Why do women experience mood swings?

Feeling happy one moment, irritated the next or suddenly sad or tired can happen to many women.  However frequent or severe mood changes should not always be ignored. Hormones sleep, stress diet and some health problems can all affect mood.

Hormonal changes

Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone change at different stages of life. These changes can affect emotions and energy levels.

Periods, pregnancy the time after childbirth perimenopause and menopause are some stages when hormonal changes can be stronger.

Mood changes before periods

Some women experience mood changes one or two weeks before their period. They may feel irritated anxious sad emotional or less interested in daily activities.

These symptoms may be linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In some women the symptoms can be much more severe and may be related to premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Ongoing Stress

Stress from work family, household duties, or other responsibilities can affect both mental and physical health.  Long term stress may lead to irritability anxiety emotional tiredness and changes in mood.

Poor sleep

Sleep plays an important role in emotional health. Not getting enough quality sleep can make a person feel more irritated anxious and less able to handle everyday problems. Too much screen time an irregular routine and stress can also make sleep problems worse.

Lack of important nutrients

A lack of certain nutrients may contribute to tiredness, weakness and mood-related symptoms. Low levels of iron, vitamin B12 vitamin D, or magnesium can affect some people. If a deficiency is suspected a doctor can recommend the right tests and treatment.

Changes in blood sugar

Skipping meals staying hungry for too long, or eating too many sugary foods can cause changes in blood sugar levels.  Some people may then experience weakness, shakiness anxiety irritability or a sudden drop in energy.

Mental health matters

Frequent or strong mood changes can sometimes be linked to anxiety depression or other mental health conditions.  This is why it is not always correct to blame mood swings only on hormones.

Major life changes

Events such as marriage, becoming a mother changing jobs losing a loved one or taking on extra responsibilities can affect emotions.  Even when life appears normal emotional stress can still show up as mood changes.

How to manage mood swings

Keeping a record of your periods and mood can help you notice patterns. Getting enough sleep eating a balanced diet staying physically active and finding healthy ways to manage stress may also help.

If mood changes are severe continue for a long time or start affecting daily life work or relationships it is a good idea to speak with a doctor or mental health professional.  Depending on the symptoms a doctor may suggest tests for issues such as iron or vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.