mood swings
What is a Mood Swing?
A mood swing is something most of us are familiar with – a sudden or intense change to emotional state that can happen quickly or without much warning.
Mood swings and emotional changes are some of the most experienced symptoms during menopause. Often triggered by hormonal fluctuations – particularly a drop in oestrogen levels – which can impact neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to emotional sensitivity, irritability, and mood changes.
Can Menopause
Cause Mood Swings?
Yes, menopause can impact mood and emotions due to fluctuating hormone levels. Oestrogen helps regulate various neurotransmitters including serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood. As oestrogen declines, serotonin levels may drop or fluctuate, leading to mood swings, emotional changes, and even mild anxiety. The emotional effects of menopause can vary, but understanding the connection between menopause and mood can help in managing these changes.
How Does Menopause Affect You Emotionally?
Emotional changes during menopause can vary, with some women experiencing heightened sensitivity, mood swings, or mild anxiety. Sleep disturbances, hot flushes, and other physical symptoms of menopause can also impact emotional health, contributing to mental and physical stress.
How Long Do Mood Swings Last in Menopause?
It varies – some women experience mood instability for just a few years, while others may deal with it for up to a decade. Mood swings can begin in perimenopause and continue into post menopause, depending on factors like lifestyle, genetics, and hormonal balance. But do mood swings stop after menopause? For many women, they improve as hormones stabilise, though emotional health can still be influenced by other factors affecting overall wellbeing.
When do Hot Flushes
Stop?
Hot flushes can vary quite a lot in how long they last and how often they’re experienced. A single hot flush can pass quickly after just 30 seconds or persist for ten minutes or more in some cases.
For many women, hot flushes can start during perimenopause. Some research has shown that hot flushes last for around seven years on average, and some women may experience them for 11 years or more and can be experienced in postmenopause.
Tips for Managing Mood Swings
Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in balancing menopause mood symptoms.
Regular physical activity helps boost endorphins and improve mood, while mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can promote relaxation.
Eating a balanced diet rich in omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins supports emotional wellbeing, and prioritising quality sleep is particularly important for maintaining stable moods.
Menopause Mood Supplements
Natural remedies, such as certain herbal supplements, can help support emotional balance during menopause.
Red Clover Isoflavones Extract– Found in Promensil Menopause Double Strength are phytoestrogens that mimic the actions of oestrogen in the body to help support healthy mood balance in post-menopausal women.
Siberian Rhubarb Extract (ERr 731®) –also has a phytoestrogenic effect and has been clinically shown to relieve menopause-related mood symptoms.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
What You Might be Wondering?
What hormone levels change during menopause?
During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate significantly, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which affect various bodily functions, including mood and metabolism. As oestrogen levels decline, other hormones, such as testosterone and cortisol, may also be affected, influencing everything from energy levels to emotional wellbeing.
Can menopause cause mood swings?
Yes, menopause can cause mood swings due to changes in hormone levels. The drop in oestrogen can reduce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, leading to increased emotional fluctuations. Many women experience periods of irritability, moodiness, or mild anxiety as their hormones adjust.
Do mood swings stop after menopause?
Mood swings can begin during perimenopause and last into postmenopause. While some women notice mood instability for just a few years, others may experience symptoms up to a decade. The duration and severity vary based on a number of factors including hormone levels, genetics, and lifestyle.
Does menopause make you more emotional?
Yes, menopause can make you feel more emotional due to hormonal changes affecting the brain’s neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. These fluctuations may lead to heightened sensitivity, irritability, or changes in mood, making emotions feel more intense than usual.
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Hot Flushes
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Hot Flushes
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Mild Anxiety