You’re not crazy. You’re just in the luteal phase.

If you’ve ever felt like a completely different person the week before your period (more sensitive, more anxious, more overwhelmed by everything from your inbox to the sound of someone chewing) you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not broken.

In Ayurveda, there’s a deeply compassionate explanation for why your emotions rise during this time of the month. It’s not a flaw in your personality, it’s a shift in your energy.

So what is happening, energetically?

According to Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is governed by the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and each phase of the cycle is influenced by one more than the others.

The luteal phase (the 1–2 weeks before your period) is ruled by vata (wind + ether) and pitta (fire + water).

Vata brings in sensitivity, anxious thoughts, dry skin, bloating, and that spinning, restless energy.

Pitta adds intensity, irritability, inflammation, breakouts, perfectionism, and quick temper.

So if you’re feeling weepy and annoyed that you’re weepy, it’s not just hormones, it’s the vata-pitta cocktail that’s running the show.

Wait… is this PMDD?

It might be. Ayurveda doesn’t diagnose PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) in the Western medical sense, but it does recognize when the doshas go out of balance, and when your body is giving you big messages.

In modern terms, PMDD is a severe form of PMS marked by emotional symptoms like:

Depression or hopelessness

Anxiety or tension

Mood swings or rage

Irritability or isolation

From an Ayurvedic lens, this is vata and pitta in excess, and your system is asking for support, not suppression.

5 Ayurvedic Tips to Ease Emotional PMS

These aren’t about “fixing” you. They’re about supporting you so your body doesn’t have to yell to get your attention.

1. Ground vata with warmth, oil, and routine

Eat warm, spiced, oily foods (soups, kitchari, oatmeal with ghee)

Abhyanga (self massage with sesame oil)

Minimize multitasking + create soft structure in your day

2. Cool your pitta with herbs and boundaries

Avoid spicy, greasy, fried foods

Say no when you need to

Use herbs like shatavari and brahmi for nervous system support

3. Take your tea seriously

I’ve been loving the Sync Botanicals Luteal Phase tea, it’s specifically formulated for the emotional intensity of this time, combining Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine herbs that soothe the mind, reduce cramping, and support hormone balance.

Use my code BIANCA15 for $15 off your first subscription box

Check them out here: Sync Botanicals Co

4. Reduce screen time + stimulation

Your nervous system is more sensitive now. Say no to doom-scrolling, overworking, or taking on new projects. Give yourself grace. Rest is not laziness, it’s luteal wisdom.

5. Journal your rage, don’t judge it

Anger and sadness are messengers. Instead of pushing them down, give them space. Ask:

What part of me is asking to be heard?

What boundary needs reinforcing?

This is the wisdom of your womb, not your weakness.

The Takeaway

Ayurveda reminds us that being emotional before your period isn’t a failure of willpower, it’s a natural, rhythmic shift that calls for gentleness, nourishment, and deep listening.

You don’t need to “power through” your luteal phase. You can honor it, support it, and move through it with more grace, clarity, and self-love.

💌 Want to get more support like this?

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With Love,

Bianca 🤍

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This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before adding any new herbs or supplements.