Why Does Your Mood Drop Before Your Period? – Hormonal Causes & TCM Insights for Self-Care

Emotional lows before or during menstruation are a familiar monthly guest for many women. But what’s really going on behind these sudden mood swings? Why does your emotional state sometimes plummet – seemingly out of nowhere?In this article, you'll discover:

• What happens hormonally before your period
• Why this hormonal drop can deeply impact your mood
• How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explains premenstrual mood swings
• And practical ways to care for yourself during this time

1. Hormonal Imbalance: When Estrogen and Progesterone Crash

In the second half of the menstrual cycle – after ovulation – the hormone progesterone rises. It has calming, soothing effects and can even improve sleep. Estrogen also plays a key role in keeping the mood stable.Just before menstruation, however:

• Progesterone drops rapidly
• Estrogen levels fall sharply as well
• This impacts serotonin, the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemical

The result: Emotional imbalance. Irritability, sadness, hypersensitivity, or a sudden feeling of overwhelm are not just “in your head” – they’re very real biochemical reactions.

2. PMS or PMDD? When the Mood Drop Becomes a Burden

Not every woman responds to this hormonal shift in the same way. While some experience mild discomfort, others suffer from PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) – a more intense version of PMS marked by severe emotional symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings or outbursts
• Withdrawal or isolation

If you recognize these symptoms, it may be worth seeking support – both physically and emotionally.

3. The TCM View: Liver Qi and the Wood Element in Play

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), premenstrual mood swings often stem from an imbalance in the Wood element, specifically the Liver energy.In TCM, the liver is responsible for:

• Ensuring smooth flow of Qi and Blood
• Emotional balance and resilience
• Creative drive and decision-making

What happens before menstruation?

• Liver Qi becomes stagnant as Blood gathers in the lower abdomen
• This blocked energy flow can lead to emotional symptoms like frustration, anger, or sadness
• Physical signs like headaches, breast tenderness, or digestive issues are also common indicators of Liver Qi stagnation

4. What You Can Do – Holistic Tips from Western & TCM Perspectives

Nutrition & Supplements:

• Magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3s support the nervous system and hormone balance
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar – they strain the liver and worsen PMS symptoms

TCM Herbal Support:

• Xiao Yao San (“Free and Easy Wanderer”) is a classic formula to ease Liver Qi stagnation (always consult a practitioner)

Movement & Emotional Release:

• Gentle yoga, Qi Gong, or walking helps move stuck energy
• Journaling, dancing, and creative expression are excellent emotional outlets

Shiatsu & Acupressure:

• Points like Liver 3 (Taichong) and Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) help regulate both cycle and mood

Cycle Awareness:

• Track your cycle to understand your emotional “weather patterns”
• Plan more downtime and self-care during your premenstrual phase – and give yourself full permission to say no

Your Mood Is Speaking – Through Hormones and Energy

If you find yourself feeling off-kilter emotionally before your period, it’s not a sign of weakness or over-sensitivity – it’s your body and energy system in motion.With greater understanding of your hormonal rhythms and the energetic insights from TCM, you can do more than just “cope” with this phase of your cycle – you can navigate it with clarity, compassion, and confidence.