Your menstrual cycle affects not just your mood but also your spending habits

Experts help us understand why you might feel the itch to buy those patent leather boots for no discernible reason

“That time of the month” might not be the words a woman really wants to hear when her hormones are playing havoc with her behaviour and emotions. However, if you have been feeling the urge to indulge in impulsive purchases every now and then, experts believe that your shopping habits could indeed be tied to distinct phases of your menstrual cycle. A study has linked the arrival of your period with lesser control over your spending habits. This notion is seconded by health and wellness experts as they detail out how each phase of the menstrual cycle exerts influence over our spending habits.

Menstruation 

“The first few days when bleeding takes place is called the menstrual phase. It is generally counted from day 1-5 in the menstrual cycle,” explains Dr Asha Dalal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. As the uterus sheds its lining, the onset of your period brings with it stomach cramps, bloating and irritability. Priyanka TS, therapist at The Mood Space, adds, “On the first few days of our period, our hormone levels are at our lowest, and as there are no major hormonal fluctuations, we can be rational about, and in control of, our spending habits. But as we also experience an intense surge of emotions and physical discomfort despite the lack of high levels of estrogen, buying things on an impulse can offer a sense of ease.”

Ovulation 

“When the level of estrogen is sufficiently high, it produces a sudden release of hormones, usually around day 13 of the cycle. This peak triggers a cascade of events within the follicles that results in the final maturation of the egg,” explains Dr. Firuza R. Parikh, director,  Well Women Center at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. During this phase, the egg is released in preparation for fertilisation. “As we start ovulating, our estrogen levels begin to rise—this happens biologically to help attract a mate. But today, we are not always dressing up for others but rather for ourselves, in order to feel sexy and confident in our own skin. The increased level of estrogen will give you a sense of confidence, so you might be less likely to doubt your fashion choices and more swift in buying what you like,” concurs Priyanka.

Luteal phase

“The second half of the menstrual cycle lasts approximately for 14 days. If an embryo isn’t implanted, the circulating levels of hormones decline with the shedding of the lining of the uterus, resulting in bleeding and the onset of a new cycle,” affirms Parikh. So, what does this sudden influence of hormones mean for your headspace? According to Priyanka, mood swings are present for one or two weeks before the onset of menstruation. “It is common to experience bouts of irritability and anxiety during this period. It is possible that impulsive or thoughtless purchases can occur during this phase due to the emotional impulsivity that we experience,” she elaborates.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)  kicks in about five to six days before our cycle begins and ends about four days after the menstrual cycle starts. “PMS includes a variety of symptoms from craving specific foods and mood swings to tenderness in certain parts of your body and a sense of fatigue. Due to the intense uncomfortable sensations in our bodies, it is natural for us to turn towards things that offer comfort,” concludes Priyanka.

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