What is mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unpredictable shifts in mood that can occur throughout the day. We all experience fluctuations in mood - happy one minute, sad the next. But for some, mood swings are more extreme, often unprompted and seem out of sync with what's actually happening in their lives.
So what causes such dramatic highs and lows? There are a few key factors:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can trigger mood swings. Hormones affect neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain), impacting mood regulation. This is why mood swings are common around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. The experts at Balance Hormone Clinic can provide personalized care to help regulate hormones and improve mood stability.
- Stress - High stress depletes mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, making mood swings more likely. Finding healthy ways to manage stress through exercise, meditation, socializing, and seeking counseling can help.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions can cause chemical and structural brain changes leading to mood instability. Getting an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is key.
- Medications - Antidepressants, steroids, and other medications may trigger mood swings as side effects. Working closely with your doctor to monitor reactions and adjust dosages can help minimize swings.
- Substance abuse - The ups and downs of substance withdrawal and the biochemical effects of drugs and alcohol disrupt neurotransmitters, frequently causing severe mood instability. Professional treatment programs can guide recovery.
- Sleep disturbances - Insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality reduces cognitive function and impairs emotion regulation. Prioritizing healthy sleep hygiene helps maintain mood stability.
How are mood swings different from a mood disorder? While mood swings are common, more extreme episodes may indicate an underlying mood disorder like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Consult a mental health professional if mood swings are:
- Very frequent (multiple times a day)
- Very intense (cause significant distress or impairment)
- Long-lasting (more than a few hours or days)
- Include suicidal thoughts
- Worsen without relief
With an accurate diagnosis, conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar can be effectively managed through some combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication. The caring professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic can provide comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plans to help identify issues and improve mood stability long-term.
In summary, mood swings are sudden shifts in mood often caused by hormonal changes, high stress, medical conditions, medications, poor sleep, and substance abuse. While occasional mild mood swings are normal, more extreme or long-lasting episodes may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional treatment. Maintaining open communication with your doctor and mental health provider can help quickly identify mood instability and get you the support you need to regain emotional balance. With proper care, most causes of troublesome mood swings can be successfully managed for a happier, healthier life.