Mood swings during menopause
Mood swings during menopause

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Mood swings during menopause

Mood swings during menopause

Mood swings during menopause are a common occurrence and almost every woman will experience mood swings during menopause to some degree. Mood swings during menopause can become problematic due to their intensity and frequency and an uncontrollable temper not only affects the woman herself but her family too. In order to deal with mood swings during menopause effectively, it is important to understand their causes. Please read the information provided below which will help you to learn more about how to manage mood swings during menopause effectively.

What are mood swings during menopause?

mood swings pregnancyMood swings during menopause are a psychological disorder generally defined as “rapidly changing, unpredictable moods”. When experiencing a mood swing, a woman will suffer sudden and intense changes in humor that are incomprehensible. In some situations, women might not know why they are sad or angry or how to deal with their feelings.

There are many factors that can upset a woman´s emotional stability and it is worth knowing these in detail in order to be able to cope with mood swings during menopause successfully. The following articles explain the different causes of mood swings during menopause.

What causes mood swings during menopause?

The causes of mood swings during menopause can be divided into two main categories: psychological and physical. However, it’s generally accepted that physical causes are primarily responsible for mood swings during menopause.

Psychological causes for mood swings during menopause: Psychological causes are grouped into two areas; one relating to maniac disorders which are very uncommon, and the ones relating to stress. Maniac disorders are rare hereditary diseases brought on by chemical imbalance in the brain. The second group is related to daily stress and fatigue, which can make you emotionally unstable. Either way, keep in mind that the physical causes for mood swings during menopause are much more common.

Physical causes for mood swings during menopause: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone have a definite effect on your mental state because they regulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical that manipulates mood and humor. So, if serotonin levels decrease, your mood will worsen; and if serotonin rises, your mood will improve. Therefore, mood swings during menopause occur when serotonin levels are not controlled properly.

mood swings fluctuationImbalanced hormonal levels are the most common cause for mood swings during menopause but there are a variety of safe and effective treatments. Take a look at the following articles which explain which steps to take in controlling mood swings during menopause.

You can click on one of the links in the article below to learn more about the treatment for mood swings during menopause that most suits you.

Three approaches for treating mood swings during menopause:
Three approaches can be considered for treating mood swings during menopause: (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 mood swings during menopause to learn more.

Other Related Articles:
Menopausal women and mood swings
Menopausal Mood Swings
Mood Perimenopause Symptoms
Mood swings aggreviate during menopause

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.