Menstruation, also known as periods, is a reproductive milestone in a woman’s life. It involves normal vaginal bleeding that occurs when the uterus sheds its lining if pregnancy doesn’t take place. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone play major roles in this process, causing the uterine lining to thicken in anticipation of a fertilised egg. However, this time of the month also brings other changes in the body, leading to symptoms such as cramps, lower back pain, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, and fatigue.
One unusual sign that often goes unnoticed or is overlooked is light sensitivity, also known as photophobia—a condition where the eyes become unusually sensitive to light, causing discomfort or pain in bright settings.
Also Read: Menstrual Mental Health: The Missing Link Between Hormones And Psychiatric Symptoms
Common Symptoms Of Menstruation
According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the primary symptom of menstruation is vaginal bleeding. Other common symptoms include:
- Abdominal or pelvic cramping
- Lower back pain
- Bloating and sore breasts
- Food cravings
- Mood swings and irritability
- Headache
- Fatigue
Is Light Sensitivity A Symptom Of Menstruation?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Keerthana Vasu, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, explains, “Oestrogen and progesterone are key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. During menstruation, levels of these hormones drop, and this hormonal dip can impact both the eyes and the brain, leading to increased sensitivity to light.”
Much research suggests that light sensitivity, or photophobia, could be one lesser-known but related symptom of menstrual migraine that affects up to 60% of women with migraines, often striking just before or during a woman’s period, according to a review published in Headache and Pain Research.
The most widely accepted explanation is the drop in oestrogen levels just before menstruation, which may trigger these headaches.
Dr Vasu adds that apart from light sensitivity, women can, therefore, have other symptoms like headaches, giddiness, or light-headedness along with mood changes like mood swings, depression, and irritability. They can also have brain fog and associated issues like difficulty in concentrating on things, memory problems, and some tingling sensations.
Neurological Symptoms That Accompany Light Sensitivity
In addition to light sensitivity, menstruating women can also expect additional neurological symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood disturbances such as irritability or anxiety
- Brain fog
- Numbness, tingling sensations, or extreme pain, which might be linked to conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Also Read: Breaking the Silence With A Professional: How To Talk To Your Son About Periods
How To Manage Light Sensitivity During Menstruation
To help reduce light sensitivity during periods, it's important to identify and avoid potential triggers, advises Dr Vasu. This includes:
- Staying away from bright lights
- Wearing protective eyewear like sunglasses
- Adjusting your surroundings to softer, dim lighting
- Staying well-hydrated
- Getting 6-8 hours of quality sleep
- Practising stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and deep breathing exercises
These simple lifestyle adjustments can help manage light sensitivity and improve overall comfort during menstruation.
Conclusion
Though not often talked about, light sensitivity can be an unusual symptom during your period. If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at your screen or reaching for sunglasses indoors around that time of the month, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal changes during menstruation can affect more than just your mood or energy. Small changes like adjusting lighting, staying hydrated, getting proper sleep, and managing stress can help manage the issue. And if the discomfort continues, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor.