How to Cope With Menopause Mood Swings

Mood swings are associated with various points in a woman's reproductive life cycle, including menopause. These symptoms can present as a result of poor eating, sleeping and stress. It is helpful to alleviate other menopausal symptoms to decrease the severity and prevalence of mood swings.

Things You'll Need

• Two journals
• Pen or pencil
• Library membership

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Instructions

• 1

  Have a complete physical to ensure health and fitness and to discuss the changes a female undergoes before, during and after menopause. Knowledge about these changes helps some women cope with the imbalances they experience and can also decrease the anxiety from not knowing what to expect.

• 2

  Treat any others menopausal symptoms that can lead to or aggravate mood swings. Hot flashes can lead to sleepless nights leading to aggravation from fatigue the next day. Other symptoms, like vaginal dryness, can be very uncomfortable and even lead to difficulties with intimacy. Talk to your doctor about methods for treating these symptoms.

• 3

  Keep a journal of feelings to help track the mood swings. Looking back through entries can help pinpoint what may have led to an episode. Some may find it useful to record their feelings in order to appropriately express frustration, anxiety, sadness and any other emotion.

• 4

  Release tension and anxiety through exercise. Working out for 20 minutes a day can help relieve extra stress and promote the production of endorphins. Besides the benefits provided for heart health, exercise helps strengthen muscles which can become weaker with age. Exercise needn't require a gym membership or equipment; simple walks around the neighborhood can make up your daily cardiovascular workout. Yoga is another good choice and especially helpful in reducing stress. Videos, DVDs and books on exercise, including yoga can be found at your local library.

• 5

  Eat healthy meals throughout the day. Some women find that keeping a diet log helps them make healthier choices throughout the day which can lead to lower incidence of mood swings. A balanced diet helps balance emotions, as well. Choosing whole grains helps feed the body's need for carbohydrates which become tryptophan and then serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that provides feelings of well-being. Omega-3s, also known as fatty acids, are also essential to the healthy diet of mature women. They can be found in fish, certain vegetables and the oils of nuts. Proteins not only help you to feel alert, but can also provide prolonged energy helping to avoid rapid drops in blood sugar.