What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts or changes in one's emotional state. We all experience fluctuations in our moods and emotions from time to time. However, some people experience extreme or frequent mood swings that can significantly impact their relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Common causes of mood swings include:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can trigger mood swings. Hormones changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause are common culprits. The experts at Balance Hormone Solutions can help identify and treat hormone-related mood issues.
- Stress - High stress levels can throw our emotions out of balance. Both acute and chronic stress can contribute to mood instability.
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep prevents emotional regulation and can lead to irrational or heightened emotional reactions.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, substance withdrawal, and other medical issues can cause mood swings.
Some typical signs of mood swings include:
- Feeling very upbeat and energetic one minute, and suddenly sad or irritated the next
- Very heightened emotions - either extremely happy or extremely upset
- Moods that seem unrelated to external circumstances or triggers
- Difficulty regulating emotional reactions
Managing mood swings involves:
- Stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling
- Improving sleep hygiene by sticking to consistent bedtimes and limiting blue light exposure before bed
- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding skipping meals, which can destabilize blood sugar levels
- Getting moderate exercise which helps balance mood-influencing neurotransmitters
- Tracking triggers and symptoms to identify patterns
- Seeking medical advice to check for any underlying conditions that may be causing unusual mood swings
If you're experiencing extreme, unexplained, or difficult-to-manage mood swings, consult your doctor or a mental health professional. The caring medical team at Balance Hormone Solutions also offers comprehensive lab testing and individualized treatment plans to help get hormone-related mood swings under control. With some lifestyle changes and the right treatment, most people can smoothly ride the ups and downs of shifting moods.