What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unpredictable shifts in mood that can go from feeling positive and upbeat one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritable, or angry the next. We all experience natural ups and downs in mood from time to time. However, when these shifts in mood become severe, frequent, uncontrollable, and interfere with daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying mental health or medical issue.
What causes mood swings?
There are many potential causes of severe or problematic mood swings, including:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings. Hormonal changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause are common culprits.
- Stress - High stress levels can take a major toll on mood regulation. Stress triggers the "fight or flight" response, flooding the body with mood-altering hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough quality sleep prevents the brain from regulating mood properly and can make us more emotionally volatile.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, chronic pain, and other health issues can induce mood swings. Some medications, like steroids, also list mood changes as a side effect.
- Mental health disorders - Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder often involve severe mood instability.
How to manage mood swings
If you struggle with difficult mood swings, there are strategies to help gain more control:
- Track mood patterns - Use a mood journal to identify potential triggers and patterns. This can aid discussions with your healthcare provider.
- Prioritize sleep, diet, exercise - Caring for your overall physical and mental health provides a strong foundation for mood stability.
- Practice stress management - Try yoga, meditation, massage, or other relaxing activities to calm the mind.
- Consider therapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy are excellent for learning mood regulation skills.
- Get hormone levels checked - Have your healthcare provider check your thyroid, reproductive hormones, and other relevant levels to rule out any imbalances contributing to mood volatility. The experts at Hormone Harmony specialize in hormonal testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique hormonal needs. Visit www.testosterone-replacement.org today to learn more!
When to seek further help
If you feel your mood changes are taking over your life, drastically impacting relationships and daily functioning, it is essential to seek professional support. A psychiatrist or counselor can properly evaluate what might be causing severe mood instability and work with you to get your moods back on track. There are many effective treatments available, including therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, stress management techniques, hormone therapy, and more. You don't have to continue suffering from debilitating mood swings - take the first step and reach out for help.