Mood swings are changes in the emotional state experienced by males and females. They are a normal part of life, like stress, anxiety, etc. However, if left untreated, mood swings can result in depression which can affect an individual’s relationship, work-life, and health.

According to studies, women are more likely to experience mood swings than men due to hormonal changes. If you often experience spells of unexplainable mood swings and are in dire need of answers on the causes, you have come to the right place. In this post, we will look at the causes of mood swings in women and effective treatments.

What is Mood Swing?

We have all experienced it. The unexplainable and quick change in emotion and the sadness that ensues. Mood swing, as it is called, is a rapid or intense change in an emotional state. When someone experiences mood swings, they quickly change from feeling happy and optimistic to feeling depressed, cranky, or upset.

Like other medical conditions, mood swings are triggered by some factors. Below, we have highlighted some of the causes of mood swings in women

1. Stress

Stress is associated with multiple medical conditions like headache, chest pain, fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, and mood swings. When you subject yourself to excessive stress, the result is usually frustration and worry, both of which can result in severe changes in mood, including other psychological problems.

2. Psychiatric Causes

In addition to stress, another culprit of mood swings in women is psychological disorders and behavioral conditions. These medical conditions can affect disposition and cause symptoms like mood swings.

Common examples of physiological disorders are attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, etc. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, consider seeking treatment from your doctor. Doing so will ease the symptoms of severe mood swings, including other associated symptoms.

3. Hormone Imbalance

The body is made up of many hormones that serve as chemical messengers. Like estrogen and progesterone, some of these hormones play a crucial role in PMS-related mood swings. Plus, disorders like hypothyroidism—a condition where the thyroid gland produces fewer hormones— are also associated with shifts in mood. Ensure you get a hormone test to determine your hormone levels. When you know your hormone levels, it becomes easy to determine if it’s the reason for your health condition.

4. Puberty

Puberty comes with lots of psychological, emotional, and physical changes in a child’s life. During this phase, mood swings and unexplainable emotional reactions are often common. If your daughter is exhibiting unexplainable reactions, you can support her by:

• Remaining claim and listening to her
• Helping her understand her mood and what she might be passing through
• Giving her space to process her feelings
• Determine how to lighten up her mood

If the mood swing becomes severe, ensure you contact a doctor on what to do.

5. Some Medications

It is illogical to think that medications designed to make us feel better are sometimes the cause of our woes. Regardless of how strange that is, it is the truth.

Conditions like mood swings are sometimes a result of the side effects of medications. Steroids like prednisone and dexamethasone can cause a shift in mood when taken in excess. High-dose of these medications can result in sleeping difficulties, worsening your mood swing.

6. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body undergoes different physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. Changes in your hormones often contribute to changes in emotions and mood. The same goes for physical changes. Furthermore, emotional stress that comes with pregnancy can also worsen your mood changes. Getting enough rest and sleep and prioritizing self-care will help alleviate mood changes. Contact your doctor if things get out of hand.

7. Menopause

Like puberty, women often go through mood swings during menopause. As estrogen levels reduce, many women experience several symptoms, such as changes in mood, hot flashes, insomnia, and low libido. If your mood swings result from low estrogen levels (during menopause), your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement drugs to help you get used to the low-estrogen phase of life.

When should you see a Doctor?

Some mood swings are mild, while others are severe. While it may be possible to cope with mild mood swings, you may find it difficult to do the same with severe mood swings.

Contact your doctor if you discover that your mood shift is interfering with your day or you think they are becoming more severe and troublesome. While many of the underlying causes for mood shifts can be easily determined and treated, some may need extra treatment like prescription medication.

Treatment of Mood Swings

Mood swings in women can be treated by:

• Engaging in regular exercises
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and sugar
• Taking calcium supplements
• Changing diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Practicing stress management

Conclusion

If left unattended, mood swings can affect your quality of life. While mood swings are a normal part of life, you should adopt the necessary measures to avoid and tackle them. Stay away from things that trigger mood swings, and ensure you contact your doctor if your mood swings are becoming frequent and severe.