|  | Conditions Treatments | PMS

How to Relieve Mood Swings

Monthly hormonal fluctuations cause mood swings that often accompany premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. They are characterized by a roller coaster of shifting emotions that swing from irritability, anger and giddiness to sadness, tears and despair. The range and severity of mood swings is different for each woman. However, their unpredictable nature can make several days of each month a volatile and difficult experience for many women and the people close to them. Fortunately, there are many helpful natural remedies.

Things You'll Need

  • EPA (fish oil)
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Chasteberry
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Eat more fish or take fish oil supplements. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for health. The 1999 study in the "Archives of General Psychiatry," found that omega-3 fatty acids help stabilize mood. Omega-3 fatty acids also are useful in relieving depression. When considering fish oil supplements, pay more attention to the amounts of EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, than the overall amount of fish oil.

    • 2

      Take calcium and magnesium. When the body lacks calcium and magnesium, symptoms of agitation and irritability rise. Calcium decreases as we age and as estrogen declines. Maintaining proper levels of both calcium and magnesium relieves mood swings and other symptoms of PMS.

    • 3

      Try chasteberry. Used for centuries, many herbalists consider it an herbal adaptogen, which is an herb that brings balance or normalcy, reducing stress, fatigue and anxiety. Chasteberry addresses hormonal imbalances and evens out mood. A 2010 study in "Gynecological Endocrinology" found that chasteberry is effective in symptoms of moderate to severe PMS.

    • 4

      Exercise regularly. Exercising for 30 minutes several times a week reduces symptoms of PMS including mood swings. Aerobic workouts and yoga are both effective at improving mood. Aerobic activity naturally raises the brain levels of chemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and adrenalin to create a natural high.

PMS - Related Articles