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Premenstrual syndrome: emotional and spiritual meaning

The emotional and spiritual meaning of PMS: how it may relate to the pressure to prove yourself, your role as a woman and the right to rest.
Menstrual cycle Also known as: PMS, Premenstrual tension, PMT

Updated

In short
Premenstrual syndrome is often read as a time when questions about our place as a woman come to the surface. The pressure to prove ourselves, social stereotypes and the need for rest may all be felt more strongly.
Proving yourselfFemininitySocial expectationsRole in lifeRight to rest

What premenstrual syndrome is

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that appear in the days, sometimes up to two weeks, before a period, and ease once the period starts. Common symptoms include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, sadness, tiredness, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, back pain, food cravings and difficulty sleeping.

PMS is very common: most people who menstruate notice some premenstrual changes, and a smaller number have symptoms that significantly affect their life. It is linked to the hormonal changes of the cycle and to how the brain responds to them. Stress, lack of sleep and lack of exercise can make it worse. A severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), causes intense emotional symptoms and needs medical care. Lifestyle changes, exercise, some supplements, hormonal treatments and certain antidepressants can all help.

The emotional reading below does not replace this. It offers another angle, for those who feel that this time of the month also brings up deeper questions.

The emotional meaning of premenstrual syndrome

In the emotional approach, the premenstrual period is seen as a time when some feelings of rejection and guilt come to the surface. It can bring up situations that make us question how we see ourselves as women, and our relationship with our femininity.

Having to prove ourselves

The source links PMS to the feeling of living in a world where men still hold much of the power. We may feel we must prove that we are strong and fulfilled women, while wishing, deep down, that we did not have to work so hard to prove our worth.

Tired of giving in

We may be tired of having to submit, and wish we could have more control over our life. This tension between wanting to be recognised and feeling held back can feel sharper before a period.

Femininity and career

These questions can be especially present when we want to succeed professionally. How can we be fully feminine and fully ourselves at work? We may feel confused, and let ourselves be influenced by the stereotypes society imposes on women.

The "rules" of society

The source makes a play on words: in French, periods are called les règles, "the rules". We may find society's rules very "painful", and PMS can be an invitation to ask which of those rules we really want to follow.

The right to rest

Finally, PMS raises a simple question: can I allow myself an active life and, at the same time, moments of rest and pleasure? Hormonal changes in the premenstrual phase can resemble an early stage of pregnancy, when the body naturally asks for more care.

Questions the source invites you to ask

  • What role do I want to play?
  • Can I allow myself an active life, and also moments of relaxation and pleasure?

A gentler way to hold it

The aim is not to blame yourself for your PMS. It has real hormonal causes, and severe symptoms deserve proper medical care. The emotional perspective simply invites you to look at the pressure you live under.

  • Accept yourself as you are. You do not have to prove your worth every day.
  • Choose your role. Ask yourself which expectations are truly yours, and which ones you have taken on from others.
  • Plan for rest. If you can, make the days before your period lighter.
  • Allow pleasure. Rest and enjoyment are not rewards to earn; they are part of a balanced life.
  • Make room for change. Let yourself evolve, rather than trying to fit a fixed image.
  • Support your body. Regular exercise, good sleep, balanced meals and less caffeine and alcohol often ease symptoms.

Questions to ask yourself

Take your time with these. There are no right answers; simply notice what comes up.

  • Do I feel I must constantly prove that I am strong and successful?
  • What role do I really want to play in my life, beyond what is expected of me?
  • Which stereotypes about women do I carry, and which ones do I actually agree with?
  • Am I tired of having to give in, or of having to fight for my place?
  • Do I allow myself moments of rest and pleasure alongside an active life?
  • How do I feel about my femininity, especially in my work?
Affirmation
“I accept myself and love myself as I am. I make room for change and allow myself to rest.”

When to see a doctor

Please seek medical advice if you notice:
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or of suicide. Seek help immediately from emergency services or a crisis line.
  • Mood changes, anxiety or irritability so severe that they affect your relationships, work or daily life. This may be premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which can be treated.
  • Symptoms that do not ease once your period starts, or that are present all month.
  • Severe breast pain, or a lump in the breast.
  • Symptoms that get worse over time or appear suddenly.
  • Heavy, painful or irregular periods alongside premenstrual symptoms.

Related conditions

Migraines
Migraines are often read as the sign of a head under too much pressure. They may reflect over-responsibility, a need to perform and control, and anger turned against yourself, until the body forces a pause.
Menstrual pain
Menstrual pain is often read as a sign of tension with our own femininity. Guilt, anger at the constraints placed on women, perfectionism and emotions held back may make the cycle harder to live.

Sources and inspiration

  • Jacques Martel, Le Grand Dictionnaire des Malaises et des Maladies.

This page is an original interpretation written by Body Hemi-Sync. It is inspired by these sources and does not reproduce them.