What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling down and sad one moment to feeling extremely happy and energetic the next. We all experience some mild mood changes from time to time, but mood swings are more dramatic, abrupt shifts that happen without warning.
Some key things to know about mood swings:
- They involve rapid switches between sadness and happiness - you can go from crying one minute to laughing the next.
- The shifts are much more intense than normal mood changes - it's not just feeling a little happy or a little sad.
- There's often no clear or predictable reason for the change - mood swings seem to come out of the blue.
- The ups and downs are disproportionate to what's going on - a small thing can trigger a huge mood shift.
- Mood swings can be so strong that they interfere with daily life - making it hard to have normal interactions.
What causes mood swings?
There are a few potential causes of dramatic mood swings:
- Hormonal changes, especially in women - things like PMS, perimenopause, and menopause can trigger mood swings due to estrogen and progesterone changes.
- Medications - some prescription meds, like antidepressants or steroids can cause rapid mood shifts as a side effect.
- Mental health conditions - bipolar disorder involves cycles of highs and lows. Depression and anxiety can also cause irregular moods.
- Drug or alcohol abuse - substances disrupt brain chemistry and lead to unpredictable moods.
- Physical illnesses - diseases like thyroid disorders, stroke, or autoimmune diseases are linked to mood instability.
How can you manage mood swings?
If you're struggling with difficult mood swings, there are some ways to minimize their impact:
- Track your moods - use a journal or app to identify any patterns around your mood changes. This can help you anticipate shifts.
- Get support - talk to a doctor or mental health professional who can evaluate if there's an underlying issue and help you develop coping strategies.
- Make lifestyle changes - prioritize sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress management to help stabilize your moods. Limit alcohol.
- Consider medication - if hormonal fluctuations or mental illness are at play, medication could help regulate moods. Talk to a doctor.
- Practice self-care - when you feel a mood shift coming on, pause to do a breathing exercise, listen to calming music or take a walk.
Regain hormonal balance with Hormone Harmony Clinic
If you think hormonal imbalances may be contributing to intense mood swings, Hormone Harmony Clinic can help. Our caring doctors specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to restore hormonal balance in both women and men. With personalized treatment plans, we can get your estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones back in sync so you feel like yourself again! Schedule a consultation today to discuss your symptoms and lab testing. We're here to help you find hormonal harmony and consistency in your moods!