Mood Swings and Menopause Can Be Caused by Fluctuations in Serotonin

Menopause can bring on mood swings that make you not recognize yourself. You know, where the slightest request from your husband can cause you to go off. Or perhaps the cries of your child for a new PlayStation game makes you lose it. For me, I would be standing in a grocery story line and see a small child and begin to weep uncontrollably. Typically mood swings can't be explained rationally.

These kinds of lightning fast changes in how you feel play a significant role in the menopause game and are often one of the first things women notice that causes her to suspect something is not right! Sometimes it is a very circuitous route to discovering that you are in perimenopause. Characteristics of menopausal mood changes can include extreme irritability, blatant rage, concentrated anxiety, depression, indifference as well as nervousness.

Menopause and mood swings work together because changes in hormonal levels (most notably, dropping progesterone and estrogen levels) are beginning to take shape inside a woman's body. Hormone levels affect the level of serotonin in the brain which can cause depressive symptoms. These changes may make women feel unreasonably insecure about themselves and their current role in life, which contributes to more feelings of worthlessness.

Other factors that trigger mood swings in menopause sufferers are the symptoms they face. Tinnitus (whooshing and ringing sensations in the ear due to nerve damage as a result of aging & hearing loss), incontinence (or other abnormal bladder behavior), and hot flashes also add to the overall crankiness a menopausal woman faces.

Mood swings can be significantly reduced by following a course of action such as a weekly exercise regimen. Exercise, specifically meditation, deep breathing and yoga, have been proven to relieve mood swings. Besides, exercise is the ultimate anti-aging activity - women who move their bodies consistently report looking and feeling younger. And, many women have reported the benefits of soy products as well as a natural progesterone cream to relieve symptoms.

Another healthy objective is to have a steady social support group to turn to. Menopause sufferers find that soothing words from their family and friends, some confirmation that the sky isn't falling down and that she is certainly not alone, is a tremendous help to their overall well-being.

The third course of action is to follow the right diet. Caffeine loaded drinks like coffee and soda can lead to symptoms you want to avoid such as breast tenderness. They will only excite your body's nervous system leading to restless sleep that can make you cranky throughout the day. Drink certain decaffeinated teas that increase serotonin levels in the brain, like passionflower and chamomile, which will also relax and help provide blissful sleep.

Here's a tip for some that don't have a lactose issue - grab the milk bottle in the refrigerator and warm it up. Tryptophan, a component found in warm milk, is known to increase serotonin in the brain and can help you rest better. A multivitamin and mineral supplement may also help load your body with the right nutrients, balancing things out. Be sure to check with your doctor about what types and amounts are appropriate for your body.

You can avoid menopause mayhem and eliminate mood swings and the sudden onset of crying by following the above advice - feel refreshed mentally and emotionally for a better day.