Menopause 
One of the most dreaded parts of the menopausal transition is no doubt the unpleasant symptoms that accompany it. Mood swings affect millions and can be aggravating and difficult to manage. They take an emotional toll on the women who experience them and seriously affect relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Dealing with Aggravating Mood Swings during Menopause
Mood swings that are aggravating during menopause can be more severe. Aggravating mood swings produce abrupt changes in mood, attitude, and temperament for seemingly no reason at all.
Many women experience mood swings around the time of their period as a result of premenstrual system (PMS), but mood swings can be compounded by other symptoms, such as hot flashes. Mood swings and other symptoms of menopause are caused by a shortage of estrogen, the main female sex hormone.
How to Treat Aggravating Mood Swings during Menopause
The good news is that although they can be debilitating at times, mood swings can be treated and controlled. The list below provides some suggestions for alleviating the effects of mood swings during menopause.
- Avoid alcohol
- Sleep at least 7 hours a night
- Increase daily soy intake
- Drink plenty of water
- Exercise regularly
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress
Many find that combining their healthy lifestyle changes with herbal supplements provides even more relief. While lifestyle adjustments reduce stress and improve overall health, herbal supplements help balance hormone levels, treating the root of aggravating mood swings.
More Information
With information, preparation, and a calm approach to dealing with them, the effects of aggravating mood swings during menopause can be dramatically alleviated. If adopting these simple diet and lifestyle changes does not provide sufficient relief from mood swings, explore alternative medicines such as acupuncture and herbal supplements. Click on the following link to learn more about mood swing treatments.
Sources
- Amin, Zenab, Turhan Canli, and C. Neill Epperson. "Effects of Estrogen-Serotonin Interactions on Mood and Cognition". Behav Cogn Neurosci Rev 2005; 4; 43.
- Dr. Love, Susan, and Karen Lindsey. Dr. Susan Love's Menopause and Hormone Book. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2003.
- Molecular Psychiatry.(n.d)."Estrogen Promotes Gender Difference in Brain's Response to Stress". Molecular Psychiatry. Retrieved from www.psycheducation.org.
- The Health Center.(n.d)."Adult Mood Swings". Retrieved from www.thehealthcenter.info.
