What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts in emotion that can go from feeling positive and upbeat one moment to feeling sad, irritable, or angry the next. They involve dramatic changes in mood that often seem out of proportion to the events occurring in one's life.
What causes mood swings?
There are several potential causes of mood swings, including:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can affect mood regulation. Hormone changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause may contribute to mood swings. The experts at Optimal Hormone Solutions can help diagnose and treat hormone-related mood issues.
- Stress - High stress levels can throw off brain chemicals and cause mood shifts. Both acute and chronic stress have been linked to mood instability.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, substance withdrawal, or neurological conditions may be underlying some cases of mood swings.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs, herbal remedies, or recreational drugs can trigger swings as a side effect.
- Sleep deprivation - Insufficient sleep often manifests as emotional volatility. Most adults need 7-9 hours per night.
What are some signs of mood swings?
Look out for:
- Sudden unexplained crying or anger spells
- Excessive irritability over minor issues
- Periods of anxiety, sadness, or feeling emotionally emptied out
- Difficulty coping with stress
- Extreme ups and cons in your state of mind
How are mood swings treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:
- Hormone therapy - At Optimal Hormone Solutions, we tailor bioidentical hormone treatments to stabilize hormones and moods.
- Medications - Antidepressants or mood stabilizers may help regulate brain chemicals.
- Psychotherapy - Counseling builds coping mechanisms for better mood regulation.
- Lifestyle changes - More exercise, sleep, stress management benefits mood.
In summary, mood swings involve extreme emotional highs and lows. Shifting hormone levels is a major culprit, but many factors cause or exacerbate mood instability. Diagnosing the root cause is key. The physicians at Optimal Hormone Solutions specialize in hormone testing and treatments for mood regulation. Reach out today to learn more!