Menopause 
Accepting that mood swings are a common occurrence of menopause is never easy. Many times women find the stress of managing mood swings, as well as other menopause symptoms, incredibly difficult, especially during work. However, there are ways to effectively manage your mood swings and not have it negatively affect your career. Read on to find out how you can control your mood swings with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Exercise
Moving your body can be extremely helpful in stabilizing your mood. Regular exercise such as running, yoga, pilates, and other aerobic activities release serotonin and endorphins - mood-boosting hormones. Furthermore, exercising regularly will help release of stress, sleep better at night, and improve your physical well-being.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
Changing a few habits in your daily life can drastically improve your mood and as a result, enhance your work life. Some habits to consider include:
- Limiting caffeine intake. Caffeine is a stimulant that acts directly on the nervous system and increases mood fluctuations.
- Eating more carbohydrates. Potatoes, bran wheat, and other complex carbohydrates can help boost serotonin levels.
Eating more protein. Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products are also rich in amino acids and help stabilize your mood.
- Laugh with family and friends. Spending time with loved ones can boost oxytocin, a mood elevating hormone.
Alternative Medicine
With little to no risk, alternative medicines are some of the safest ways to treat mood swings. Usually, herbal remedies are considered the most effective remedies. There are two types of herbs to treat menopause: phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs.
Phytoestrogenic herbs such as red clover, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba are plant compounds that mimic estrogen when introduced to the body. Unfortunately, these herbs can increase the risk for breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Non-phytoestrogenic herbs do not contain estrogen. Instead, they nourish the hormonal glands for healthy production of your body's own hormones to help stabilize hormone levels.
Recommendation
Understanding why mood swings happen and ways to deal with them is the first step towards taking charge of your daily routines and work during menopause. Click on the following link to learn more about mood swings treatments.
Sources
- Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition." Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
- Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Molecular Psychiatry.(n.d)."Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain's Response to Stress." Retrieved from www.psychoeducation.org
- The Health Center.(n.d)."Adult Mood Swings." Retrieved from wwww.thehealthcenter.info
