What are Mood Swings?

Mood swings are a common type of mood disorder. Approximately 10 million Americans suffer from some type of mood disorder each year, according to a statistic published by The Health Center. While changes in mood are common, many individuals find that mood swings affect their quality of life.

What are Mood Swings?

• Mood swings are rapid changes in emotion. Mood swings may lead a person to feel extremely happy one moment and then miserably depressed the next. While common, such changes in mood can affect an individual's ability to function. Mood swings that last for long periods of time, a week or more, may indicate a more serious problem such as bipolar disorder.

Chemical Imbalance

• Mood swings may be caused by a chemical imbalance. Chemicals known as neurotransmitters affect mood. When these neurotransmitters -- serotonin, dopamine, norepenephrine and GABA -- are out of balance, rapid fluctuations in mood may occur.

Hormones

• According to The Health Center, women are twice as likely to suffer from mood swings than men. For many women, mood swings are due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during their menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy. Women may experience mood swings as part of PMS, or premenstrual syndrome. Pregnancy causes changes in the amount of progesterone and estrogen the female body produces, which results in mood swings, particularly early in pregnancy during the first trimester. While mood swings may lessen during the second trimester, they may return during the third trimester before the baby is born and continue once the baby is delivered, often as part of a condition known as postpartum depression.

Medication and Supplements

• Though many individuals suffer from mood swings that negatively impact their daily lives, the majority do not seek medical help. It is important to discuss mood swings with your doctor so that you can find a treatment plan that is right for you. Talk to your doctor about medications that level out the chemical imbalances that often cause mood swings. Alternatively, supplements like valerian and St. John's wort may help ease mood swings, according to The Health Center. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.

Therapy

• Therapy may also help you to better understand and control your mood swings. Many individuals suffering from mood swings may make poor decisions because of an intense emotion they are feeling. Behavioral therapy helps patients learn to remain relaxed and calm during a mood changes, which in turn will help them make wise decisions. Cognitive therapy helps patients make connections between their thoughts and mood swings.

Managing Stress

• Learning to manage stress and anxiety may help you to better handle mood swings. One of the best ways to prepare your body and mind to handle the stress of mood swings is through a healthy lifestyle. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Exercise daily. Get plenty of sleep, especially if your mood swings are due to pregnancy. When you feel stressed, find ways to relax. A walk, a warm bath or a visit with a friend may ease your anxiety and make mood swings more bearable.