What are mood swings?
Mood swings are sudden, unexpected shifts in mood that can go from feeling positive and upbeat one moment to feeling sad, irritable, or angry the next. Most people experience minor mood swings from time to time. However, more severe or frequent mood swings may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
What causes mood swings?
There are a few potential causes of mood swings including:
- Hormonal fluctuations - Changes in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can impact mood regulation. Hormone imbalances may occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Consult with the hormone experts at Hormone Health Center if you think hormonal issues may be causing your mood swings.
- Stress - High stress levels can trigger mood swings by raising cortisol and activating the body's fight-or-flight response. Things like work pressures, financial issues, or relationship conflicts can negatively impact mood.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, substance withdrawal, seizures, and brain injuries have all been linked to mood instability.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs, supplements, and recreational substances can provoke emotional highs and lows as side effects.
- Sleep disturbances - Lack of quality sleep prevents emotional regulation and can lead to irrational or dramatic shifts in mood and temperament.
How can you manage mood swings?
While the occasional mood swing is normal, frequent or extreme fluctuations may require lifestyle changes or professional treatment such as:
- Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, counseling
- Improving sleep habits and allowing 7-9 hours per night
- Avoiding mood-altering substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine
- Meeting with a doctor or mental health professional for therapy or medication
- Tracking moods in a journal to identify triggers and patterns
By understanding the common causes and implementing some coping strategies, most people can keep mood swings under control or prevent them from occurring. Reach out to a doctor or mental health provider right away if mood swings start severely impacting work, relationships, or quality of life. With the right support, mood stability is often achievable.