EBN- If you’ve ever felt angry or frustrated after moments of feeling happy or cheerful, you may have experienced a mood swing.
These sudden, dramatic changes in emotions may seem to happen for no apparent reason.
However, some common reasons may be responsible for this.
What causes mood swings
There are a number of health conditions and lifestyle choices that can cause women to experience severe mood swings. According to a report by healthline, these causes include:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that affect women one to two weeks before their period . In addition to mood changes, PMS can cause fatigue, appetite changes, depression, bloating, and more.
Most women (about 90%) experience symptoms similar to PMS. The severity of these symptoms can vary from month to month, and can get worse or better with age.
The reasons are still unclear, but researchers suspect that fluctuations in the hormone estrogen are the most likely culprit. Estrogen levels rise and fall sharply in the days and weeks leading up to your period, then stabilize a day or two after it starts. These fluctuations may affect mood and behavior.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more severe, rare type of PMS.
PMDD affects up to 5% of women of reproductive age. Symptoms include severe mood swings, severe depression, and other symptoms.
Lifestyle treatments alone are rarely enough to treat PMDD. Many women combine alternative therapies (such as stress management and diet changes) with medications to get relief from symptoms, including severe mood swings.
Stress
Stress and anxiety affect the body and health in a variety of unhealthy ways. One of these effects is mood swings. Frustration, anxiety, and a constant state of stress can lead to severe mood swings, in addition to other psychological problems.
Psychological causes
Mental and behavioral disorders can affect mood and cause symptoms such as mood swings. These disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, and others. Treating these conditions will likely relieve severe mood swings and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.
Estrogen may play a role in PMS-related mood changes, but other hormones may also be involved. A common hormonal condition that affects mood is hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones.
Puberty
Puberty is a period of emotional, physical and psychological changes in a girl’s life. Mood swings and unexplained emotional reactions may be common during this stage.
menopause
Menopause is a major transitional phase associated with mood changes. As estrogen levels drop, many women experience a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, and decreased libido.
Some doctors may prescribe hormone replacement medications to ease the transition into the low estrogen phase.
Pregnancy
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can lead to changes in emotions and mood.
In addition, pregnant women experience physical changes and emotional stress that may make moods more volatile.
How to treat severe mood swings
The following treatments focus on lifestyle changes or alternative therapies you can try at home, as well as other treatments that include prescription medications.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is good for your physical and mental health. It can also help treat or prevent mood swings. When you exercise, your body releases hormones that improve your mood and relieve stress. Try to exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
Avoid caffeine and sugar.
These stimulants and depressants can alter your normal state, making mood swings worse or causing them in the first place. Caffeine can reduce fatigue, but it can increase anxiety.
Sugary foods, although delicious, can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to mood changes. So try to cut back on these items to keep your mood stable.
Take calcium supplements
Studies suggest that calcium supplements may help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood swings associated with PMS. In one study, participants were given 500 milligrams of calcium daily for two months. Results showed significant improvement in symptoms.
Change diet
Instead of eating large meals three times a day, eating small meals throughout the day may be better for mood stability. Blood sugar fluctuations caused by large meals can cause mood changes.
Stress management
Stress and anxiety can make PMS symptoms worse. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help. Massage or psychotherapy sessions are also very helpful.
Improve sleep
Getting good sleep can improve a lot of things, including mood swings and irritability. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a day to avoid them.
