Mood swings

What are mood swings?

Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts from one emotional state to another. They can go from feelings of sadness to irritability to euphoria within a short time frame. Mood swings are commonly associated with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, but many people experience milder versions as well.

Some key things to know about mood swings:

• They involve intense emotions that often feel out of proportion with the triggering event. For example, you might become extremely upset over a minor inconvenience.
• Mood swings can happen as often as several times a day or as infrequently as a few times a year.
• The shifts are usually temporary, but can last for hours or days during an episode.

What causes mood swings?

There are a few potential causes:

• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can destabilize moods. This is why mood swings often accompany pregnancy, PMS, and menopause.
• Stress - High stress often disrupts mood regulation in the brain. Things like stressful life events, trauma, and chronic stress can all contribute to mood instability.
• Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, sleep disturbances, epilepsy, and head injuries are linked to mood disturbances. As mentioned, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder also involve mood swings.
• Drug/alcohol abuse - Substance abuse problems can wreak havoc on moods. Both intoxication and withdrawal often cause dramatic emotional ups and downs.

If you're experiencing intense, frequent, or prolonged mood swings, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. They can help determine an underlying cause and recommend tailored treatment approaches. Lifestyle changes like regulating sleep, diet, exercise and stress levels often help stabilize moods as well.

At Vitality Hormone Clinic, we specialize in helping patients whose mood issues may be tied to hormone imbalances. Our comprehensive testing analyzes your estrogen, progesterone, cortisol and other hormone levels. Based on these results, our doctors create fully customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes tailored to your unique hormonal needs. We've helped hundreds of patients find relief from debilitating mood swings and imbalance. (buy-hgh.us) to learn more or book a consult today!

What are some healthy ways to cope with mood swings?

If you feel caught up in an emotional roller coaster ride against your will, there are some beneficial coping strategies to try:

• Track your moods - Use a mood journal to monitor when swings occur and look for potential triggers. This can provide insight and predictability.
• Support networks - Confide in trusted friends and family who can reassure and ground you when you feel emotionally volatile.
• Relaxation practices - Activities like yoga, deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness help calm the mind and body.
• Stimulus control - Limit exposure to triggers like stressful interactions, chaotic environments or unhealthy substances.
• Routine - Maintaining regular daily routines for sleeping, eating and exercise can have a stabilizing influence.

Learning to anticipate and manage mood swings takes time. Having compassion for yourself and sharing your experiences with others leads to empowerment. There are always professional resources available if emotions ever feel totally uncontrollable. With the right help, most people find a degree of mood balance that allows them to feel more centered on a day-to-day basis.