Why Am I Feeling Like This? The Hormonal Mood Guide

Have you ever felt like your emotions are on a rollercoaster—one moment you're laughing uncontrollably, and the next, you’re tearing up over something small? If so, you’re not alone! These mood swings are often caused by hormones, the chemical messengers in your body that control everything from energy levels to emotions. While they play a vital role in your health, hormones can sometimes feel like they’re wreaking havoc on your mood. Let’s dive into what’s going on inside your body and how you can handle it.

The contraceptive implant is a small, flexible rod that releases hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.

Hormones are chemicals made by glands in your body, and they act like messengers, traveling through your bloodstream to tell your body what to do. They help regulate important processes like growth, sleep, and mood. During your teenage years, your body goes through major hormonal changes, especially during puberty. These changes can make your emotions feel unpredictable and intense, but it’s all part of your body’s way of adjusting to becoming an adult.

Two key hormones that affect your mood are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are most active during your menstrual cycle and have a direct impact on how you feel. Estrogen is often nicknamed the “feel-good hormone” because of its connection to serotonin, a chemical in your brain that boosts happiness and helps regulate emotions. Here’s how it works:

1. Boosts Serotonin: Estrogen helps your brain produce and use serotonin. High levels of serotonin make you feel positive, calm, and even more motivated.

2. Improves Energy: When estrogen is at its peak, like during the middle of your menstrual cycle, you may feel energetic and confident.

3. Enhances Social Mood: Estrogen can make you feel more social and open to interacting with others. This might explain why you feel more outgoing at certain times in your cycle.

   
   

However, estrogen isn’t always stable. When its levels drop, like just before your period, serotonin levels can also dip. This can make you feel more irritable, sad, or even tearful. That’s why you might feel emotional or “off” during this time. Progesterone on the other hand, often called the “calming hormone,” has a very different role. It’s responsible for preparing your body for a possible pregnancy during the second half of your cycle. But it doesn’t just affect your body—it also impacts your brain and mood.

1. Causes Fatigue: High levels of progesterone, especially during the luteal phase (the week before your period), can make you feel sleepy or low on energy.

2. Triggers Anxiety: Sometimes, too much progesterone can have the opposite effect and make you feel more anxious or emotional. This is why you might feel overwhelmed during PMS.

3. Relaxes The Brain: Progesterone has a soothing effect on your brain. It can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed.

Your menstrual cycle also plays a big role in your mood. In the first half of your cycle, known as the follicular phase, estrogen gradually increases, giving you more energy and a positive outlook. Around the middle of your cycle, during ovulation, you might feel your best as both estrogen and testosterone peak. But as you move into the luteal phase, the second half of your cycle, progesterone rises and estrogen falls, which can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and irritability.

While it’s normal to feel moody sometimes, extreme emotional ups and downs might signal a more serious issue. Conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or underlying mental health challenges can make hormonal changes harder to manage. If your mood swings feel overwhelming or are affecting your daily life, it’s important to talk to a trusted adult or a healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s going on and offer support.

Hormones are powerful, and their effects can feel challenging at times, but they’re also an amazing part of how your body works. By understanding your hormones and how they affect your mood, you can learn to manage the ups and downs with confidence. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take time to care for yourself. Be proud of how far you’ve come!