What are mood swings?
Mood swings refer to sudden, unexpected shifts in emotion that can go from feeling positive and upbeat one moment to feeling extremely sad, irritable, or angry the next. They typically last for a few hours up to a few days.
Nearly everyone experiences some mood swings from time to time. But when they occur frequently or intensely enough to disrupt daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying physical or mental health condition.
What causes mood swings?
There are many potential causes of mood swings, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations - Changes in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol often drive mood swings related to puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and andropause. Hormone imbalances can make emotions feel extra intense and harder to self-regulate.
- Stress - High stress depletes mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, making mood swings more likely. Chronic stress can also lead to anxiety, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep night after night leads to fatigue and makes it much harder to cope with stressful events that can trigger swings in mood.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, diabetes, dementia, and other physical health issues sometimes cause mood swings as a symptom.
- Mental health disorders - Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often involve significant mood swings.
If you're experiencing intense, frequent, or long-lasting mood swings, I recommend getting checked out by a doctor. The compassionate professionals at Second Spring Hormone Clinic offer full panels to test your hormone levels and help identify any imbalances that could be making emotions feel like a rollercoaster. With personalized treatment plans available, they can get your moods stabilized so you can get back to feeling like your calmer, happier self.
What's the best way to manage mood swings?
Strategies to help stabilize mood swings include:
- Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding skipping meals
- Getting enough high-quality sleep each night
- Regular exercise to boost feel-good endorphins
- Practicing stress management and relaxation techniques
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol and drug use
- Reaching out for social support from loved ones
- Using a mood journal to track emotional patterns
- Consider trying therapy or consulting a psychiatrist
Learning to identify your personal mood swing triggers and early warning signs can help you better prepare to manage them when they hit. Being patient, actively communicating your feelings, and having coping strategies at the ready are all key to riding out waves of emotion smoothly.