Symptoms — mood swings and irritability

No fun for anyone!

“I was a real bear, ready to bite anyone’s head off. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t happy. I was moody and snapping all the time. Now I can honestly say that I wake up in the morning and I am happy. My patience has returned and my husband has noticed a big change.” — Irene, Personal Program Member

Mood swings and irritability are closely related. We use “mood swing” to describe a reaction that isn’t appropriate to what triggered it. “Irritability” to most of us means an angry or impatient reaction to something that happens.

What causes mood swings and irritability? In both cases, the physiology is based on hormonal imbalance. The underlying cause may be fatigue — and if you’re having hot flashes or insomnia, you are very fatigued! But it can also be the sudden shifts in hormonal balance so characteristic of perimenopause, especially when your body doesn’t have enough support to maintain its natural balance.

Mood swings and irritability have an emotional aspect as well. Perimenopause is a time when many women find their true voices. That’s a good and natural process. You may note the resurfacing of old emotional issues that remain unresolved. This work is important, not just to relieve your mood swings, but for your very health.

Women often come to us saying, “I thought I was losing my mind!” because they’re shocked by their mood swings and irritability. For them it’s a relief to know that their moods have a physical basis and can be relieved. There’s usually nothing wrong with you that you can’t fix by taking better care of yourself.

We’ve been very successful in our Personal Program in helping women find relief from their mood swings and irritability. Even severe mood swings can be alleviated by providing your body with the support it needs to achieve hormonal balance.

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Last Modified: 02/16/2010