--- title: Understanding How Hormones Affect My Mental and Physical Health date: 2022-11-20T01:48:54-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-understanding-how-hormones-affect-my-mental-and-physical-health" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Understanding How Hormones Affect My Mental and Physical Health XY discusses some of her health challenges as they relate to depressing thoughts and behaviors linked to her PMS and extreme menstrual cramps. She notes that she didn't realize that the depressing thoughts and cramps were connected to her menstrual cycle until later in life. ## Transcript **OBOS Today:** Tell me about a health challenge that you face. **XY:** I think one of the health challenges I face is PMS and being affected by the hormonal cycle. I think not a lot of research is done on it and doctors don't tend to really have a lot of knowledge on that as well. I only really come to know about how hormones affect our mental and physical well-being through my own reading and also sharing with other women. And so, that's one of the really more prominent health challenges that I face. **OBOS Today:** Mmhmm. Can you tell me some of the symptoms that you might have experienced? **XY**: Yeah, so. One of the symptoms that is most obvious is that I have, well, rather I experience a lot of fluctuations in my energy throughout the month. I also tend to have more depressing thoughts and behaviors nearer to menstruation, typically a week or two before that. And there has been a lot of impact on my productivity, my work routine, my work schedule as well. **OBOS Today:** Mmhm, I can imagine that must be really difficult. How did you, did you know when you first started experiencing some of these symptoms that they were related to your menstrual cycle? **XY:** No, not actually. Um, when I was in Singapore, so I studied in Singapore for my, um, elementary and high school education. Basically, only came here for college. And when I suffer from extreme cramps, it actually leaves me bed ridden which is actually another kind of sign of the health challenge that I face. I went to the gyno and the doctors and, um, I didn't really realize how much that's linked to my cycle. I always thought that menstruating is just you know, you know scientifically, the ovary or the eggs falling apart because you are not pregnant and you bleed, that's about it. But I didn't know until a lot later that there was a lot of significant impacts, um, and correlation between menstruation and my health challenge. