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Mood SwingsWomen who experienced PMS or post partum depression are more likely to experience mood swings during menopause.
Menopause can not only prompt uncomfortable physical symptoms, it can also turn a woman's emotions into an out-of-control pendulum by afflicting her with mood swings. Menopause is a time of significant hormonal changes, and these changes, typically occurring in women between the ages of 45 and 55, can affect emotional stability just as much as the body's equilibrium. More than 50% of women experience mood swings as they approach menopause. Fortunately, there are ways to manage mood swings during this transitional time.
Up to 75% of women going through menopause suffer from mood swings.
Being aware of these symptoms can help a woman develop a better perspective on mood swings. Now, with a clear understanding of what mood swings are, it's time to learn about the underlying causes of them to become better equipped to deal with and treat mood swings. Click the following link to read more about mood swings, or continue reading to learn about the causes of mood swings. Over 40% of menopausal women experience mood swings as a symptom of menopause. Mood swings can be confusing and frustrating to deal with, as they can affect every aspect of your daily life. It is important to take steps to successfully manage your mood swings that occur while with your partner, at work, and with your friends. If your mom is having dramatic mood swings, there could be a valid reason behind them; she is entering the reproductive phase known as menopause. The hormone changes that happen at this time cause many symptoms including mood swings. Keep reading to learn more about why this happens and what can be done to help. Causes of Mood Swings
1. Hormonal Causes of Mood SwingsMedical researchers have found that estrogen seems to play a large role in the brain's production of serotonin, also known as the mood regulating neurotransmitter. Estrogen's Effects on Serotonin:• Increases serotonin receptor sensitivity • Increases serotonin receptor levels • Increases serotonin production Because perimenopausal hormone imbalances temporarily disturb serotonin production in the brain, there is an increased chance of mood swings, depression, and other psychological disturbances during menopause. While hormonal imbalance is thought to be a major underlying cause of mood swings during menopause, experts also point out that mood disturbances may be caused by other menopausal symptoms. 2. Other Menopausal Causes of Mood SwingsMenopausal Causes of Mood Swings:• Night sweats • Hot flashes • Physical changes • Fatigue Doctors believe that mood swings are often the result of other menopausal symptoms. Women in their 40s and 50s, often stretched already by work and home stresses, suffer fatigue, sleep problems, hot flashes, and other symptoms that can directly contribute to problems with mood and emotion. Click the following link to read more about the causes of mood swings, or continue reading below to find out the risk factors of mood swings. You and your children may often be caught off guard by your constant changes in mood. Try explaining to your kids that they are a natural part of your aging process and that what you say and do may often be an unnatural reaction caused by the hormonal changes your body. Women often experience mood swings during early pregnancy because of the changing levels of hormones in their bodies. Mood swings occur most often during the first and third trimesters. They can be exacerbated by stresses such as whether or not the baby is healthy and financial security. Women should eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly and take prenatal vitamins to help maintain health and manage mood swings. Risk Factors for Mood SwingsWhy are some women more prone to mood swings during menopause? The answer, though complicated, has much to do with a woman's chemistry, her environment, and other factors. In addition to the hormonal causes of mood swings, several psychological, behavioral, and health related factors can increase the likelihood that a woman will develop mood swings during menopause.
Click the following link to read more about risk factors for mood swings, or continue below to learn about extreme cases of mood swings and when to see a doctor. Mood swings are just one of the many early signs that a woman is pregnant. Additional signs include tender breasts, constipation, and nausea. While these symptoms may be uncomfortable, they can be managed by maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Women should always consult their doctor to confirm pregnancy. Extreme Cases of Mood SwingsWhile mood swings are normal during menopause, emotional and mood related symptoms might indicate a more serious condition. Mood swings that are extreme, last for an extended duration, or put a woman or others at risk of harm might warrant professional help. To learn more about when to seek help for mood swings, please read on about the symptoms of bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and anxiety. 
Extreme case 1: Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is a group of mood disorders, characterized by the presence of one or more episodes of mania, or abnormally elevated mood, and alternating episodes of depression, or prolonged low moods. Extreme case 2: DepressionDepression, termed major-depressive disorder, is another condition more serious than mood swings for which professional help is often necessary. While many people experience the symptoms of depression at different times in their lives, clinical depression is more than a temporary state or a symptom of menopause. Extreme case 3: AnxietyDisorders of clinical anxiety:• Generalized Anxiety Disorder • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder • Social Phobia • Panic Disorder Anxiety is another condition more serious than menopause-induced mood swings. Anxiety disorders affect up to 18% of US adults, making this the most common type of mental illness. Clinical anxiety is a group of disorders and fobias that includes the following at the right box: Fortunately, excellent help is available for women who experience psychological conditions more serious than mood swings. Most women who go through menopause will not develop such symptoms. If concerned about mood swings or other symptoms during menopause, it is wise to speak with a qualified health professional.
Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause women to experience mood swings. Common symptoms of mood swings include anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. Hormone changes can also cause women to experience depression, headaches, and irregular periods. Menopausal women should try exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and de-stressing to regulate hormone levels and help prevent mood swings. Heavy and severe mood swings affect nearly 20% of women. They are commonly caused by fluctuating levels of hormones and chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. To help alleviate symptoms of mood swings, maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, sleeping at least seven hours a night, reducing stress, and exercising regularly. Treatments for Mood SwingsWhen exploring treatments for mood swings, it's important to begin with methods that are the least obtrusive, with the least likelihood of side effects, and progress from there.
Finally, if still experiencing digestive problems, there are different drugs and surgeries that can be explored. Drugs are often prescribed simply to cope with mood swings but do not offer a cure. This final option comes with the most risk and side effects. Click the following link to learn specific treatments for mood swings, which begin with lifestyle changes, move onto alternative medicines, and finally, if those options don't seem to help, drugs and surgery. The most affective treatments for mood swings typically combine lifestyle changes and alternative medicines.
Not letting your mood swings and other menopause symptoms affect your concentration and work can be challenging; however, it is often necessary. To help control your mood swings, try leading a healthier lifestyle and reduce stress. Do this by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, laughing with friends and family, and eliminating triggers like caffeine. Mood swings can be difficult for you to deal with, but incorporating mantras into one's lifestyle can help you keep them under control. Chanting the words “i'm in control”, “my friends aren't my enemies”, and “i'm an attractive woman” can empower a woman to take control of her mood swings. Sources:
 
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Mood swings during menopause are caused largely by the hormonal transitions women go through during this time. Hormones, such as estrogen, influence the production of serotonin, which is a mood regulating neurotransmitter.
Typically, combining lifestyle changes and alternative medicines will produce the best treatment results. Alternative medicines can be different herbs and supplements, or even techniques like acupuncture. When seeking out alternative medicines, keep in mind that because mood swings during menopause are associated with hormonal imbalance, look for supplements that bring a natural balance to hormonal levels, for this will go a long way to treating mood swings at the core of the issue.
