Mood swings hormonal

Are Your Changes in Mood Mental or Hormonal? Take Our Quiz

What does it mean when our moods get messy?

We’ve all been there. You succumb to a random crying jag on your otherwise cheery run. Or you snap at your significant other for being the no-biggie, usual-bit late. When your mood shifts dramatically, you might be wondering what’s up.

“We all have mood shifts at times, whether triggered by something real or perceived,” says Lauren Rigney, a Manhattan-based mental health counselor and coach.

Life’s usual mix of ups and downs can bring on a bout of irritability or heightened reactivity. And if that isn’t enough, Aunt Flo’s visitation schedule and the resulting flux in hormones can have an added impact on mood for us gals.

Recent stats show that around 90 percent of people who menstruate experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which could include feeling a bit emotionally topsy-turvy.

So how do we know if our pendulum of feelings is related to typical stress, our cycles, or a mood disorder we may need pro help navigating? And if our shifts in mood are affecting our lives, how can we have more control over this carnival ride?

1.

Do you regularly experience extreme highs and extreme lows?

On the hike of life, we all navigate peaks and valleys here and there and some stretches of steady terrain — you know, when things are kind of just ho-hum.

But constant emotional volatility could be a sign of something else.

If you’re altering your mood with substances like alcohol, the dramatic changes of a high or buzz followed by withdrawal or a hangover might lead to swings in your state of mind. Check your caffeine consumption, too. That late-afternoon cold brew could be the culprit.

A small indulgence in alcohol, especially during festivities, could modify your mood temporarily. But constant emotional volatility could be a sign of something else such as perimenopause.

If you’re in your 30s and 40s, there’s a chance it’s perimenopause. This stage begins several years before we actually stop menstruating, and we usually don’t realize it. Our estrogen levels can spike and dive a bit more sporadically during this time, causing fluctuations in mood.

Another more serious consideration, if your shifts in mood follow a pattern, is bipolar disorder (BP). This psychiatric disorder is characterized by extreme mood shifts.

In BP, an intensely elevated mood is called episodes of mania and may involve energetic or impulsive behavior which lasts at least a week.

It can last less if symptoms become so severe that the person must be hospitalized. A plummeted mood, or depression, may involve intense sadness or fatigue lasting at least 2 weeks.

2. Do you go through periods of sadness, irritability, anger, or anxiety that last longer than two weeks and aren’t related to a major life event?

Struggles or big changes, such as a breakup, divorce, job loss, move, and more, can toss us into a bit of a downward spiral. And grief over the death of a loved one — human or pet — can bring on a range of emotions.

Plus, we all just get a dose of the blues sometimes. We’re more vulnerable to a down-in-the-dumps frame of mind right before we get our periods. Hello, PMS.

Depression is also a commonly reported side effect of birth control pills.

Did you just start the pill or switch brands?

3. Are your shifts in mood harming your relationships?

If we have the rare snippy moment or just need our space, the people who love us understand and cut us some slack. And we do the same for them.

We all spin our wheels about our relationships occasionally, and a little DIY cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help get us out of a rut or decide on an appropriate course of action.

But long-term patterns could cause major relationship changes, and patterns may be a sign of a mood disorder. Any mood disorder can cause you to unwittingly withdraw from others.

Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), can cause similar behaviors. Some of the symptoms of BPD include alternating between idealizing and devaluing others, feeling angry without cause, and lashing out.

4. Are your shifts in mood impacting your job, schoolwork, or ability to function?

Work or school can be chaotic with meeting deadlines and even dealing with people’s BS. Tension can lead anyone to react in frustration, feel more sensitive to criticism, or need more time than usual to complete a to-do list.

You may just need a little help soldiering through stressful times, especially when you’re PM-essy. Try adaptogenic herbs to keep you calm and ward off moodiness.

But if you’re regularly struggling to get out of bed or complete everyday tasks, that’s a concern.

