Mood changes - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is mood changes?

Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. We all experience ups and downs in mood - one minute we might feel happy and content, and the next we're irritated or sad. Mood can be impacted by both internal factors like hormones, diet, and sleep patterns, as well as external factors such as stress at work, family issues, or even the weather.

Common Causes

What are some common culprits behind mood swings?

• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can trigger mood shifts. This is especially common premenstrually, after childbirth, and during perimenopause.
• Stress - High stress depletes feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to moodiness.
• Poor diet - A nutritionally inadequate diet and blood sugar imbalances can negatively impact mood.
• Lack of sleep - Not getting enough zzz's disrupts hormones and neurochemistry.
• Medications - Some prescription meds list mood changes as a side effect.

Healthy Strategies

What can you do to stabilize an unpredictable mood?

• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
• Follow a balanced, nutritious diet with plenty of mood-friendly foods like fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, and high quality proteins.
• Get on a regular sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours per night.
• Exercise daily to boost feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters.
• Try supplements like magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3s.
• Balance hormones naturally - If hormonal swings seem to be the culprit, see a professional to explore diet and lifestyle changes, targeted nutraceuticals, or bioidentical hormone therapy. The experts at Hormone Harmony Clinic can provide cutting edge testing and personalized treatment plans to get your hormones and mood back on track!

When to Seek Help

If lifestyle measures aren't effective, it may be time to consult a professional:

• If mood issues are severe and persistent, causing problems in your relationships or ability to perform daily activities
• If mood changes happen very rapidly (over hours or days) between extreme highs and lows
• If mood shifts are new and you have no obvious explanation for them
• If you have had recent changes in medication

Mental health providers like psychologists and psychiatrists can help diagnose underlying issues behind stubborn mood problems, provide therapy, and prescribe medications if warranted. For hormonal causes, visit a knowledgeable hormone specialist like those at Hormone Harmony Clinic for testing and treatment. Don't resign yourself to the ups and downs - with some troubleshooting and expert care, you can smooth out the bumps and get back on a more even keel!