How to control mood swings
How to control mood swings

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How to control mood swings

How to control mood swings

It’s a typical joke that is associated with menopausal women, but how do you control the mood swings that are brought on with the hormonal imbalance that comes as a result of this transition? They can put a great strain on friendships, relationships and in the work place.

Mood swings during menopause

A mood swing is quite a simple concept, where a person’s mood changes, but the treatments can be a little trickier. Seemingly unavoidable fluctuations in your mood can make life a struggle and impact on your relationships with friends and family. In or out of menopause, men are more likely to suffer from this than men and it’s the hormonal changes that make it common during menopause.

Five tips for controlling mood swings during menopause

Eat your way out

Often, people think that eating is more likely to cause a mood swing than not, or it will give you a lift for a little while. The truth is, it depends what you eat. Make sure you’re steering clear of spicy foods, nicotine and caffeine but instead picking up milk, whole grain breads, nuts and taking plenty of vegetables. Even a bit of chocolate can help from time to time.

Sleep it off

Bad sleeping habits are frequent reasons for the signs and symptoms of menopause, including mood swings. Rest is vital and to maintain a good mood you need to be well-rested. It’s recommended to have at least eight hours each night.

Get social

It may sound obvious but for many menopausal women suffering from mood swings, the thought of being socially active can be unappealing. At these times you need somebody to talk to, someone to give you a different perspective on any problems you may have. By taking to your friends they will help you by saying how they coped or just some ‘girls only’ time will brighten your mood.

Exercise

Increased production of endorphins is great for stress and happiness. By doing daily exercise you will help body health and keep your mind clear. Anything from running to swimming to cycling is good depending on wants and needs.

Relax

Whether you love to read a good book or watch TV after work, or for down time, then do this for some ‘me’ time. However, don’t become a couch potato. You could mix relaxation with exercise and take in some activities like meditation and yoga to help your menopausal mood swings.

And finally…

Don’t forget to smile during daily life. Even if you don’t want to, smiling helps to make you happier as a person and keep you relaxed. Laughter has been proven to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain and wind down the body.
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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.