Mood swings in women: what can you do about it

Many women recognize the feeling: this will be my day, only to be overcome by sadness or anger not much later. Yes, mood swings are real. Everyone experiences mood swings now and again, but when it lasts for a long time it can be annoying. In that case, it can help to find out the cause. Because when you know why you feel this way, you also know which of the tips discussed apply to you.

Common causes of mood swings in women

Angry, hunted, overstimulated or sad are all emotions we can relate to. But mood swings don’t only get in the way of the people around you, but also for yourself. Therefore, be tender to yourself and allow yourself to feel the emotions. As soon as you feel better again, it is advisable to find out the cause of your mood swings. You can often attribute mood swings to the causes below.

Estrogen and menstruation

Hormones. It is an ongoing theme in women’s lives. The female reproductive hormone estrogen in particular contributes to mood swings. An awful lot of women experience mood swings just before or during their menstrual cycle. This phenomenon is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can bring on feelings of irritability, anxiety, sadness, or mood changes.

Mood swings during transitions

Menopause is a phase during which a woman gradually ends her fertile period. During this period, fluctuations in hormone levels occur. These hormonal changes often cause mood swings, as well as complaints such as hot flashes, sleep problems and decreased energy.

Mood swings after childbirth

After childbirth, the body changes physically, hormones fluctuate, there is little sleep and it is extremely challenging emotionally. It is not surprising that many women experience mood swings after giving birth (postpartum mood swings). This can range from mild irritability to postpartum depression.

Psychological complaints

Psychological complaints such as anxiety disorders and depression can lead to mood swings. These conditions are caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, stressful events or traumatic experiences. Psychological complaints regularly influence the mood and emotions of women.

Unhealthy diet

Nutrition not only affects our body, but also our mental health. An unhealthy diet of processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats can contribute to mood swings. Regularly eating and drinking such foods can therefore lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, inflammation in the body and imbalanced hormone production. Mood swings are therefore more likely to occur.

Sleep deprivation

A good night’s sleep is essential for a stable mood. A lack of sleep disrupts hormone regulation and affects neurotransmitters in the brain involved in regulating mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. In other words, women who regularly get too little sleep can be prone to mood swings.

Stress and pressure

Stress and pressure can take a huge toll on mental health. Prolonged stress can even lead to adrenal exhaustion, which can affect hormone balance and mood regulation. In addition, stress can disrupt coping mechanisms and healthy lifestyle habits, making women more susceptible to mood swings.

Tips to manage mood swings

Do you recognize (extreme) mood swings as a woman? Fortunately, in many cases there are ways to do something about it. We give 6 valuable tips with which you can reduce your mood swings.

1. Choose a healthy lifestyle

Whether it’s hormones that are out of balance, fatigue [CD1] or mood swings: a healthy lifestyle is often the basis of your well-being.

 While a healthy lifestyle may look like everyone, we can say that we are talking about a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, refined sugars and caffeine. In addition, make sure you exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

2. Discover your way to reduce stress

Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises. Relaxation techniques are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. Often it helps to reduce stress. The most important thing is that you choose a method that suits you. That way you can build it into your life and make it part of your routine.

3. Talk!

While it can be scary, sharing your feelings and experiences with friends, family members, or professionals can help immensely. A supportive social network helps to reduce stress and promote a positive state of mind.

4. Seek professional help

Get yourself a therapist. This way you get to know yourself even better in the broadest sense. And that also helps you control your mood swings. A specialist health care professional can help you understand the underlying cause of your mood swings and suggest appropriate treatment. This can range from hormonal therapy and medication to therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Self-care first!

Give yourself enough love, both physically and mentally. So regularly schedule time for activities that make you relaxed and happy. From walking in nature to an afternoon going wild at a festival: you know what gives you energy! At the same time, make sure you get enough rest and sleep to restore your body and mind. So if you hang in the lamps until late in the evening, don’t plan much the next day so that you can recover.

6. Understand your cycle

Do you know that your menstrual cycle affects your mood? Then keep a diary to recognize patterns. By being aware of the phases of your cycle, you can better prepare yourself to deal with the mood swings.

7. Support yourself with supplementation

It should be clear by now: you are not the only woman who suffers from mood swings. That is why we have put together the hormones + mood support set: RISE and BALANCE. The main ingredients maca and B6, in combination with herbs known for their hormonal support, help you feel more balanced and resilient. Milk thistle and dandelion in BALANCE support your liver in breaking down excess hormones to counteract hormonal imbalance. Milk thistle also restores the liver cells very well. This is beneficial for, among other things, the production of our hormones.

Last but not least: you are unique. What works for your girlfriend may not work for you. So give yourself time to discover what suits you. Do mood swings interfere with your daily life? Always consult a medical professional for specific advice.