Mahnoor Memon, Period Pro from SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
Mahoor Memon, Period Pro
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time that recognizes the importance of mental health while also acknowledging the unique barriers that many communities face in accessing care. It is also an opportunity to talk about a topic that often receives far less attention: the connection between menstrual health and mental health.
As I became involved in menstrual health education, I noticed that many discussions focused on the physical aspects of periods while overlooking their emotional impact. We often talk about cramps, heavy bleeding, or irregular cycles, but conversations about anxiety, depression, or significant mood changes related to the menstrual cycle are much less common. Yet for many people, these symptoms can be just as disruptive as physical discomfort.
The menstrual cycle affects much more than just the reproductive system. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA, which play important roles in regulating mood, sleep, and emotional well-being. While many people experience mild mood changes before their period, others develop more severe symptoms that interfere with school, work, relationships, and everyday life. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), for example, is a recognized medical condition that causes severe emotional and physical symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
Despite how common these experiences are, they often go unrecognized. Mood changes are frequently dismissed as “just hormones,” leading many people to believe that menstrual distress is simply something they must tolerate each month. This misconception can delay diagnosis and prevent individuals from seeking treatment that could significantly improve their quality of life.
These challenges can be even greater for individuals from underserved communities. Cultural stigma surrounding both menstrual and mental health, language barriers, limited access to healthcare, and disparities in mental health services can all make it more difficult to recognize these symptoms and seek appropriate care. As a result, many people continue to struggle in silence without realizing that effective treatments and support are available.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned through medicine and community education is that menstrual health should not be viewed in isolation. Physical, emotional, and mental health are deeply connected, and understanding one requires the acknowledgment of the others. Education plays an important role in helping people recognize what is normal, when symptoms deserve medical attention, and how to advocate for their health.
This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, I hope we continue expanding conversations about both menstrual and mental health. By creating spaces where people feel comfortable discussing the full impact of their menstrual cycle and not just the physical symptoms, we can reduce stigma, improve awareness, and help ensure that more individuals receive the care and support they need.