughout their lifetimes is how their “mood swings” are so much during periods, as if we have taken a sword and are out to fight. Well the irony of it is that, this is exactly what is going on inside our uterus during periods. So, I think to some extent these people are right.

There are numerous hormonal fluctuations that happen during the whole menstrual cycle. A lot of menstruating women go through emotional upheaval and actual noticeable physical challenges which mainly include pain, bloating and acne. The struggle is real.
While we go through this there are people who make comments about how sometimes women act “differently” or “cry often” or sometimes go to an extent to ask “are you PMSing?”. Well, this behaviour is nothing compared to what we are going through internally, so kudos to us.

PMS is originally called premenstrual syndrome, but I call it “Period Monster’s Symphony” because my period which is still yet to come orchestrates my whole behaviour. The symptoms and the timings for the symptoms to show up are different for everyone, so it really helps if you track your menstrual cycle so that you can anticipate what could come next.

This will help you confirm that your mood swings are indeed linked to your cycle. Knowing there’s a reason you’re feeling extra moody can also help keep things in perspective and offer some validation. Let everyone around know that we do not appreciate anyone belittling, criticising or laughing at your agony. If people cannot offer special treatment during this difficult time, empathy is the least they
could offer. “