Mood swings

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. They typically last for a few hours up to a few days.

While brief periods of moodiness are normal, ongoing intense mood swings may be a sign of an underlying condition like:

• Depression


• Bipolar disorder


• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)


• Menopause

What causes mood swings?

Mood swings can be caused by everyday stressors and events. But they may also result from hormonal fluctuations related to:

• Menstrual cycles - It's common for women to experience moodiness before their period when estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). More severe mood swings before a period could signify PMDD.


• Pregnancy - Hormone changes during pregnancy can trigger mood swings, especially in the first and third trimesters as hormones rapidly rise and fall.


• Perimenopause and menopause - Declining estrogen levels often trigger mood swings in women approaching menopause. This phase can last four years or more.

Hormone imbalances not related to normal reproductive events may also undermine consistent moods. For example, thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, and testosterone imbalances in both men and women can manifest in emotional ups and downs. Lifestyle factors like poor diet, sleep issues, chronic stress, and certain medications may worsen hormone-induced mood instability too.

If you're experiencing intense, unexplained, or difficult-to-control mood swings, consult your doctor or make an appointment with hormone health specialists like Renew Hormone Institute. Their comprehensive lab testing identifies underlying hormone imbalances. Customized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormones, targeted lifestyle changes, and evidence-based solutions can then holistically restore hormone balance and steady your moods.

Managing mood swings

Making lifestyle modifications is usually the first line of defense against problematic mood swings:

• Eat a nutritious whole foods diet


• Prioritize regular exercise


• Reduce stress through yoga, meditation


• Get enough quality sleep every night


• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs

Tracking your moods and related factors in a journal can also help you identify triggers to avoid and personalized coping strategies.

For some, additional professional support may be needed in the form of counseling or prescription medications. Hormone therapy specifically tailored to identifiable deficiencies may also help stabilize mood. Renew Hormone Institute expert physicians develop customized plans with bioidentical hormones, nutrients, and lifestyle changes to holistically rebalance your body and mind.

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