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/premenstrual-syndrome-pms) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Stages in the Menstrual Cycle Explore the stages in the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to a period and back. ![A pomegranate cut in half sits in the background, several almonds with tails (symbolizing sperm) are laid out as if they are swimming to the pomegranate (that represents the vulva).](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACwElEQVRIiXVWQZLcQAiTXP3/l+Wac35i5QAC9eysa2ttj9sSCEGbf/7+AwAIAKT+gyCpfgEIwCeSIEGQhE9gLenTHsJT66+De2bfCb8cvNf/fHz6goTUYN/RlAHeAWcSXuvjsB8IIFQnAzSV9r1eLSKxAd5pBNfhQyMEr/yPfR2xC6u/0clbob0+D7nKCBT0DpkmCQcmVoUnbpLcfPDjOHy6iqsUyz+OnvLTVsYFYCdB36xkkIM8z/MAgghJevlKD/lStEErB1aRu9QctM6ArkPkwiYgQEgQJArkKxFlK0uqVb9UAshMgh/lnneLoNXmS5EiSQbH9hqNMIAV/gilyYBL0BJJL0CBUqE3x8Qz5V1JJvxnuvp7BoSkl6pwHkjtm6qwzS0iLdrq87k45QyUEklghQ/KkZN1bRf1EGq0bYW5Z6+S9dR0cjncAJ2u6FV+6UZzBqZVI13dEJ38EIpYHKBYMwKGxDdzds8p0EvamEXK/OuOHgvrIi7NjwxqZoJOuzJohxd9jJzR2/UZ7ITNpvpA7yK3/jPqYopp8LSm5KZgnrHmJ1YTzLFtJE9IuWdcP3sgx79nE74d5/tuta7M6Tb7Zfpyexwx44LAm/H91ObIuNI987sDkObMARRwfKHaDzCzeWaxrhQ2ahLuqYpeNYF7Z+mMjiQnsRlMHrNJDsFU3o82/Hl3v0eEo3c+WFBkMnR5U+OSdjOxdhz3VPgKAhTWkfaLqJnTsLhEsiw1z9ObEb4RCmwlglI8T87wQzdq7RYxceZtCxFqr0T1az/3Jh8d35PDA6dG7xZgaMorocTZ0mrEcVFRE+Zjl+pS50pZEFnsYXANnOL9cdRTwvt9S2QqZuDWx0ZR1sAaBVM5R7dNi7JdtHFYBLkG+el8jG/rDJ3j9AiLoRE5Xt7XJXVRxCzSwoVEH0e0hftgZB2K9NF/q5nESb/Q0mYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) Explore the stages in the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to a period and back.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/stages-in-the-menstrual-cycle) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Giving Advice to Anyone Who Menstruates XY gives advice to anyone who may be experiencing their period for the first time. She addresses both puberty and menstruation. ![My Story: Giving Advice to Anyone Who Menstruates](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAF2klEQVRIiX2W0Y4dSRFEIyKz+t6ZsXeNFyOExOfxS/weD4tWCKNdbDMzt7sqM3joay8IiVI+dVfn6ciOzGr++U8EAcCE+XvzPfQGeoSujE2RkhSMcESHVmiRO7kDN/vW/Vr1umo/ah0T+8p9bvsax8pZuVqJ/1pJyBAgkgQBkiJJmgCp+xUI5zYEmGAT5wNJBhFggCKV5+sDAH4gH8wLuUGDHNSQUpJEyVKTpECasNGAQRAEEmwQpMigUh1imEoDwADfgd+Db6gH6gpdFBfGpoiIOEskdahIiQJEs3FPRy92k6BESQpFBAQqgT8CAVzBR/KRemQ8MK6Ki3L8CpCllopMIoGwQ05j0BtZVEuQGFJEJGSIYhrvAZEbeCUfqAfpqrhEXpQjIhQRAQXElopYQBppZ/cgBr3oopuCgrICaghkmWl8BwgY5AW6SteIa+QlcosckSfg2zdoYAHTnt0JTGO0l1yyJcuMYFOmaMrMxhtCQJIbdWVclNfIS+YWY2TeSySZNFnAsrOdYBqTmHTdFcTpLSYFSmabaT+ZFBPcyIt0ibhGXHJsmZkjI6SgBLKBsstOduKs0q8lsmyBAUJEq02D2XggaCQwoAt1lS6Rl8yRY2Rm5mlTgA1Uu7oDjEbQQS9wgU02dVcAk/oG8IUQEOYGbtRFcYm4RIzMMTLjGwBtFF2kDNGCA57shIpuAgREwqQl0GaWLwTpNAZ4ITdqk7aIkTEiMkMKkncAugzSooU+u66AMg2ahEBQAG0CzPI4AeFhDHCQZwMPaURkhCRSMNqWoTZInG1sAJQpwKBBnM1u6Jw0WZ0k5WykEUCQSSaVuockgibU51ygAZs2bLgNm0YbAAF/nWAggFwVEtXqjnYYYQgMIkh9DYIwGgBgoBthd98j2mjTdpvA17lHEszVlMlQNrvZps8ADQE0ZJCwcb/VVptlVrNa5S6r3G3aAM7somky1yJFFlajfmWc4tGGbBsGbLRRPq3qKlRjtVdhFapxbiNBkzw5yLksQfJarvKqruq6i+9udRkA6Laru6pXeZVX9ayey7O8qrvdNkASOu10Ao5VEiFm9axa1at6rVpVUVIVYOE0aS/XXLWq5qrja8yqVdVt301E0TpPDzCPo06bH8kxY621VqwVa64QSdti81SwumatY81jrmOuY619rlnrVAB8AyjYokjmcUwFiY7ANnRMjqmRjABlI9uiAKDcXwHrNuc+577mPtesqupuG9B5TlJn85DMfd8VAiLC+8AYGMkMSCbbripRMNHu2TXX2tfc17zNuc9TQa1qf1UQ9+wKkWDebrtEOEKd6ZHIcKjJNqo6IkTB8KngqLWvdZvzLuIroE9fk0EF4z5fyLw9vyoJh1gZldGh0jlenGtFJCn2Cah11Lqttc/jdc7bXPtac9WqtgEzyGCkdNcB5suX50i6UpwRK1ShRS57Vo+RUgq8K5i99lr7nK9r3o7jdc59rWPVKtugGYykhiJ5n2H58rfPcZXfpbCJMzjFCzzdY1VmhoIUGl6u2bWveVvzdR6v83i5i6hVRkNQIoZiKJP3MZ/P9Us8y8+DvojX4JU47K1rGzNyBIMgGr1cR6295us6Xo7jZe7Pc74c87Zqlt1Mx8bcNC7KTZmUqPyMnwai8cCfHoUH4ZG4urda2zYzhs7fuELPXkev29pf5v48b1+O2+fj9s9j/3nO5wV0Pnl7x+1Jl0dtlxibIqj8O35+AAoQtvjpQ+At/ei61trmJSODQdOFml577S9rf54vn48vP+8f/7IffQN24AAWnhvPekK8+10+vI3rNTJPKwF4A3wAvgfe4s3jH94/vH3aHi9jGxpisNmFOvq41evz/PRpfvx4w19vwDPwGbjhf9YG/OYHXK/MOwDAB+A98B3wNHD98NvL01NeN41AoNnLx97Pr/Xx88Q/bvjxFfgM/Ot/U//nGsBjfAMAeAAGEA3hhVFg27N7X/Vy1C/7/PRy4MsNP76gPwHP/z87gAb2fwMeIjMonLuH9QAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) XY gives advice to anyone who may be experiencing their period for the first time. She addresses both puberty and menstruation.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-giving-advice-to-anyone-who-menstruates) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Having to Learn about PMS on My Own XY addresses how she first learned about PMS and what she found in her own research. She discusses treatments she tried for her PMS and cramps. ![My Story: Having to Learn About PMS on My Own](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFdklEQVRIiXVVy64lRxGMiMzqcz0jZCOzYAMSH8pX8UMsLAvjGRjbc8+jqzKDRfe5HpAppUrdqu6IfEbxb3/9o812rhpzbXNu+7rsa5vrsrwZA9oixxi5bXG5xLZpGxqJCJANdLvWWo+57vu83ffrbX+97a+3ebvPfZYAgQJ4Gv/34csFkF+cks/Pzqfn0ReW4IAJBJhkggkGmWRI0UgyyKDeTBRJUj5xCdBQg6LePm5Gs5DgBvAABTdyUBs1iEEPIakRkYqUUhIliRQpizaaIA3KDFNmNNUKK6CMBF8AQoITGtBGbYxN3ODNHNRQjoiMjMiIkIIKKEwaaFIC2VCAAYaVUDJagU7wAhIdUNCDscmbsIU2ejOHYkSOGAeBlFJSCcmkjTJFUE0Gz6NBFeUIVloXm1AACSd9uu/eiA0a1MgcmREjj1RFQgEFyLbLKkK01FRRAyrGUHg1O80LSHdAAQ9iIzZxgzZzwzOCHJFHipJKRkAy2ECzlyBZTKp4orcC0er0UWSFO6nEQaAN3sCN2hQjMmNkjIjxRQQyjgiotwiYVEFFtQJnBNvRZVAag9jITd6AC7hJQ/FMUT676cjPEYGLXARpMsEC8yCgoGCnOQwYYSQ4oEEPeBPH0bKRQ5mRGRERUvLoFslGAzqnwXyig4mDQOxshMGDwMyTBikMalBD8ZyDCIUo8nBfJtsmARgQEGYZYYaZkCl0FgI+CE4OIIgEk3rO17kHRUrUSQAUABOmTZsNHWYKDBKdZcH04QAEBBBgkOd+TP9zik6FMU20CeNAD7PNExhsUyAg5moChA9pE0BQxCmCpnDYoYkHOgDAkO02D7MPPVKDTZkybSpXPeUTwCmMpCiyTeL806DNNmnCoAHYYBlttlFmGd3nq80G28hZp0MHw5EDAQZAstFCN2i0waMznyQNt7Hah1V5NapdjTKq0XbOWc9Wa6DFpiw7bMAgTk/KZIMyrNN7N7q6q3tVr+p57l5Pq0Y+ZhENgBTZZEsd6o4+oj8ZSBBNC5SPFupGldfqmlX7qrl6rvrCutr52Bfe7ieGmNKKyOjqrnTZajONtsPUEcZREVT1Wr1mrX2tx1qPufa59lWPN4L7fScINglRUkgRsSIiM9pqM35F51MkbFSjyrVqzVp7rX3Ox1r3WY9Z+6pZvdp5v90BkUVC4pMgMqNKq5iFLK+qKEXw6ECwzT7qehI8I3isus/aV+/VVc7r6xUQOShLCEmhTEUqk5nIdGTnU+Z+JUC1q3rNXrPqjeA+6zH7cRC08/WXz6DITWoJCmYqkif6ONArUpGUoMBbY5XXWYNVj5Og7rPus++r9+XVzs+fPoJJfqUohSMRqRzMwRzIdI6KXJlSMN5UmmWfBLPXXOux6kC/zbrtvq1+LM9C/vKP70EwvlZ+q+HYmBtzQ27I4dw6M/PQ04B0XL5tlp/ur2cB7ntdZ1/3ft39uvvzxGs5P313KMRPgV8i/xzfIN8z33G8IC89tsoxYigPgjjGrYyyZ/VaNWedqb896vXRP9/9r7t/uAI34Ir88SlygY719/FB44PGheNbjPceL52XlSNyUAGppQaWsbpn9Zxrzjnv+7w+6vO1//25v/vxqWqH9JCnzG3AO+AFX73gTxd8c8H7TS/jD9t4P8ZFORhpRZMFLPfs3td6zLk/7vv18/z5w/oefT+wDjEGASaeawd2ALgBn95h/A5617j80xfU+Fr5jjmsKHLB0/Wo+Vi3++PT7YrbT7j/gAeOGxQJDGAAAejXCP57/QX4OvDu97i8w7hAAxiwcgkTtbfvC9cdrzd8+ojX199ASOAFyPg/BF8BFyOv0AIMGF2n8uwTjwduD7xe8eEjbtff+h/oIyn/AZjz9xZ4QQuSAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) XY addresses how she first learned about PMS and what she found in her own research. She discusses treatments she tried for her PMS and cramps.