Headaches Mood Swings
Headaches Mood Swings

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Headaches Mood Swings

Headaches Mood Swings

Headaches and mood swings are two of the most debilitating symptoms of menopause. Suffered individually they can be a pain, but suffered together they can totally upset normal quality of life. The following article outlines the causes for headaches and mood swings suffered concurrently (typically hormones) and provides some solutions for overcoming them.

What are headaches and mood swings?

Mood Swings – Mood swings are characterized by swinging changes in cravings, attitude and temper. Sufferers are often affected by a radical change in disposition for no obvious reason. This can be totally distressing as many women feel powerless in explaining their sad or angry mood and frustrated at the lack of explanation.

Many factors influence a person’s emotional and psychological stability. One should be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of mood swings in order to face them. Mood swings as a result of menopause are caused by lowered levels of estrogen. Estrogen has a direct affect on a person’s serotonin level, so as estrogen levels fluctuate, so do the moods.

mood swings vesselsHeadaches – Headaches or very bad headaches (migraines) are related similarly related to hormones. Indeed, the two main hormones that control a woman’s menstrual cycle (estrogen and progesterone) influence the blood vessels in the brain as well. Estrogen works to dilate (expand) blood vessels, while progesterone constricts them. It is the process of dilation and constriction that affects the brain’s blood flow and therefore causes headaches. For this reason, an abnormal flow of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause can similarly produce headaches.

What are the kinds of things that can provoke headaches and mood swings?

During menopause, in addition to the hormone fluctuations, there is no shortage of things that could make the likelihood of suffering from headaches and mood swings higher. For example, other symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats can disturb sleep and bring on extra fatigue and stress, which would bring on headaches and irritation in any case.

What is the good news about headaches and mood swings during menopause?

A recent study has found that women that suffer from headaches, menopausal mood swings and irritability as menopause approaches will probably see the issues and symptoms decrease as it (the menopause) progresses according to a new study.

This contradicts the suggestion that many symptoms are attributed to menopause and that they get worse as menopause progresses. The truth is as it starts, the symptoms of the stage of menopause actually decrease. The study included over 400 women aged between 35 and 47 for a period of 9 years to examine how the symptoms of menopause change and develop in the course of the menopausal periods.

mood swings irritabilityThe research indicated that women who experienced headache type symptoms or menopausal mood swings and irritability saw them reduce in number as the menopausal period progressed. Other symptoms such as mood swings and irritability also decreased in frequency and in number.

What can be done about headaches and mood swings?

Mood swings and headaches are linked with deficient levels of estrogen in a woman’s body during menopause. It is therefore prudent that the body is supported with everything it needs to re-establish hormonal levels. The most basic step that women can take in combating mood swings and headaches is thus ensuring a fit and healthy body. Furthermore, the issue of hormonal imbalance can be addressed through the use of alternative remedies. It is widely regarded that the most effective method of dealing with mood swings, headaches and other menopause symptoms is a combination of the healthy lifestyle approach, hormone balancing programs and alternative medicine supplements.

Click on the following link in order to find the best treatments currently available.

Three approaches for bipolar mood swings:
Three approaches can be considered for bipolar mood swings: (1) lifestyle changes, (2) alternative approaches and (3)drugs and surgery. The safest way is to start with the least risky approach before advancing to the next level. Click on treatments for bipolar mood swings to learn more.

Other Related Articles:
Mood swings, menopause and hysterectomy
Menopausal women and mood swings
Menopausal Mood Swings
Mood Perimenopause Symptoms

Sources:
  • "Adult Mood Swings". The Health Center. www.thehealthcenter.info.
  • Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love’s Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
  • Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition". Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
  • "Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain’s Response to Stress". Molecular Psychiatry. www.psycheducation.org.