Feeling drained of energy before or during your period is common, but exhaustion throughout your cycle could be a symptom of a health condition such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Long-term and severe low energy could also be a sign of depression. Paralyzing periods of procrastination or worry about work performance could be a sign of anxiety.

“If you’re always down the second half of the month or are irritable right before you start a period, this could be associated with hormones,” says Dr. Daniel A. Skora, a reproductive endocrinologist with Fertility Specialists of Texas.

“If the mood swings are erratic and not able to be tied to a certain part of your cycle, it’s unlikely they’re tied to hormonal shifts.”

Tracking your shifts in mood can help you determine if they’re tied to your menstrual cycle.

If you suspect you need help with shifts in mood or other mental health conditions, consult a mental health professional.

Here’s the thing: If you don’t track your mood, it’s going to be really hard to pinpoint the cause. Plus, tracking how you feel can also help your therapist look for patterns to see if there’s a mental health cause behind those shifts in mood.

To track both menstrual and mental changes side by side, use a prediction-based app.

1. Clue

Clue is a period tracker, but you can also track things like emotions, energy level, pain, and cravings.

Based on your data, Clue will give you a 3-day forecast of how you might be feeling. That way you can be prepared for things that could set you off or just get a heads up on when to stock up on lavender bath bombs. You can even share certain info with a partner if that’s helpful to you.

2. Eve

Eve by Glow is another period tracker, and it offers up emojis for PMS monitoring. It’s simple and fun. It’ll even cheer on your sexual adventures if you log them — and not assume that you’re doing it with a dude.

In regard to your emotions, the app will remind you when your feelings might be more intense and that even if they’re all over the place, they still matter.

3. RealifeChange

RealifeChange acts as a mood tracker that doubles as an on-the-fly life coach. Plug in how you’re feeling at any given moment and you’ll get actionable help for decision-making and reducing stress and anxiety.

This type of tracking can be helpful when you feel like your emotions are in charge.

4. Daylio

Daylio is a mood tracker and mini mobile diary. Using just a few taps, you can log your moods, like when you’re feeling “fugly,” and your current activities.

You can then view a monthly chart of mood fluxes to determine if you’re experiencing frequent or extreme highs and lows. It can also alert you to certain triggers.

As you go about tracking your cycle or your emotions, remember that occasional changes in mood are normal. We all experience highs and lows, regardless of gender, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

One hour you might be laughing with your coworker, and the next you might be irrationally mad at your roomie for eating the leftovers you were looking forward to snarfing at the end of a long day.

But if changes in mood and reactivity are leaving you feeling wrecked, it’s time to talk to someone.

“Mood swings, whatever the cause, can have negative effects on your life,” Rigney says. “Talking through this with a professional can help you recognize when it happens, why it happens, and what strategies to use so you can work through it in a more productive way.”

Jennifer Chesak is a Nashville-based freelance book editor and writing instructor. She’s also an adventure travel, fitness, and health writer for several national publications. She earned her Master of Science in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill and is working on her first fiction novel, set in her native state of North Dakota.

Are Your Changes in Mood Mental or Hormonal? Take Our Quiz

What does it mean when our moods get messy?

“We all have mood shifts at times, whether triggered by something real or perceived,” says Lauren Rigney, a Manhattan-based mental health counselor and coach.

Recent stats show that around 90 percent of people who menstruate experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which could include feeling a bit emotionally topsy-turvy.

1. Do you regularly experience extreme highs and extreme lows?

On the hike of life, we all navigate peaks and valleys here and there and some stretches of steady terrain — you know, when things are kind of just ho-hum.

But constant emotional volatility could be a sign of something else.

A small indulgence in alcohol, especially during festivities, could modify your mood temporarily. But constant emotional volatility could be a sign of something else such as perimenopause.

Another more serious consideration, if your shifts in mood follow a pattern, is bipolar disorder (BP). This psychiatric disorder is characterized by extreme mood shifts.

In BP, an intensely elevated mood is called episodes of mania and may involve energetic or impulsive behavior which lasts at least a week.

