Mood Swings: It´s Not You It´s Your Hormones!

If you’re going through “the change”, you might be suffering from “the swing”—mood swings, that is. Research shows that more than 50% of menopausal women experience mood swings, along with a host of other symptoms, such as irregular periods, hot flashes and night sweats.

These abrupt changes in emotion may make you seem like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster, but your hormones may be more to blame than you realize . Keep reading below to learn more about how hormones affect your mood swings.

Mood Swings: Blame It On the Hormones

During menopause, your body decreases the production of hormones like progesterone and estrogen, sending your normal hormone levels out of whack. Medical researchers have found that the second hormone, estrogen, plays a role in the brain’s production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Estrogen works to produce serotonin by increasing serotonin receptor sensitivity and increasing serotonin receptor levels. When estrogen levels drop, so do serotonin levels.

In addition to decreased estrogen levels, several psychological, behavioral or health factors are known to cause mood swings. The chances of mood swings increase for:

• Women who have suffered from PMS or post-partum depression

• Women who have had their ovaries removed or whose ovaries have stopped functioning

• Women with a history of depression or other mental illnesses

• Women with sleep disorders

• Women with diabetes, heart disease, cancer or lupus

Menopausal Symptoms: The Domino Effect

While hormone imbalance is the leading cause of mood swings, the symptom can also be triggered by other menopausal symptoms. Night sweats can trigger mood swings because your body is physically fatigued, leading to feelings of irritability and a lack of focus. The general discomfort caused by hot flashes may also lead to mood swings.

Your attitude towards aging may also lead to mood swings. As women experience menopause and begin to cope with infertility, they sometimes feel less attractive or desirable. If you’re experiencing the anxiety of aging, surround yourself with people who appreciate your worth – your partner, your female friends and your loved ones.

Extreme Cases of Mood Swings

As discussed, mood swings are a common symptom of menopause. However, if you are experiencing mood swings that last for an extended duration or put others in harm’s way, you should consult with your doctor immediately. These symptoms might be the sign of a more serious disorder, such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression or anxiety. Click here to continue reading more about identifying extreme cases of mood swings.

Recommendation:

In many cases, mood swings can be regulated by making simple changes to your lifestyle, such as cutting back on caffeine, getting more carbohydrates, eating more protein and exercising regularly. Remember that for most women, mood swings are a passing menopausal symptom that tampers off once they reach post-menopause. For more information about diet and lifestyle changes you can make to prevent mood swings, click here.