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-having-to-learn-about-pms-on-my-own) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Self-Compassion versus the Patriarchal Pharmaceutical Industry XY advocates for kindness toward ourselves -- and for more research on menstruation that centers women instead of profit and patriarchy. ![My Story: Pushing Against the Patriarchy to Talk About Mental Health Amongst Women](data:image/png;base64,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) XY advocates for kindness toward ourselves -- and for more research on menstruation that centers women instead of profit and patriarchy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/self-compassion-versus-patriarchal-pharmaceutical-industry) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health XY discusses why there is little research on menstrual health. ![My Story: Calling on Society to Help Break the Stigma Surrounding Women's Health](data:image/png;base64,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) XY discusses why there is little research on menstrual health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-calling-on-society-to-help-break-the-stigma-surrounding-womens-health) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Six Trans Women Talk Menstruation This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more. ![Kyle a0 KL1 Um0w BA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/six-trans-women-talk-menstruation) [ResourcesRead ## The Bloody Problem of PMS Research Is PMS real? This brief article highlights the lack of research about PMS because it primarily affects women and trans men. It explores ways to combat gender bias in medical research. ![The Bloody Problem of PMS](data:image/png;base64,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) Is PMS real? This brief article highlights the lack of research about PMS because it primarily affects women and trans men. It explores ways to combat gender bias in medical research.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-bloody-problem-of-pms) [ResourcesRead ## What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche) An overview of what to expect during someone’s first period, with answers to frequently asked questions. ![What to Expect from Your First Period (Menarche)](data:image/png;base64,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) An overview of what to expect during someone’s first period, with answers to frequently asked questions.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-to-expect-from-your-first-period-menarche)