Women going through premenstrual syndrome might worry about the effect their mood can swings have, not just on their own well-being, but on their relationships too. Although mood swings are natural and common consequence of changing hormone levels, the symptom can often be hard for both women and their spouses to understand. However, there are many things that women can do to reduce the effects of PMS.
Why Do I Have PMS Mood Swings?

Many women experience mood swings as a symptom of PMS and hormone imbalance. This is because when estrogen and progesterone levels become uneven, so to do their serotonin levels. The amount of serotonin in the body regulates a woman's mood, so when levels of this neurotransmitter become unstable, a woman's mood will reflect this. It is not uncommon for a woman's mood swing experiences to be shared by those closest to her.
How Can I Prevent PMS Mood Swings from Ruining My Relationship?
PMS induced mood swings do not have to automatically affect a woman's relationship with her spouse. Communication and understanding alone can play a huge role in helping couples become closer and get through PMS together. Read on to learn more about the various coping strategies that will help couples overcome any PMS hurdles. It might not be possible for women with PMS to irradiate their mood swings completely, but if a woman's spouse is made aware of what is happening and why, he will be more able to understand and offer support.
How Can I Treat My Mood Swings Caused by PMS?
Communication

It might hard at first by try to make a habit of being open with each other about your fears and emotions. Work through them together.
Therapy
Sometimes talking to a therapist together about your experiences is a great way of addressing any issues that have arisen in the relationship. The space and the unbiased perspective provided will help you both to work through them calmly.
Mood swings that are caused by PMS can be treated both naturally and with medication. It is advisable however, that women first turn to natural treatments before considering more serious medication.
Natural treatments to help PMS:
- A healthy and balanced diet
- Regular and moderate exercise
- Natural supplements
Medication to help PMS:
- Magnesium tablets
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin E
If PMS-related mood swings are causing significant problems in your relationships bear in mind that there are many medical and natural treatments available. Although PMS related mood swings can be treated naturally with less risk of side effects, medications can be stronger and more effective,but associated with certain side effects.
Sources
- The Health Center."Adult Mood Swings".Retrieved from www.thehealthcenter.info.
- Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition". Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
- Molecular Psychiatry.(n,d)."Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain's Response to Stress".Retrieved from www.psycheducation.org.