Mood swings refers to a sudden change in a person's mood. It was the
incidence of sudden, unexpected changes in behavior. During these
episodes, the emotional state affected individuals may alternate between
periods of happiness and depression. Whereas a sudden change in mood
could be in response to an event or any situation that individuals may
encounter, changes in mood can sometimes occur for no apparent reason.
Certain medical conditions can also put a person at increased risk of
certain mood disorders. Depression and seasonal affective disorder is a
mood disorder that some can cause mood swings. Research has shown that
the occurrence of mood swings higher in women than men.
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| Changes in Mood in Women |
Why Women Experiencing Change Mood?
Women are more likely to experience some kind of dramatic mood swings
due to the hormonal changes that occur during their reproductive years.
Menstruation
Puberty in girls is marked with menstruation. Body changes that occur
can cause mood swings in young girls. After getting the first period,
their bodies undergo a series of changes. Menstruation and thickening of
the endometrial lining is cyclical changes that occur every month
because of the interaction between the hormone. Repetitive cycle called
the menstrual cycle, and usually lasts between 28 to 35 days. Young
girls or women may experience mood swings because of Premenstrual
Syndrome (PMS). PMS is characterized by a group of physical and
emotional symptoms that may appear before the period starts.
Gestation
Although pregnancy brings joy and excitement, women tend to be emotional
for a variety of body changes that occur during this period. Women may
feel stressed because of morning sickness, fatigue, weight loss, and a
variety of other changes that are part of the pregnancy. Often, women
worried and confused about how their lives can change drastically after
pregnancy. Changes in hormone levels after pregnancy can also make them
vulnerable to postpartum depression. Sadness, anxiety, poor
concentration, and sleep-related problems are some of the symptoms of
this condition. Postpartum psychosis is a form of depression that is
rare, but severe where women are exposed to harm herself or her baby.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Menopause refers to the cessation of menstruation. A woman is said to
have reached menopause, if she does not have a period of one year.
Perimenopause is the transition that precedes menopause. Usually women
reach menopause after age 50, but the transition period could begin in
mid to late 40s. A number of symptoms may be experienced by women during
perimenopause. Before stopped menstruating entirely, women experience
changes in their menstrual cycle due to the drop in estrogen levels. In
addition to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, they also experience
symptoms of physical and emotional changes. Hot flashes, night sweats,
sleep problems, bladder problems, vaginal dryness, irritability,
anxiety, and mood swings are some of the symptoms that may be
experienced by women during this period. While the hormonal changes are
responsible for these symptoms, physical discomfort experienced by women
during this time can cause stress which in turn can lead to dramatic
changes in their mood.
Chemical imbalance
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are released by the brain. These
are chemical messengers that are responsible for the modulation our mood
and emotional responses. The imbalance in the levels of
neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), serotonin, dopamine and can cause mood swings and other mood
disorders. Genetic predisposition, prolonged stress, exposure to
environmental toxins, long-term use of certain drugs, substance abuse,
and alcohol abuse are some of the main causes of this imbalance.
Stress
Prolonged stress makes a person vulnerable to various health problems.
There are several factors that can cause stress. Stress may be triggered
by problems at work, financial problems, emotional problems, marital
problems, health problems, and failed relationships. If the stress is
not resolved soon, the affected individuals are prone to episodes of
depression or mood swings.
Medical Condition
Mood swings can be a symptom of mental illness. Often, uncontrollable
and violent mood swings could be a sign of bipolar disorder. Seasonal
affective disorder and depression are other mental illnesses that can
cause dramatic changes in mood. While depression is characterized by
feelings of hopelessness and sadness is prolonged, bipolar depression is
characterized by periods of mania / hypomania or depression. Bipolar
disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme shifts in mood.
Meanwhile, affected individuals may feel very energetic during hypomanic
episode, impulsive and erratic behavior were observed during a manic
episode. Manic episodes and depressive episodes can be separated by a
period in which individuals may appear to be normal. These episodes may
be triggered by certain life events. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
is a type of depression that occurs as the change of seasons. Mood
swings, anxiety, irritability, low energy levels and poor concentration
are some of the symptoms appear.
How to Handle Change Mood?
Therapy
Mood swings are frequent and can inhibit the excessive personal life and
professional career women. To treat this condition, it is important
that he learns to control himself. This is best done with therapy such
as cognitive therapy, literary therapy, or behavioral therapy. If the
cause is hormonal imbalance, hormone replacement therapy may be
recommended.
Alternative Treatments and Therapies
Aromatherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture or acupressure can help a lot
in treating stress. Practicing yoga, breathing exercises and meditation
are also prove beneficial.
Lifestyle Changes
Following a healthy lifestyle would not only prove beneficial in the
treatment of mood swings, but also in improving the physical and
emotional health. The affected individuals should follow a healthy diet
that provides the body with the nutrients it needs. Follow a regular
exercise regimen. Avoid smoking and refrain from excessive alcohol
consumption.
Mood swings can be easily handled, if the cause or trigger a rapid mood
shifts have been identified. Drug therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy
and lifestyle modifications can be reached in resolving the mood
disorder. The importance of support from family members and friends can
be stressed enough. Support from family certainly can help women cope
better with the mood changes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely to
educate the reader. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of
a medical expert.
