Many women who are going through menopause experience mood swings. Changes in mood can be very troubling for women and even affect those around her. A mood swing causes a woman's emotions to fluctuate rapidly and without warning and leave her feeling as if she has lost control over her mental well-being.
Research has shown that mood swings are caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, which often occur during menopause. As women age, their bodies decrease the production of estrogen and several physiological changes result, including mood swings.
How do you know if you are experiencing severe mood swings, or if yours are comparable to other women's? It can be difficult to assess and control your changing emotions; fortunately, there are treatments available. Always talk to a medical professional before making drastic changes or undergoing treatment.
Coping with Mood Swings
It is important that you first try natural ways to control your mood swings. Exercising regularly and maintaining a well-balanced diet can help you balance hormone levels and boost your mood. Furthermore, certain relaxation techniques and exercises like yoga and meditation can help relieve stress and balance your emotions. Try some of the following tactics to help manage your mood swings:Exercise and anxiety-relieving activities like yoga help cope with mood swings.
- Deep breathing exercises
- Lavender scented candles
- Create a peaceful and relaxing environment
- Count to ten and take deep breaths
- Remove yourself from stressful situations
You may also wish to try natural supplements that can help balance hormones, such as dong quai, black cohosh, chasteberry, or borage oil. If you still haven't found relief from your mood swings, consult your doctor. It is possible that your mood swings are a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
Trying some of these techniques can help you balance your hormones and control your mood swings during menopause. Always share your concerns with a doctor if your symptoms do not subside or if you believe they are severe.
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 Response to Stress". Retrieved from www.psycheducation.org.