What are mood changes?
We all experience mood changes throughout our lives. Our moods can fluctuate daily or even hourly, shifting between positive emotions like joy and contentment to more negative emotions like anger or sadness. Mood changes are a natural part of the human experience.
Some factors that can influence mood changes include:
- Hormone levels: Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can affect moods. Hormonal changes related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause or aging can also impact moods. Consider speaking to your doctor or visiting Hormone Harmony Clinic for hormonal testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
- Stress levels: Increased responsibilities at work, financial stressors, or relationship issues can all heighten stress. Prolonged stress often correlates with increased anxiety, irritation, and sadness. Making time for stress-relief activities can help stabilize mood.
- Diet and exercise: A nutritious, balanced diet along with regular exercise can help regulate mood. Consuming too much caffeine, alcohol or inflammatory foods often correlates with mood changes.
- Sleep patterns: Insufficient sleep, inconsistent sleep schedules or sleep disorders like insomnia can destabilize moods. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Addressing any underlying sleep disruptions can improve mood regulation.
- Medications: Certain prescription medications, hormones and supplements can provoke mood fluctuations as a side effect. Always talk to your doctor about any unusual mood changes after beginning a new medication.
How to cope with mood changes
When you feel your mood fluctuating, using healthy coping strategies can help re-center your emotional state:
- Practice stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation or yoga
- Spend time enjoying hobbies or uplifting social connections
- Prioritize regular exercise and nutritious meals
- Give yourself time to process feelings in a journal
- Get outdoors in nature and expose yourself to sunlight
- Consider counseling or joining a support group
- Communicate openly with loved ones for validation
Occasional mood changes are normal. However, if you experience extreme, unexplained or prolonged mood changes that interrupt daily functioning, be sure to talk to your doctor or mental health professional. Specialized talk therapy or medications may help stabilize persistent mood changes related to underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or PTSD.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, our doctors specialize in hormonal testing and personalized treatment plans to help regulate hormone levels, which influence mood regulation. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our services or to develop a customized wellness plan just for you. We're here to help you achieve balanced physical and emotional health.