PMS Emotions: Hidden Gold in Disguise

Every month, about a week before my period, it feels like a war starts inside me. My mind and my body step into the ring—both loud, both relentless, both ready to knock the other down in seconds. Emotions I thought I had neatly tucked away—hidden not just from the world but even from myself—suddenly break free.

It’s strange. Most of the time, I carry so much love inside me it feels like I could heal the whole world. But during this week, it’s as if a switch flips. I start questioning everything—my existence, my purpose, my worth. And it doesn’t even take much: a misplaced hairbrush, an unanswered text, the tiniest thing can tip me over the edge. Sometimes there isn’t even a reason at all.

In those moments, sadness, irritability, frustration, and tears spill out of me in ways that feel “too much.” I feel dramatic, even ashamed. And when the storm passes, I’m left embarrassed by my own intensity, promising myself I’ll “hold it together” better next time.

For years, I brushed it off—like so many of us do—telling myself, “It’s just hormones.” I’d roll my eyes, push it aside, and get on with my day. But deep down, one question kept tugging at me: what if there’s more to it?

That curiosity led me into reading, into therapy, and into journaling my own patterns. And here’s what I made terms with: these outbursts aren’t random. They aren’t a betrayal of who I am. They are signposts. Every month, they point me toward something unresolved—old wounds I’ve avoided, fears I’ve been carrying, relationships where I’ve felt unheard, boundaries I haven’t been honoring.

What struck me most is this: PMS doesn’t invent new problems. Hormonal changes do make us more emotionally sensitive—but sensitivity doesn’t create issues out of thin air. It simply amplifies what’s already there. It’s like someone turns up the volume on the emotions that were whispering in the background all along.

When I began journaling during PMS, patterns started to emerge. The themes of my outbursts circled the same stories:

• Am I truly living in alignment with myself?

• Why do I still feel unheard in certain relationships?

• What boundaries am I crossing or neglecting?

And beneath those questions sat my quiet desires:

• the desire to be accepted without performing,

• the desire to feel safe resting,

• the desire to know I’m enough, without needing proof.

Suddenly, it wasn’t about shame anymore—it was about insight.

Why This Matters in Therapy

As a therapist, I often invite clients to bring their PMS emotions into the room. Instead of dismissing them as “just hormones,” we explore:

• What story does this sadness, anger, or overwhelm hold?

• Where have you felt this before?

• What is the need that keeps showing up here?

More often than not, those conversations open doors to deep healing—things clients didn’t realize needed their attention until PMS made them impossible to ignore.

Reframing PMS as an Emotional Compass

Now, I see PMS not as a betrayal, but as a compass. These emotions may feel heavy, uncomfortable, even messy—but they’re honest. They shine a light on the parts of life that need tending.

If you find yourself overwhelmed during PMS, here are a few ways to lean in:

1. Journal – Write down what emotions feel the loudest.

2. Reflect – Ask: Where else have I felt this before?

3. Bring it to therapy – See these bursts not as flaws, but as maps guiding you inward.

Our bodies are wiser than we give them credit for. The emotions we often try to quiet during PMS aren’t obstacles—they’re invitations. What feels like chaos may actually be clarity, just not in the form we expected.

So the next time your emotions feel “too much,” pause before you judge yourself. You’re not “too much”. You’re being shown where to look.

Have you noticed patterns in your own PMS emotions? What stories do they carry for you?

Interested in Individual Counseling Therapy?

If you’re struggling with the emotional ups and downs — mood swings, irritability, feeling misunderstood, or even questioning your relationships — Lets connect.

As a trauma-informed and compassion-focused therapist, I work with women and young adults who want to better understand their emotional cycles, find balance in their relationships, and build more self-compassion. Therapy can help you uncover patterns, release the shame that often comes with “not being yourself,” and create healthier ways of coping during difficult days.

If you’re located in Ontario, Canada, I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. Together, we can explore whether therapy is the right support for you and take steps toward emotional relief and empowerment.

Warmly,

Mousumi.

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