Perhaps you knew it all along. Your memories and nightmares are different when you’re hormonal. That disquieting on edge feeling is even more tightly wound. Your patience is razor-thin.
It’s not in your head. The science is in.
A recent study confirms what many women with PTSD know on an intuitive level, but never really talk about. Unresolved trauma and fluctuating hormones can be a combustible combination in the female body.
So. It may be that your monthly moods deserve more attention…
The truth? Legions of women (and their significant others) know the impact of “that time of the month” on their bodies, mind, and relationships. Anecdotal evidence is everywhere. Unfortunately, the severity of the associated mood swings has long been chalked up as a burden certain women bear and little more.
Yet, as trauma-informed therapy expands, is it really such a leap to think that hormonal fluctuations wouldn’t impact the stuck trauma that lives inside you?
Researchers don’t think so.
Scientific work has long revealed that there is indeed a measurable relationship between cycling female hormone levels and a woman’s mood. The most recent research indicates that women with PTSD symptoms often experience noticeable and somewhat dramatic changes in their symptoms.
These shifts are linked to various hormonal low points during menstruation. A meaningful part of the research, thus far, indicates that a specific form of estrogen markedly exacerbates PTSD discomfort.
What You Need to Know About Estradiol
A type of estrogen, estradiol, plays a prominent part in the process of sexual maturation. Estradiol effectively regulates the female reproductive cycle. Early in monthly menstruation, it increases, thereby triggering ovulation.
As the menstrual cycle progresses and estradiol dips, chemical changes can occur that increase the odds of mood disturbances. For someone already impacted physiologically by PTSD, the discomfort and upset can be quite disruptive.
If you are experiencing this dual effect, through no fault of your own, there is quite a bit happening on a neurological level.
The prefrontal cortex of your brain can become less activated. Thus, your cognitive control decreases. In addition, the emotional centers of your brain, or the limbic area, may “light up” and demand more attention than usual.
The result? More intense feelings of agitation, fear, stress, and irritability. Intrusive thoughts and a depressed ability to cope can all be traced back to periodic phases of low estradiol.
And don’t dismiss your PMS either…
There is evidence to support that women with excruciating PMS (premenstrual syndrome) are actually experiencing a form of PTSD too.
Essentially, brain studies of female PTSD sufferers reveal that the highly sensitive limbic brain region becomes hyperactive during PMS. Women with PTSD are thought to be 7x more likely to deal with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. This form of PMS is extreme, fueling debilitating depression, anxiety, and extreme mood swings as well.
Why Is This Talk of Periods and PTSD So Important?
Primarily. because period talk is always so secretive. Yet, trauma or no trauma, menstruation is a significant part of female life. Therefore, it is a big part of a woman’s emotional life and close relationships.
If your reproductive hormones can affect the way you cope with PTSD and trauma recovery, this is cannot be overlooked. Your treatment, your interactions, and your road to relief deserve this avenue of understanding.
Women develop PTSD at a rate twice as high as men. Analysis of PTSD that respects female biology is a powerful step forward. Being able to track your symptoms with even more awareness only elevates your healing journey. You deserve every chance at wholeness: head, heart, and hormones.
Trauma therapy with a compassionate, experienced professional is a productive starting point. Please reach out, we’re ready when you are. We have the experience to support PTSD sufferers. We’re here to help you. Please read more about PTSD therapy and reach out for support soon to feel better and live well.
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If you’re struggling, call 917-273-8836 or contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about counseling in NYC and how we can help you.
