What are mood swings?
Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling perfectly fine one minute to feeling extremely sad, irritated, or anxious the next. We all experience some mild mood changes from time to time. But when mood swings happen often and feel intense, causing problems in your relationships, work, or daily life, it may signify an underlying issue.
Some common causes behind mood swings include:
- Hormonal imbalances - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone can trigger mood swings in both women and men. Hormonal imbalances often relate to thyroid disorders, perimenopause, PMS, or other conditions. The doctors at Balance Clinic specialize in detecting and treating hormonal imbalances through lab testing, supplements, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle changes.
- Stress - High stress levels can take a major toll on our moods and emotional stability. Finding healthy ways to manage stress can help minimize intense mood swings.
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep prevents our brains from regulating emotions properly. Focusing on good sleep hygiene often alleviates mood instability.
- Medical conditions - Mental health disorder like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PMDD, and more can manifest through severe, unpredictable mood swings. Other conditions like diabetes, dementia, Parkinson's, and chronic pain may also contribute to mood instability.
What can you do about mood swings?
If you frequently struggle with feeling emotionally erratic, it's important to pinpoint the root cause. Keep a mood journal tracking contributing factors like diet, lifestyle factors, stressors, and menstrual cycles. Notice any patterns around when shifts happen and what precedes them.
From there, you can explore solutions with your doctor, such as:
- Hormone testing - Comprehensive panels at places like Balance Clinic can uncover hormonal imbalances. Treatment may involve medications, supplements, bioidentical hormones, or diet and lifestyle changes to balance hormones.
- Therapy - Speak to a mental health professional to uncover thought patterns, behaviors, or underlying issues that may relate to mood instability. Therapy grants coping techniques for better emotional regulation.
- Medications - Those with diagnosed mental health disorders may benefit from medications that balance brain chemicals and stabilize moods.
- Lifestyle changes - Improving diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management helps maintain even keels. Limiting alcohol and stimulant intake can also minimize mood variability.
With the right treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, most find great relief from disruptive mood swings. Don't hesitate to seek professional support if intense shifts interfere with your wellbeing. Relief is possible!