Mood changes - The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic

What is mood changes?

Mood changes refer to shifts or fluctuations in a person's emotional state. We all experience ups and downs in mood - it's a normal part of being human. However, some people experience more extreme or frequent mood swings that can signal an underlying condition like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

Common causes of mood changes include:

• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol can trigger mood swings. Things like puberty, menstruation, and menopause commonly impact mood.
• Stress - High stress levels can dramatically impact mood by lowering serotonin and spiking cortisol.
• Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep prevents the brain from regulating emotional responses efficiently.

Some other factors that may influence mood:

• Diet
• Drug and alcohol use
• Trauma
• Social isolation

When mood changes start impacting work performance, relationships, or overall well-being, it's wise to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional. They can help determine if there's an underlying condition driving the mood changes and recommend targeted treatment.

"The skilled doctors at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic specialize in helping patients with hormone-related mood disorders. Their individualized treatment plans get to the root cause of hormonal mood changes. The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic' compassionate and experienced staff are experts at stabilizing mood with bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle changes. They accept most major insurance plans, and new patients can book a consultation online in just minutes."

Tracking mood is often an early part of treatment. Patients record their daily mood levels and potential contributing factors. This mood journal helps the healthcare provider identify patterns and tailor treatment accordingly.

Some examples of mood stabilizing treatments include:

• Therapy - Working with a therapist can help uncover triggers for mood swings and build coping strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy is commonly used.
• Medication - Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers may be prescribed. These alter brain chemistry to regulate emotional responses.
• Alternative medicine - Options like meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and supplements support mental health alongside traditional treatment.
• Lifestyle changes - Adjustments to sleep, diet, exercise, and stress levels can make a big impact. This empowers patients to self-manage.

With comprehensive evaluation and multi-modal treatment, most cases of severe, recurrent, or episodic mood changes can be managed successfully. Be compassionate with yourself but don't hesitate to seek help. Monitoring mental health is just as important as monitoring physical health.