OPINION: The hidden link between mental health and menstrual health and why it matters

Many women don’t realise that their mental health is affecting their menstrual wellbeing, and vice versa, until it starts affecting them personally. For years, I struggled to understand why my emotions were such a rollercoaster every month. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with PCOS at age 18 that I realised how deeply intertwined my mental health was with my menstrual health. PBECAUSE It is a common condition that affects hormones and causes irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, acne and infertility.

I didn’t fully understand this connection until my own experience with PCOS began to affect both my mind and my body. The comparison I often made to others—about my weight, my body image, and the “ideal” standard of beauty—significantly affected my mental health. The relationship between these two facets of women’s well-being is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Societal pressure, judgment, and unkind comments tore me apart, but after making the lifestyle changes suggested by my doctor, I lost 22 pounds on the scale and 220 pounds of stress.

Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, along with their symptoms, can make many women feel uncomfortable about themselves. The changes can negatively affect body image and self-esteem. I found myself comparing my body to other people, feeling frustrated that I wasn’t at my “ideal” weight, and started eating less to control it. This eventually led to me being almost anemic. earring due to lack of iron, aggravating my fatigue and myentall health struggles. This is a result of depressive disorders that took hold of me as I focused on less important things. This, in turn, affected my menstrual well-being as my body needed macronutrients, the nutritional components of food that the body needs for energy and to maintain body structure and systems.

But restricting my diet wasn’t the solution. Over time, I realized that it was crucial to focus on nutrition, rather than deprivation. friendly recipes That balanced nutrition helped me regain my energy and sense of control. Instead of fueling the problem with extreme diets or self-criticism, I began to pay attention to what my body really needed, both physically and emotionally.

Yoga and music therapy became a crucial part of my experience with PCOS, offering more than just physical relief. Music therapy For me, it meant practicing Indian classical music. Whenever I feel even the slightest discomfort, I turn off all the lights and start singing. The act of singing in the dark brings a sense of calm and healing. This form of therapy is deeply therapeutic, as ragas — musical scales or modes — intertwine with my soul in profound ways.

Each raga has its own unique emotional and psychological effect, resonating with different moods and aspects of my inner self. The melodies and rhythms not only calm my nerves, but also help balance my emotions and mental state, offering peace amidst the chaos. It has been proven to have healing effects, and ongoing research continues to support its benefits.

These therapies allowed me to take care of both my mind and my body. Practicing yoga and meditation allowed me to channel my energy into something positive, which helped me stay fit while also managing my anxiety and stress. These practices gave me the space to relax, reflect, and truly understand my body’s needs rather than forcing it to conform to unrealistic standards. Scientific research Supports the benefits of yoga and music therapy to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and promote relaxation. These therapies allowed me to address my health holistically, emphasizing mental well-being along with managing physical symptoms.

And these solutions don’t just work for PCOS. They’re also… Effective for other chronic diseases., as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, This, in turn, compounds physical and mental health issues. The emotional toll of managing these conditions, combined with the physical symptoms, can be overwhelming. I personally experienced this cycle of stress and discomfort, and at first, it felt unimaginable to overcome. But it’s important to remember that these are common issues, and while they can cause panic and frustration, they are treatable. Yoga, meditation, and music therapy can be incredibly effective in alleviating these issues, helping women regain control over their health and wellbeing. These holistic approaches gave me relief from physical symptoms and supported my emotional and mental recovery.

Despite the prevalence of these issues, conversations about menstrual health often remain taboo. Cultural stigmas around menstruation and mental health prevent many women from seeking the help they need. It’s time to break this silence and encourage open conversations that lead to change.

Aryaa Mishra (she/her) is a second-year student studying marketing, business and analytics, and economics and quantitative methods.