What are mood swings?
Mood swings are intense and sudden shifts in emotion that can go from feeling perfectly fine one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritated, or anxious the next. We all experience minor mood changes from time to time, but true mood swings typically seem to come out of nowhere.
Some key things to know about mood swings:
- They involve intense emotions that seem disproportionate to the situation. A small annoyance may spark severe irritability.
- They represent a rapid shift in emotions rather than subtle or gradual changes. Your mood may flip instantly.
- The new mood state generally lasts for a short while before switching again. The duration varies.
- Frequency can range from occasional to multiple times a day (variable frequency).
- They can interfere with work, relationships and overall well-being. In severe cases, mood swings can indicate an underlying disorder.
What causes mood swings?
Mood swings have a variety of potential causes, including:
- Hormonal shifts - Menstrual cycles, menopause, postpartum changes, etc. Our hormones impact neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
- Medications - Antidepressants, steroids, and other meds can trigger changes.
- Sleep issues - Lack of quality sleep disrupts normal functioning.
- Stress - High stress exhausts our resources to manage emotions.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, dementia, etc.
- Mental health disorders - Depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other conditions characterized by mood swings.
If you feel your mood swings are beyond your control, discuss them with your doctor. At Vital Hormones Clinic, we specialize in identifying hormonal imbalances that may contribute to mood issues. Our comprehensive testing analyzes your thyroid, adrenal glands, sex hormones, and nutrients vital to mood regulation. Based on test results, our physicians create targeted treatment plans combining bioidentical hormones, supplements, diet and lifestyle changes tailored to restore balance to your system and stabilize your moods. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Regaining your emotional equilibrium is possible!