Mental Health During the Menstrual Phase for Those Trying to Conceive

Mental Health During Menstruation

During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds and is expelled from the body along with blood, which causes a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen levels, resulting in various physiological changes. Many people may experience irritability during menstruation, which is also closely related to this sudden decrease in hormone levels. Additional causes can include the discomfort of menstrual flow and abdominal pain.

Additionally, during this phase, there is a decrease in neurotransmitters like serotonin, which provides feelings of happiness, and GABA, which helps stabilize emotions. This can make individuals more prone to negative emotions and increase irritability.

Refreshing Activities for When Menstruation Arrives During Conception Efforts

Experiencing menstruation often brings physical discomfort and mental strain, causing a natural dip in mood. For those actively trying to conceive, this emotional downturn may be even more intense.

This reaction is understandable. The time spent hoping for pregnancy seems to be reset with the onset of menstruation.

It is said that women actively trying to conceive may experience a sense of loss similar to that of a grieving mother upon the arrival of their period. Feelings of sadness and the inability to stop crying are not signs of hysteria but rather a natural response to a deep sense of loss. Allowing oneself to feel this is perfectly normal.

While ways to refresh and shift one’s mindset may vary from person to person, here are two suggestions from Flora.

1. Don’t Hold Back—Let Yourself Cry

Tears play a role in reducing cortisol, a stress hormone that negatively impacts physical and mental health. By shedding tears, stress hormones are effectively released, offering a natural detox.

Our bodies also contain manganese, a mineral involved in energy production. However, when manganese levels rise too high, it can increase tendencies toward anger, anxiety, and irritability. Research suggests that excessive manganese accumulation may even contribute to depression. Just like cortisol, manganese can also be released through tears.

Depression can occur in some people during their efforts to conceive, so allowing oneself to cry openly might even serve as a preventive measure. Rather than trying to hold back tears, crying openly and honestly may support mental well-being.

For partners, instead of saying, "It's okay, you don’t need to cry," creating a supportive environment for processing sadness and tears can show true empathy and kindness.

2. Celebrate the Efforts You’ve Made Over the Past Month

Many individuals striving for conception have taken special care in their daily habits. Instead of being hard on yourself for the arrival of your period, try to shift your focus: “Though my period came, I worked hard this past month. Great job, self!”

It can be helpful to discuss with your partner beforehand and prepare a small reward in case menstruation arrives. For instance, you might create options like (1) cake, (2) sushi, or (3) barbecue, and when your period starts, choose one of these options as a treat. Selecting something enjoyable may lift your spirits, helping you feel refreshed and ready to embrace the upcoming month with renewed positivity.