It can last less if symptoms become so severe that the person must be hospitalized. A plummeted mood, or depression, may involve intense sadness or fatigue lasting at least 2 weeks.

2. Do you go through periods of sadness, irritability, anger, or anxiety that last longer than two weeks and aren’t related to a major life event?

Plus, we all just get a dose of the blues sometimes. We’re more vulnerable to a down-in-the-dumps frame of mind right before we get our periods. Hello, PMS.

Depression is also a commonly reported side effect of birth control pills.

Did you just start the pill or switch brands?

3. Are your shifts in mood harming your relationships?

If we have the rare snippy moment or just need our space, the people who love us understand and cut us some slack. And we do the same for them.

We all spin our wheels about our relationships occasionally, and a little DIY cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help get us out of a rut or decide on an appropriate course of action.

But long-term patterns could cause major relationship changes, and patterns may be a sign of a mood disorder. Any mood disorder can cause you to unwittingly withdraw from others.

4. Are your shifts in mood impacting your job, schoolwork, or ability to function?

You may just need a little help soldiering through stressful times, especially when you’re PM-essy. Try adaptogenic herbs to keep you calm and ward off moodiness.

But if you’re regularly struggling to get out of bed or complete everyday tasks, that’s a concern.

Long-term and severe low energy could also be a sign of depression. Paralyzing periods of procrastination or worry about work performance could be a sign of anxiety.

“If the mood swings are erratic and not able to be tied to a certain part of your cycle, it’s unlikely they’re tied to hormonal shifts.”

Tracking your shifts in mood can help you determine if they’re tied to your menstrual cycle.

If you suspect you need help with shifts in mood or other mental health conditions, consult a mental health professional.

To track both menstrual and mental changes side by side, use a prediction-based app.

1. Clue

Clue is a period tracker, but you can also track things like emotions, energy level, pain, and cravings.

2. Eve

In regard to your emotions, the app will remind you when your feelings might be more intense and that even if they’re all over the place, they still matter.

3. RealifeChange

This type of tracking can be helpful when you feel like your emotions are in charge.

4. Daylio

Daylio is a mood tracker and mini mobile diary. Using just a few taps, you can log your moods, like when you’re feeling “fugly,” and your current activities.

You can then view a monthly chart of mood fluxes to determine if you’re experiencing frequent or extreme highs and lows. It can also alert you to certain triggers.

One hour you might be laughing with your coworker, and the next you might be irrationally mad at your roomie for eating the leftovers you were looking forward to snarfing at the end of a long day.

But if changes in mood and reactivity are leaving you feeling wrecked, it’s time to talk to someone.

Hormones and bad mood: how to avoid depression

March 31, 2021 13:02

Which hormone deficiency or excess can cause irritability and bad mood? How to cope with such conditions, and how to avoid depression? How exactly does hormone levels affect human behavior? These and other questions were answered by Dr. Sergei Agapkin, as well as endocrinologist Galina Melnichenko, on the air of the Russia 1 channel.

People push in the queues, they are rude on the road, they are rude in shops... What is it: spring exacerbation or bad education? "For many people, bad mood, aggression and irritability can actually be associated with hormonal disorders," says Dr. Sergei Agapkin. How do hormones affect the brain and what to do about it? Answers - on the air of the channel "Russia 1".

Svetlana Korableva (58 years old) came to the broadcasting studio, who is not at all happy with this spring. For several months she has been struggling with a constant feeling of irritability. This condition negatively affects relations with her husband and daughter. She seriously fears for the future of her family: constant quarrels have so heated the situation that the matter may end in divorce. What can cause irritability and mood swings?

Svetlana, who works as a director of a travel company, decided to turn to specialists. She had already tried taking sedatives, but it didn't help. The woman believes that menopause is to blame. Galina Melnichenko, an endocrinologist, doctor of medical sciences, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, decided to help her understand the problem.

