When your body prepares to jettison its unfertilized egg, your progesterone and estrogen levels fall off the cliff. This can be a mood-dampener (ha ha, what an understatement!).
Those falling hormone levels give way for cortisol, which further contribute to your bad vibes. A dip in mood, headaches, poor sleep, a general absence of energy and enthusiasm, bloating and breast tenderness in the luteal phase (phase 4) are all pretty common as you approach your period. This is PMS in other words. Good habits like a healthy, whole foods diet, plenty of water, exercise and good sleep help regularize this time of the month.
Maya says: Practice good self-care during the week before your period and you’ll likely notice less PMS. Try some stretching and meditation to help balance body, mind and spirit, and maintain your mood and perspective.