Like numerous other symptoms of menopause, mood swings can be blamed on hormonal changes which take place within the body of a menopausal woman. Mood swings which occur as a result of menopausal reasons, are usually defined as “abrupt, irrational changes in behavior or in the general disposition of women, which are completely unjustified”.
During menopause the estrogen levels within the body are drastically reduced, resulting in severe hormonal imbalances which can cause several side effects such as: vaginal dryness, night sweats, loss of libido and of course, mood swings or even depression. The severity of such mood swings vary for each person. Although the intensity of the mood swings themselves may be unpredictable in each woman, there is evidence to suggest that some women may be prone to more severe mood swings than others.
Studies have indicated that women, who have suffered from extreme PMS symptoms in their earlier years, tend to experience severe mood swings. Also, women who have had a history of clinical depression, prior to their menopausal period, will be particularly vulnerable to recurrent episodes of clinical depression during menopause.
The onset of menopause in the life of a woman is quite natural and inevitable. Some women transition through this period in their life gracefully, while other women may have to deal with unpleasant side-effects; such as mood swings. However, whether the presence of mood swings during menopause is mild or severe, there is something that can be done about it. Just because you are going through menopause, there is absolutely no reason why you or your family should have to suffer through it; it is quite unthinkable that any woman should have to bear this burden in silence.
For menopausal mood swings, something that seems to have an impact is low-dose oral contraceptive (OC). OC’s are not prescribed for their effect on contraception, but rather for their estrogen content. These estrogen-rich pills help fluctuating hormones to remain stable, and by extension, episodes of moodiness should be significantly reduced. Incidentally, due to health complications, oral contraceptives are not to be taken by women-smokers, who are over the age of thirty-five.
For women desiring a more natural remedy, the popular St. John’s Wort, has proven to be rather effective in helping to stabilize estrogen levels. Simple lifestyle adjustments can also have a positive impact if implemented consistently. The establishing of priorities; the act of breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable portions; incorporating physical workouts, as well as getting involved in other enjoyable activities, are changes which have proven to be very effective.
For more severe cases of depression, antidepressant medications may be utilized for the correction of chemical imbalances within the body. The use of antidepressants has been extremely successful in controlling severe mood swings, and as an added benefit, it is also quite effective in eliminating episodes of hot flashes.
Many women accept mood swings as being just a part of a ‘life’, which they have no control over. Nothing could be further from the truth, as help is available in so many forms. The methods available can greatly assist women in enjoying their lives without worrying about sudden mood swings or dealing with depression.