"We have before us a very beautiful woman in excellent shape, who can hardly be called very young. Svetlana said that menopause had begun. Just as once in adolescence our hormones influenced our behavior and reactions - in the same way, the departure of these sex hormones will influence our mood," she said.

She also says that certain thyroid disorders are more likely to occur with age. In particular, among women who hold responsible positions and make important decisions, one of the most common is diffuse toxic goiter.

Changes in the level of which hormones can affect the human psyche?

Deficiency of thyroxin. Usually it is evidenced by overweight, apathy, swelling and confusion. But an excess of thyroxine disrupts the activity of the nervous system, and people become extremely irritable.
Deficiency of sex hormones. This is a complex biologically determined process that causes many problems: severe hot flashes, sleep disturbances, increased urination ... If the deficiency of sex hormones confirms the FSH analysis, then we are really talking about menopause. In this case, if there are no contraindications and concomitant diseases, the patient may be offered hormone replacement therapy, which will help resolve many issues.
Excess norepinephrine and adrenaline. These hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and are responsible for the redistribution of blood in the body. Their value grows with a tumor of the adrenal glands, which can also manifest itself in irritability, anxiety and aggression.
Oxytocin deficiency. The lack of a hormone that enhances labor activity can negatively affect the mood of the mother. But an excess of oxytocin helps to return a friendly mood, but at the same time, according to recent research, there is a risk of becoming too gullible.

Galina Melnichenko also clarified: you need not just to know the level of your hormones, but be sure to contact a specialist for a competent interpretation of the test results, so as not to fall into the trap of a statistical error.

medicine health Sergey Agapkin mood Russia 1 society news hormones

Mood swings in women, disorders

Contents

Symptoms of mood swings
Types of mood swings
Causes of mood swings in women
- What causes mood swings and mood swings in women
Mood swings and cycles
- Treatment of mood swings in women

Women's frequent mood swings are both a joke and a cause for concern. And mood swings often indicate violations in the functioning of body systems. They bring a lot of inconvenience to a woman's life: emotional instability does not allow her to reasonably cope with stress, does not make it possible to make the right impression on relatives, colleagues, partners. Mood swings should not be ignored - this is fraught with a deterioration in these manifestations, and is also dangerous to health. After all, we can talk about a serious hormonal imbalance or the presence of a mental disorder.

Men can also suffer from mood swings - from aggression to apathy, from joy to sadness - but, oddly enough, the representatives of the stronger sex are less prone to emotional swings.

In this material, we talk about how frequent mood swings can manifest themselves, what causes them, how to competently approach diagnostic issues, and how we, doctors at the Marina Ryabus clinic, help patients cope with this problem. An expert commentary on the material is given by a gynecologist Ekaterina Nikolaevna Kozlova.

Gynecologist, oncologist, surgeon

Mood swings in women can be observed at different age periods and, as a rule, in addition to external factors, hormonal levels are of great importance. During periods of greatest hormonal changes, such as puberty, postpartum or premenopausal, these drops are observed more often. It is important that a woman does not accept this as the norm, but turns to a gynecologist who would help her with the selection of corrective therapy. In one case, this may be a recommendation of a behavioral nature (sleep and wakefulness, nutrition, physical activity), in the other, the appointment of supplementation therapy or hormonal drugs. Quite often, in young active women, a bad mood is accompanied by a feeling of constant fatigue, despite a good rest. This is an alarming symptom of chronic stress, which leads to "exhaustion" of the adrenal glands and long rehabilitation therapy.

Symptoms of mood swings

The main sign of mood swings is an inadequate response to circumstances. In other words, a situation in which a calm person would act rationally will cause an inadequately intense or, conversely, passive reaction in a person with sharp mood swings. Emotional instability is manifested by:

decrease in concentration;
appetite disorders;
tearfulness;
hysteria;
drowsiness;
sleep disorders, insomnia;
nervousness;
lethargy;
performance degradation.

