“She’s Crying Over a Toastie. Is It Hormones?”
You’ve checked the fridge, made the toastie, maybe even cut it into triangles. And still - tears. Full-blown meltdown over melted cheese. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These big, sometimes baffling emotional reactions in teens can feel like they come out of nowhere. But what if they’re not just “teen moodiness”? What if they’re tied to what’s happening hormonally, week to week?
Because periods don’t just happen to bodies - they affect moods, minds, and relationships too. And understanding the “why” behind your teen’s tears, stress, or sudden need to cancel all plans might be the key to helping them feel more in control.
To guide us through the science and support, we’re joined by Caitlyn McClure, a neuroscientist and clinician working in mental health and addiction treatment. Caitlyn specialises in how hormones, stress, and the brain interact - especially in girls and women navigating puberty, periods, pregnancy, and beyond. She doesn’t just read the research - she translates it into real-life strategies. Her work includes helping teens and women link their cycle to their energy, emotions, and wellbeing, instead of feeling like they’re battling their own bodies.
So… Can Periods Really Make Teens More Anxious?
Yes. And here’s why.
“When a teen's hormones fluctuate with the monthly cycle, it ratchets up the brain’s stress system,” says Caitlyn. “Oestrogen and progesterone interact with the brain’s serotonin and GABA systems, which are responsible for mood and anxiety regulation. That means the amygdala, the brain’s alarm system, goes on high alert and the prefrontal cortex, which helps with reasoning and self-control, feels a bit offline.”
Translation? The part of their brain that says “Everything’s fine” is taking a nap, while the part that screams “WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE” is wide awake. That can leave your teen feeling jumpy, overwhelmed, or tearful for what seems like no reason at all.
Some of this is common during PMS, when hormone levels drop. But for others, it could be a sign of something more intense, like PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which deserves extra attention.
The Difference Between “Normal” Moodiness and Something More
Here’s the tricky part - teen emotions are messy at the best of times. So how do you tell the difference between typical hormone-fuelled ups and downs… and something that needs more support?
Caitlyn says, “I also worry about more than just hormonal shifts if the anxiety is severe enough that the teen has panic attacks, avoids school, can’t sleep, has thoughts of self-harm or stops doing the things once loved. If your child displays the following symptoms, it may be time to contact a pediatrician or mental health professional.”
You’re not expected to be a psychologist. But if your gut says something’s not right, it’s absolutely okay to check in with someone who can help.
What Support Actually Looks Like (According to a Therapist)
Sometimes, “support” isn’t a TED Talk. It’s a hot water bottle, a calm voice, and a moment to breathe.
Caitlyn suggests starting with curiosity, not conclusions.
“Parents usually get further by being curious rather than clinical,” she says. “Choose a calm moment, not in the middle of an argument, to have this conversation. You might say, ‘I noticed that the week before your period seems to weigh on you a bit more. How is it for you?’ Then listen more than you talk. Avoid minimizing experiences by attributing every mood or feeling to hormones.”
Other small but powerful ways to support:
- Create emotional safety: Let them feel without judgment.
- Normalise the emotional side of periods: Not with big announcements, but quiet validation.
- Stock comfort supplies: Period pants, heat patches, snacks - having them ready says “I’ve got you.”
- Build body literacy together: Apps like Clue or Flo can help teens understand their own cycles.
When to Reach Out for Extra Help
Let’s say things feel heavier than usual. Maybe your teen’s avoiding school. Maybe they’re saying they feel “broken” or “too much.”
That’s your cue to pause and reach out.
This doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you care enough to get backup. School counsellors, GPs, or therapists can help you and your teen understand what’s going on and figure out what support looks like.
You Don’t Need All the Answers. Just a Safe Space.
Here’s what your teen doesn’t need: fixing, lecturing, or a “get over it” talk. Here’s what they do need: someone who shows up. Someone who doesn’t flinch when things get messy. Someone who says, “Hey, it’s okay to feel things - even big things.”
As Caitlyn puts it: “Feeling ‘too much’ is simply your brain and body doing what they are supposed to do. They are not broken or dramatic. And what they feel does not control them.”
And honestly? Helping your teen talk about periods openly - without shame or eye-rolling - is already a huge act of care. Keep showing up. You’ve got this.
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