Mood Swings FAQ

When a woman experiences mood swings during menopause, she may have many questions about their causes, what symptoms are common, and how to handle this consequence of menopause. Women armed with a deeper knowledge of their menopausal symptoms will be better prepared to cope with them when they occur. Please read on to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about mood swings and menopause.

Mood Swings	Q: What are mood swings? A: Mood swings are extreme or abrupt changes in mood. These fluctuations are often uncontrollable and inappropriate to the event that has triggered them. In other cases, they seem to occur without obvious origin. Q: Are mood swings common during menopause? A: Mood swings are a normal symptom of menopause that many women experience. According to one study, more than 50% of all women experience mood swings during menopause. This means that although mood swings can be an entirely unnerving aspect of menopause, women who experience them are by no means alone. Q: When are mood swings likely to begin? A: Though not all women go through mood swings during menopause, those who do are most likely to experience this symptom during perimenopause. Perimenopause is the span of time months to years prior to menopause, when periods become irregular and other symptoms of menopause develop.
Mood Swings Overview About Mood Swings Definition Symptoms Causes of Mood Swings Hormonal Other menopause causes Risk factors for Mood Swings Psychological Behavioral Health related Extreme Cases of Mood Swings Bi-polar Depression Anxiety Treatments for Mood Swings

While women experience mood swings differently, this menopausal symptom is characterized by rapid changes in emotion, often from extreme highs to extreme lows. A woman can be teeming with energy and feeling great one moment and feel exhausted and depressed the next. The following are typical symptoms of mood swings:

While women experience mood swings differently, this menopausal symptom is characterized by rapid changes in emotion, often from extreme highs to extreme lows. A woman can be teeming with energy and feeling great one moment and feel exhausted and depressed the next. The following at the right are typical symptoms of mood swings. While mood swings are a common feature of menopause, women who are worried about mood swings are wise to speak with a trusted health care professional. Read on to learn more about the causes of mood swings.

Common symptoms of mood swings: • Frequent, extreme mood changes • Unexplainable emotions • Irritability • Anxiety • Depression • Aggression • Trouble concentrating • Nervousness • Sadness • Less patience • Increased stress • Lack of motivation

A: While a confluence of factors can cause mood swings, many experts believe that hormonal changes are the root cause of mood swings during menopause. Other menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes, can also cause a woman to experience mood swings.

When a woman's hormones are thrown off balance during menopause, it can affect the brain's regulation of mood and emotion. This effect of hormones on emotions is similar to what some women experience as PMS or post partum depression at other times in their lives.

Some women appear more prone than others to experience mood swings during menopause. Read on to learn more about the risk factors for mood swings in menopause.

A: Yes, a number of factors can increase a woman's risk of experiencing mood swings during menopause. Lifestyle, environment, and certain health conditions can make a woman more susceptible to mood swings.

Psychological factors: • Past mental illness • Stress • Past trauma • Relationship issues • Coping with change

Behavioral factors: • Smoking • Alcohol • Poor diet • Inadequate exercise • Stimulant use

Health factors: • Diabetes • Early menopause • Heart disease • Sleep disorders • Cancer • Lupus • Thyroid disease

A: Mood swings during menopause do not necessarily require medical attention. However, any woman who is concerned about her psychological health during menopause will likely benefit from talking with someone who can help. Women for whom the following applies might want to speak with a qualified doctor or psychologist:

• History of psychological distress or disorders
• Mood swings that significantly disrupt normal life
• Significant relationship issues
• Persistent or overwhelming emotional disturbances
• Other health problems
• Symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorder.

A: During the time of menopause, women can take certain steps to alleviate the effects of mood swings. For example, it is often helpful to seek support and understanding from family and friends whenever necessary. Lifestyle modifications can also be made to better manage this symptom. Such changes include:

Lifestyle changes to alleviate mood swings: • Stress reduction methods   › Breathing exercises   › Yoga   › Meditation • Adequate sleep • Regular exercise • Balanced diet

While these methods can greatly ease the symptoms of mood swings, these alone cannot treat the root cause of mood swings, which is hormonal imbalance. Luckily, several natural remedies are available to help a woman cope with mood swings. Please read on to learn more about treating mood swings.

A: Yes! In addition to lifestyle changes, a woman can use natural remedies to treat the source of mood swings and other menopausal symptoms. Natural remedies are often the most safe and effective option for women who continue to experience menopausal symptoms despite lifestyle changes. These treatment options are non-invasive and free of the side effects often experienced by more invasive medical alternatives.

A: Hormone replacement therapy, while appropriate for some women, is accompanied by several physical and emotional health risks. These risks include side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, headache, fluid retention, and mood changes. Before going on hormone replacement therapy, women are encouraged to seek the least aggressive routes to relief, including lifestyle changes and natural treatments.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.