Mood swings can cause abrupt changes in mood, meaning you may be fine one minute, and then angry or sad the next, without justifiable reason. Finding and maintaining a balance during menopause is key. Keep reading for some tips to follow to keep your emotions in check during menopause.
Exercise
Jogging, biking, swimming — they're beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being. By exercising regularly, you can help balance your blood flow, hormone levels, and mood swings. Exercise, especially aerobic workouts that get your heart pumping, are a great way to control and even avoid extreme mood swings during menopause. If you're not accustomed to strenuous exercise, try easing into a routine and work your way into more rigorous workouts. In the end, some activity is better than nothing.
Eat Right
A healthy diet doesn't just help you manage your weight; it also helps balance hormone levels and stabilizes your mood. Avoid heavily processed foods that are high in fat and sugar. Eat a well-balanced diet that is full of protein, fiber, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid skipping meals and eat healthy snacks so that you can maintain your metabolic rate and hormone levels.
Relieve Stress
Not all of your mood swings are strictly hormonal. Feelings of sadness, depression, and irritability can stem from stress. Spend some time relaxing. Read a book, go out with friends, or get a massage. You may also want to try meditative practices like yoga to maintain a healthy and balanced state of mind.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal supplements can help relieve your mood swings and other menopausal symptoms. Herbal treatments that reportedly restore hormonal balance in the body include dong quai, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and others. Though further research is needed on the effectiveness of most herbal supplements, incorporating them into your diet along with healthy food choices and exercise may help you manage your emotions.
The Importance of Balance during Menopause
When menopause has left you feeling off kilter, reclaiming a balance can be as simple as a few lifestyle changes. Click on the following link to learn more about different ways to treat mood swings during menopause.
Sources
- The Health Center.(n.d)."Adult Mood Swings".Retrieved from www.thehealthcenter.info.
- Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition". Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
- Molecular Psychiatry.(n.d)."Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain's.Retrieved from www.psycheducation.org.