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Types of mood swings

Globally, mood swings are usually divided into:

cyclothymic - affective disorders associated with a sharp transition from high spirits to apathy;
depressive - chronic mood disorders associated with illness, medication, hormonal levels, etc.;
bipolar - constant mood swings, from a depressive state to inspiration on the verge of euphoria.

Cyclothymic disorders include two types of disorders - hypothymic and hyperthymic manifestations. In the first case, we are talking about situations of apathy, depression, uncertainty, dissatisfaction. In the second - about cases of increased activity, strong excitability, a small amount of sleep, etc. The essence of cyclothymic disorders is the inevitable cyclical transition from one state to another.

Depressive states are temporary, due to external causes associated with changes in hormonal levels, trauma. Depression can develop while taking medications. The hallmarks of depressive mood swings are feelings of being overwhelmed, empty, insecure, and unwilling to do anything. In other words, the patient loses the taste for life.

Bipolar disorders are conditions in which a person abruptly changes from a period of activity and creation to a period of apathy and unwillingness to do anything.

The types of mood disorders listed above are typical for both women and men. In this material, we will pay attention to the fair sex.

RYABUS MARINA VLADIMIROVNA

Chief physician, cosmetologist

Consultation: 5500 rubles

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KOZLOVA EKATERINA NIKOLAEVNA

Gynecologist-endocrinologist

Consultation : 6000 rub

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OZTYURK IZEL ALIEVNA

Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, trichologist

Consultation: 4500 rub

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GUSEINOVA ELVIRA ELMANOVNA

Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, trichologist

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Tatyana Strigunova

Nurse

Nadezhda Belova

Nurse

Causes of mood swings in women

What causes changes in mood and state in women

it was precisely the cause of a shaky mood, excessive emotionality, or, conversely, a sudden cold equanimity. Sometimes Mood Swings Cause stress - the accumulated stress results in depression and apathy; situational stress can provoke aggression or other format of violent reaction. Stressful situations are sometimes perceived by a woman as the primary source of mood problems. But not all women can understand that they are really stressed. They complain about their well-being and condition, while arguing that everything is in order in their life and where these “swings” of mood come from is unknown.

Emotional instability is inherent in women from thyroid disease . Their specificity causes instability of the psyche, often causes lethargy, low concentration, drowsiness.

Hormonal imbalance in general is the basis for emotional surges. That is why instability is characteristic of girls in their teens, pregnant and lactating women, women in menopause. A change in the hormonal background during ovulation and before menstruation also provokes increased emotionality and sensitivity (by the way, physical too. That is why we do not recommend patients with hypersensitivity to undergo cosmetic procedures on the days of ovulation and menstruation). HRT (hormone replacement therapy), chosen incorrectly, also has a negative effect on a woman's balance.

Mood swings can be provoked by taking hormonal oral contraceptives - at the stage of drug selection or with prolonged use of an unsuitable drug.

Irregular or insufficient sex life can also affect a woman's mental and emotional state. In addition, rare sex is a risk factor for the development of many gynecological diseases.

Everyone knows that bad habits (alcohol, smoking, drug use) “shatter” the psyche, disrupting neural connections, putting an excessive burden on the nervous system, liver, and heart. As a result, anxiety, suspiciousness, panic states and other unpleasant manifestations.

Lack of physical activity, lack of sleep, high mental load - these factors also provoke instability of emotions.

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Mood swings and cycles

Treatment of mood swings in women

To treat mood swings in women at different ages, you need to understand what exactly to treat, and this requires detailed diagnostics. Arriving at an appointment at the Marina Ryabus clinic, the patient talks with a doctor - a gynecologist, an endocrinologist, the doctor collects an anamnesis, conducts an examination, ultrasound and other studies. Tests are prescribed, which you can take right at our clinic. We work with trusted laboratories, the best in Moscow, in terms of expertise level of diagnostics. According to the results of research in the body, violations, imbalances, pathologies are revealed. Treatment is prescribed based on the age of the patient, her reproductive plans, concomitant diseases.

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