Holistic Health For Women and Mental Health

Ever notice that during certain times of the month you may feel more emotional (Those Publix commercials…oh my goodness. Sob fest), a bit more irritable, maybe have a harder time sleeping, or get angry more (Mom rage, it’s real)? Your hormones play a critical role in regulating systems in your body, and they can significantly impact your mental health and emotional well-being. For women, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can lead to changes in mood, energy levels, and emotional responses. Understanding how your cycle and hormones affect your mental health can help you manage mood swings, increase emotional resilience, and seek appropriate support when needed.

Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol are chemical messengers that help regulate your body’s physical and emotional responses. When these hormones fluctuate, particularly during your menstrual cycle, they can affect how you feel emotionally.

Holistic Health Wellness- Is it PMS or Something More Serious?

How do you know if it’s just PMS or maybe something more serious? I recommend you monitor your symptoms by keeping a journal or using an app to monitor your cycle and your moods. There’s so many of free apps that can help with this. Oftentimes women come to therapy reporting that they are feeling “down,” “sad,” or “just feeling off.”

They may even think they are depressed. When you work with me, one of the very first things I will recommend in your intake appointment is to get your hormone labs checked with your doctor. It’s so important to know what’s driving the symptoms that are bringing you into therapy, and feeling “off” every month is no way to live!

Holistic Health Counselor for Women Near Orlando, FL

• Track Your Cycle: Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and identifying patterns in your mood can help you prepare for emotionally challenging times. Many apps are available to help track symptoms, and they can help you anticipate which part of your cycle might cause mood changes.
• Practice Stress Management: Engage in regular stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. These practices can help regulate your emotional response to hormonal changes and reduce the intensity of mood swings.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can boost endorphin levels, which can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety or depression. Exercise can also help alleviate some physical symptoms of PMS, such as cramps and fatigue.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and proteins can help regulate your hormone levels. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, which can exacerbate mood swings or fatigue. Certain vitamins and minerals, like magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids, are known to support hormonal balance.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Hormonal changes can disrupt your sleep patterns, which in turn can affect your mood. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to establish a regular bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.

If your hormonal mood changes are severe or if you’re experiencing conditions like PMDD or postpartum depression, counseling with a trained mental health counselor can be a helpful tool. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of counseling can provide coping strategies and emotional support.

Holistic Health Practitioner Near Lake Mary FL

If you’re near the Lake Mary, Florida area (or online throughout the state of Florida with online counseling), and are seeking counseling services tailored to women’s mental health and infertility challenges, I’d love to support you! When you choose to work with me, you’re not just getting therapy. You’re gaining a dedicated advocate. I’m here to ensure you receive quality care and that your voice is respected by all your medical providers.

Please email me here and lets get you the support you need.

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