Mood Changes
Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Moods can vary from positive feelings like happiness and excitement to negative feelings like anger or sadness. Mood changes can occur for many reasons, both internal and external.
Some key reasons moods can change include:
- Hormone fluctuations: Hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or other medical conditions can trigger mood swings. Estrogen and progesterone seem to play a role.
- Stress: High stress levels from work, relationships, finances, or other factors can negatively impact mood. Stress hormones like cortisol may contribute.
- Lack of sleep: Not getting enough quality sleep prevents the brain from properly regulating emotions and can worsen mood. Most adults need 7-9 hours per night.
- Diet and nutrition: Low blood sugar, dehydration, poor diet, etc. can make people feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed. A healthy, balanced diet rich in complex carbs, protein, and veggies is best. Staying hydrated is also key.
- Medications: Some prescription drugs, herbal remedies, and even over-the-counter medicines can alter brain chemistry and affect mood regulation. Reading medication guides can help identify risks.
- Major life events: Big changes like moving, divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can understandably impact mood. Grief counseling or support groups can assist during adaptation.
When mood changes last for long periods or seem extreme given the situation, a doctor or mental health professional may need to assess for an underlying mood disorder like clinical depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, etc. Proper diagnosis is key, since treatments like therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication can improve symptoms when needed.
Everyone experiences ups and downs. But paying attention to mood patterns, identifying potential contributing factors, implementing healthy coping strategies, connecting with others, and seeking help during difficult times can go a long way toward creating more inner peace and contentment.
For professional assistance with hormone-related mood changes, consider consulting the experts at Vitality Clinic.