Mood swings can prove highly bewildering and debilitating in
women, disrupting life and health. Mood swings vary from mild irritability to
emotional uprisings; diversity can be implicated in their causes. This is a
very detailed guide to explore the key reasons that cause extreme mood shifts
in women, the signs, and possible treatment probabilities.
Understand Extreme Mood Shifts
Extreme mood shifts or mood swings are sudden and severe
changes in emotional states. Due to various physiological, psychological, and
social factors, changes in moods can be more volatile in women.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal changes are the common cause of atypical mood
shifts in women. Hormones have a significant role in mood stabilization for an
individual; with fluctuated secretion, there might be rapid changes in
emotions.
Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is also associated with hormonal
fluctuations that tend to alter mood changes. There are statements related to
mood change and presented by Premenstrual Syndrome and its severe variation,
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Most women experience PMS in which the major
symptoms of mood change are irritability, anxiety, depression, and many more.
PMDD is the severe variety characterized by major symptoms of mood change
resulting in impairment in daily functioning.
Pregnancy
An important part of pregnancy is hormonal fluctuation,
responsible for mood swings. This is because of excessively high amounts of the
hormone estrogen and progesterone, whose elevating effects maybe make one
euphoric or indecisive shifts from feelings of elation to feelings of intense
low moods. The other fear is suffering from postpartum depression right after
birth, bringing undesirable changes in mood.
Menopause
Menopause being the sign of the end of a woman's fertile
life is an outcome of decreased levels of estrogens. It causes mood swings,
irritability, and increased tend towards depression. Changes in mood are more
felt during the perimenopausal period before the onset of menopause because of
the varying hormone levels.
Psychological Factors
Another major reason for mood swings can be psychological
factors. Under this would fall the mental illnesses, stress, trauma, and
extreme emotional shifts that women go through, all of which often come back to
mental illness.
Depression And Anxiety
This could be a consequence of common psychological
conditions such as mood disorders, which consist of depression and anxiety. It
seems like the dangers of these diseases are higher in women because of the
influences of hormonal, social, and life factors. Characteristics of depression
include constant sadness, or loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, and
loss of pleasure. Anxiety can be easily observed with pointless worry or
nervousness; at times, somatic manifestations such as palpitations and
sweating.
Chronic Stress And Trauma
Furthermore, chronic stress and trauma can also impact mood
stability. For example, stressful life events ranging from financial problems
to relationship problems to even job stress serve as a vector of change in
mood. Trauma, which may take the form of abuse or major loss, would probably
become more propitious to a strong emotional response and shift in mood.
Physical Health Conditions
Some somatic states such as thyroid disorders in women can
cause or contribute to mood fluctuation. Any known health condition must be
controlled for mood fluctuation to be effectively managed.
Thyroid Disorders
Mood swings or emotional instability could be the after-effect
of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is
an endocrine disorder whereby the thyroid gland becomes underactive and causes
feelings of depression, fatigue, and irritability. On the other hand, when it
is too active, it may wind up into entropy, causing anxiety restlessness or
even mood swings.
Chronic Conditions
This is through chronic conditions that an individual may
have such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Control of
these conditions will lead to a stable mood, among other well-being
improvements. Chronic physical pain and lifestyle alterations result in
emotional stress and a moody feeling due to such illnesses.
Lifestyle Factors
This is with regard to lifestyle choices or habits adopted
by a person, some of which could have a bearing on mood stability. Some kinds
of activities or routines might instigate the pressure on mood swings more,
while others might help to relieve it.
Sleep Patterns
Sleep Disturbances: Disturbances in sleep may result in
deviations in mood. If one gets inadequate rest, it may result in irritability,
mood swings, and problems handling stress. It is always said that normal sleep
pattern and remediation for the disturbed sleep pattern helps in the
stabilization of mood.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet also has an effect on mood. It is possible that each of
these three factors may very well exert an influence on mood when not consumed
in adequate measure through diet. Optimal emotional well-being is best in the
presence of a balanced intake of all nutrients in adequate quantities in order
to best protect against excessive pendulum swings in mood.
Substance Use
Substance use, such as alcohol abuse and recreational drug
use, can lead to effects on mood stability. It alters brain chemistry, which
results in frequent mood variations, thus bringing about the escalation of
emotional instability. Reducing or stopping substance use will thus facilitate
mood regulation.
Social and Relationship Factors
Social interactions and relationships can vary greatly
affect a person's mood. Yet it does not identify whether the social experiences
that impact emotional instability are negative or positive.
Relationship Issues
Personal issues in relationships can be another cause for
mood swings. The stress and pressure of troubles in a relationship may easily
get hold of a person's mood and well-being.
Social Support
Emotional dysregulation can result from an inability to get
adequate social support or feel isolated. Good interplay of support and social
play, therefore, can modulate mood disturbances and achieve much-needed
emotional sustenance during moments of distress.
Treatment and Management
The management of extreme shifts in mood must, therefore,
aim at dealing with the root causes and, at the same time, finding measures
that can help in mood stabilization. Some of the treatment and management
approaches include:
Medical Treatment
- Medication: Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
can be regulated through the use of drugs. Treatment of symptoms includes
antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.
- Hormone replacement: When the change is on a high scale due
to hormonal fluctuations, then hormone replacement is recommended to keep the
required levels of hormones.
Therapy and Counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A form of psychotherapeutic
treatment that is meant to help expose a patient to recognize and change
negative patterns of thoughts and conduct. This may help in mood disorders and the regulation of emotions.
- Support Groups: Share problems with support groups of people
facing similar problems; emotional support and solutions for coping with mood
swings could be worked out through this.
Conclusion
The hormonal factors, psychological factors, physical
factors, lifestyle factors, and social factors contribute to mood swings in
women. Knowing these factors is important in order to practice the right ways
for management and therapy. Successful implementation of proper strategies can
help these women mitigate their mood swings and improve their quality of
life.
Finally, it is good to consult experts and literature on
women's health and mental well-being for further information and help on how to
deal with mood swings and disorders associated with them.
Please book an appointment with the Best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
