Tracking teen moods for better mental health
Kids going through puberty can often be dismissed for being moody, hormonal, and simply going through a phase. Their moods can be undermined and diminished by the idea that all teens go through this, that the emotions are overblown, even though they will feel very real to the teen themselves. Moods and feelings may become more powerful, intense, or changeable as early as seven or eight years old. Although puberty will last into the late teen years or early twenties, there are patterns to mood shifts that can occur once your tween or teen begins experiencing a menstrual cycle. Learning about these patterns can be supportive and empowering. What once seemed unpredictable can feel more understandable and manageable.
Teen menstrual cycles and PMS-type mood swings
Before the period comes the luteal (premenstrual phase), which is when teens may experience what we understand as PMS (premenstrual syndrome) but with more intensity. This intensity comes from the combination of more volatile hormone shifts as part of a still-maturing menstrual cycle and reproductive system; plus rapidly changing brain structure. Less frequent ovulation can lead to lower levels of progesterone, also, and this can lead to stronger negative PMS emotions.
During the luteal or premenstrual phase tweens or teens might feel introverted, shy, self-conscious, sad, easy to cry, and have bouts of irritability and anger. While these emotions are part of the life phase of puberty for some, they can tend to organize around this phase of the menstrual cycle. Knowing why this happens, when to expect it, and tracking the changes can help kids in puberty feel a sense of embodiment and control.
They can also, along with your support, choose activities that make them feel better and avoid those that may be triggering, such as quiet evenings of self-care, reading, watching favorite movies and shows, and journaling what is going through their mind. Being in nature, taking gentle walks, can also be calming. Clearing the schedule of too much activity, like social events, extra curricular clubs, can also be helpful.
This is the start of a cycle-syncing lifestyle, where we make conscious decisions based on how we know we feel in each phase of our menstrual cycle. Your daughter may sleep more and have less energy during this time, that is quite normal, until the age of 18 many adolescents need a similar amount of sleep or even more than in the period before the onset of puberty. The background to this is that the sleep hormone melatonin is produced in the pineal gland. With the onset of puberty comes a time when this specific gland only begins to work a good 2 hours late. In children, the production of the hormone begins in such a way that they are tired in the early evening. In teenagers, the pineal gland hasn't even started working at this time. Therefore, many teenagers often lie awake until after midnight and are naturally completely tired in the morning. This is because the sleep hormone is also reduced much later due to the postponement. The teenagers have a permanent jet leg, so to speak.
Teen menstrual cycles and ovulation-related mood swings
Ovulation can also bring about a surge of hormones which may bring up deep feelings in a tween or teen. This is the peak of hormone production in the menstrual cycle and, especially with irregular cycles, can create intensity and mood shifts.
A teen may feel energized and sociable, be looking for friend time and freedom, feel more impulsive and dramatic. This is also when feelings around crushes, boyfriends, and romance may come up. Overall the energy is creative and outgoing and can be channeled well into activities that involve self-expression - from painting and drawing to outfit planning to TikTok dance choreography. Long Facetime sessions, sleepovers, and parties are on the schedule. With guidance, this can be a fun time, and stay positive. The following week they may feel quite different (entering the luteal phase) and no longer be interested in being social, so this is something to keep in mind.
Teen menstrual cycles and feelings around the period
Having a period can bring up a lot of emotions for a tween or teen. They may have been waiting to get it, worried they wouldn’t when all their friends had already, but then felt overwhelmed, sad, or uncertain once it came. It’s important to explain periods and menstrual cycles to your tween early and often, before that first period.
Then, once they begin experiencing menstrual cycles, understand that their periods may be more irregular, painful, and symptom-full than they are once puberty is over. The reproductive system is still maturing and this can make periods heavier, with blood clots not uncommon, and leading to more fatigue and low moods.
They will need support in planning ahead for their period and creating time to rest and relax. This is not, if possible to avoid, a time for intense sports or exercise, as it may increase the symptoms and tiredness. Eating good, nutritious food - as well as giving in to those cravings - can feel comforting. They may feel more sensitive and self-conscious and want more privacy.
Be aware of how periods may be talked about at school by friends and peers (even teachers) - is there shame, embarrassment, or bullying happening around those who get periods? We often cannot change the environment our child is in, but we can provide them with the knowledge and support they need to feel empowered, strong, and confident.
How Teena can help tweens and teens (and their parents!) manage puberty mood swings
With Teena a tween or teen can feel confident and in control. They can:
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Get real time data and feedback on where they are in their menstrual cycle and their current cycle phase
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Know when they ovulate, when their luteal phase begins, and when to expect the period to arrive
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Receive daily positive affirmations and mood boosters tailored to their specific menstrual cycle phase that day
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Track their moods with a positive and uplifting spin - we’ve carefully chosen words that enhance the learning experience of puberty mood shifts, rather than making a judgment on how growing kids feel
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Read informative, age-appropriate articles on puberty body and brain changes
