What is mood swings?

A mood swing is an extreme or rapid change in mood. Such mood swings can play a positive part in developing problem solving and in producing flexible forward planning.

Causes of mood swings in females

Hormonal shifts can lead to significant changes in mood. Females bend to be more prone to symptoms of hormonal changes than males, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Common causes of mood swings in females include:

Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS)

PMS causes many symptoms just before the onset of a menstrual period. These include:

• mood swings

• bloating

• breast tenderness

• depression

• fatigue

• food cravings

More than 90% of women report experiencing some PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

PMDD is a more severe form of PMS. It affects up to 5% of women of childbearing age. It often co-occurs with depression or anxiety.

Symptoms include extreme changes in mood, persistent irritability or anger, and depression or anxiety. It also causes physical symptoms that are similar to those of PMS.

Mood swings in pregnancy

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can cause sudden shifts in mood, as well as feelings of anxiety and vulnerability. Physical changes may also influence a woman’s emotions.

These mood changes may be more apparent during the first trimester and level off once the body has adapted to fluctuating hormone levels. However, some women will experience mood swings throughout their pregnancy.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural life transition where a person’s menstrual cycles end. It typically happens to women in North America between the ages of 40 and 58, but the average age is 51.

According to the North American Menopause Society, up to 23% of women experience mood changes during or after menopause. Other symptoms include hot flashes, sleep problems, and loss of libido.

Treatment

Treatment is not typically necessary for occasional mood swings that are mild to moderate and do not impact a person’s quality of life.

However, if severe or persistent mood swings occur, they can indicate an underlying condition that may benefit from treatment. The treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Options include:

Psychotherapy

If mood swings result from a mental health condition, therapy may help, especially if changes in mood impact everyday life or relationships. Therapy can help people:

• better manage their emotions

• work on issues that contribute to mood swings

• understand the link between thoughts, feelings, affection,and behavior

• learn more helpful coping skills

• improve communication skills, which can benefit relationships

Therapy can also help those with a chronic or terminal physical illness deal with their situation and better manage their emotions.

Medication

A doctor may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as depression or schizophrenia, which can contribute to mood swings. These options include:

• antianxiety medications

• antidepressants

• antipsychotic drugs

• sleep aids

Treating physical conditions, such as a thyroid disorder, with medication may also reduce mood swings.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes, whether alone or in combination with other treatments, can improve mood. People may see benefits from doing one or more of the following:

• creating a sleep schedule and aiming for 6–9 hours’ sleep every night

• eating a hygiene diet and having meals at regular times

• engaging in regular physical activity

• managing stress through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or other sessions

• keeping a journal to track changes in mood and potential triggers for those changes

• maintaining an active social life and connecting with family and friends regularly

When to see a doctor

Individuals should see their doctor if their mood swings are:

• regular

• intense

• persistent (lasting for more than a few days)

• affecting their work, relationships, or other aspects of their life

• causing them to engage in risky behaviors

• causing them to have thoughts of self-harm or suicide

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