The trials and tribulations of pre-menstrual syndrome are something a lot of us will have experienced at some point or another. One moment you’re feeling fine, and the next you’re struggling with mood swings, bloating and headaches, counting down the hours until your period makes an appearance.

But some people find their bleed doesn’t mark the end of these uncomfortable symptoms. In fact, in some cases, people experience symptoms after their period is over – a phenomenon known as post-menstrual syndrome. 

While research into this condition is sorely lacking, it’s a term used to describe any kind of symptoms that follow the menstrual bleed.

So, is post-menstrual syndrome a real thing? Is it linked to our hormones? Or could it be related to other factors brought on by the menstrual cycle? We asked the experts. 

While post-menstrual syndrome isn’t a recognised medical condition, it’s a term which has been used to describe any symptoms that appear after a period is over. The evidence that it exists is mostly anecdotal and, as is the case with most women’s health issues, we need more research to discern what’s going on.

Indeed, Dr Sohère Roked, a GP, functional medicine and hormone doctor, says that while the condition isn’t recognised, it’s a concern she’s heard women raise “anecdotally”, alongside experiencing some issues herself.

Some of the symptoms that have been associated with post-menstrual syndrome include tiredness and fatigue, fluctuating mood and clumsiness or a lack of co-ordination. 

The lack of research makes it hard to pinpoint exactly why some women experience these symptoms, but experts have a few theories about what might be going on.

“Some people are sensitive to shifts in their hormone levels and may have symptoms because of this,” says Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP and dermatologist on behalf of hormonal skincare brand Faace.

Dr Roked echoes this explanation. “Straight after your period, your hormones may not have started rising yet, as they do for ovulation,” she says. “I think we’re all quite focused on the premenstrual time and the period, so we maybe don’t realise that for a few days after the period, we can perhaps feel a bit lower, tired, lacking energy. This is because your hormones are fluctuating.” 

Some of the symptoms of post-menstrual syndrome could also be down to iron deficiency, as the blood loss that occurs during menstruation can drain the body of this key mineral. Symptoms of iron deficiency include feeling tired all the time, weak, dizzy or short of breath. 

While there aren’t any research-backed ‘solutions’ to post-menstrual syndrome, your best bet is to pay attention to what’s going on and identify any patterns.

“I’d recommend starting to track your period and then charting your daily symptoms for at least two menstrual cycles,” Dr Khorana says. “Doing this can help you to understand if this is a one-off thing or a pattern that needs to be addressed – and then you can focus on relieving symptoms.”

Because the most dominant symptom reported by women struggling with post-menstrual syndrome is tiredness or fatigue, your best bet is taking things easy and doing things that will help to support your energy levels – eating well, drinking plenty of water and doing light exercise.

Taking steps to support your hormones can also help to stop any delays to your menstrual cycle that could cause lingering symptoms. “The stress hormone cortisol can have a disruptive impact on your hormones, so if you’ve been pushing yourself a lot at this point in the cycle, you’re not going to feel good,” Dr Roked says. 

Images: Getty