Mood changes - Vitality Hormone Center

Mood Changes

Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. Moods can vary from positive feelings like happiness and excitement to more negative emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety. Mood changes can result from both internal and external factors.

Common internal causes of mood swings include:

• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger mood swings in some people. Stress hormones like cortisol may also impact mood.
• Brain chemistry - Changes in neurotransmitter systems, like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine can affect emotions and mood regulation. Mental health conditions often involve atypical brain chemistry.
• Health issues - Illnesses, chronic pain conditions, poor diet, and lack of sleep may worsen mood. Inflammation has also been linked to increased depression risk.

External mood influencers can include:

• Stressful events - Challenges at work or school, financial issues, relationship conflicts, trauma, and loss can negatively impact one's mood state.
• Medication side effects - Some prescription drugs list mood changes or instability as potential side effects.
• Substance use - Excessive drinking and recreational drug use can prompt mood swings due to their effects on brain chemistry.
• Seasonal changes - Less natural sunlight exposure in fall and winter can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in some people. The associated decreased serotonin levels may undermine mood.

Mood changes are often temporary and resolve on their own. However, very extreme, persistent, or frequent mood swings may be signs of an underlying mental health disorder, like major depression, an anxiety disorder, or bipolar disorder. Diagnosis and targeted treatment, like medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, brain stimulation, or self-care strategies can help manage problematic swings in mood.

If you or someone you know experiences severe, uncontrollable mood changes, especially coupled with risky behaviors or difficulty functioning, professional support should be accessed right away. Resources like mental health hotlines, community health centers, school counselors, and therapists can assist in challenging cases. With proper support, even significant mood disturbances can typically be stabilized.

If you have concerns about hormonal imbalances or mood changes, consider consulting with the professionals at Vitality Hormone Center for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.