When a Loved One has Rapid Mood Swings

Rapid mood swings are a fairly common phenomenon, with as many as 50% of menopausal women reporting them. Unfortunately, rapid mood swings are one of the more troubling aspects of menopause as women and their families and friends try to adjust to these drastic changes in temperament.

On this page, please find some information meant to help loved ones of women suffering from rapid mood swings react to this upsetting symptom of menopause.

About Rapid Mood Swings

When a Loved One has Rapid Mood Swings1 Rapid mood swings are a common symptom of menopause that often leave women and their loved ones completely baffled. “She would never react like that!” they say. “This person is not me,” the woman laments.

Rapid mood swings are caused when the levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate dramatically in the years surrounding menopause. These hormones control serotonin –the chemical in the brain that’s responsible for regulating mood. When these levels are unbalanced, women might react inappropriately (using the wrong emotion or an overly intense one) to triggers.

How Loved Ones can help with Rapid Mood Swings

Loved ones of a woman experiencing mood swings can help in a variety of ways. A few suggestions to get them started are listed below.

Open discussion
People who suspect that their loved one is experiencing mood swings due to menopause can discuss the changes that are occurring in a woman’s body and mind openly with her. Often, women or their loved ones might not connect their rapid mood swings with other menopause symptoms or might brush them off as a part of aging. Engaging in open discussion will allow everyone involved to express their concerns and feel appreciated.

Practicing patience
When a loved one behaves irrationally, often a knee-jerk reaction is to behave irrationally in response. But, sometimes taking the time to count to ten or taking some calming deepbreaths can remind everyone to put things inperspective.

Extra Support
Remember that the mood swings are just as troubling to the woman experiencing them as they are to her loved ones. At this transitional time of her life, many women require extra love and support from their family and friends, so don’t be shy about sharing an extra long hug or sending a kind note.

More about Rapid Mood Swings

Rapid mood swings are difficult to deal with, yes, but they do not have to rule a woman’s life. Please read on to learn more about mood swings.