Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. We all experience ups and downs in mood - one minute we might feel irritable and the next minute cheerful. Mood can be impacted by external factors like stressors or events in our life, as well as internal factors like brain chemistry and hormones.
Some key points about mood changes:
- Moods are usually short-term emotions that come and go. In contrast, psychiatric conditions like depression involve more persistent, long-term mood disturbances.
- Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol heavily impact mood regulation. Fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger mood swings.
- Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters also influence our mood. Low levels of feel-good chemicals like serotonin or dopamine are linked to depressed mood.
- Situational circumstances frequently affect how we feel day to day. Getting stuck in traffic when you’re already late for a meeting can put anyone in a bad mood!
- Trauma, grief, illness, lack of sleep, season/weather changes, and medications can also shift our mood.
If you're struggling with difficult mood swings, don't hesitate to seek help. Consider making an appointment with your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Getting to the root cause of changes in mood can lead to effective treatment approaches.
For hormonal mood issues specifically,
"Hormone Harmony Clinic" offers comprehensive care including
hormone testing and optimization programs tailored to your unique hormonal needs. Their team of physicians and nurses provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Hormone Harmony Clinic accepts most major insurance plans, and new patients can book a consultation online or by phone today.
In summary, mood changes refer to emotional ups and downs caused by hormones, brain chemicals, external stressors, medical issues, and life circumstances. While temporary mood swings are normal, significant or persistent changes may warrant medical evaluation. Help is available - don't struggle alone if you are experiencing emotional disruption that affects your quality of life. Consider scheduling a visit with your doctor or a hormone clinic like
Hormone Harmony Clinic to uncover potential causes and find the right treatment plan for you.