Mood Swings and Hormonal Imbalance: What’s Really Going On

Mood Swings and Hormonal Imbalance: What’s Really Going On

The Connection Between Hormones and Mood Swings

Mood swings are bewildering, to say the least. One minute you're feeling on top of the world, and the next, you're overwhelmed by a wave of sadness or irritability.

If this sounds familiar, I’m here to tell you that you’re not going crazy! These unpredictable moments can often be traced back to our hormones.

The truth is, hormones play a crucial role in regulating our emotions, and their fluctuations can significantly impact how we feel on a day-to-day basis.?

What Are Hormones?

In order to understand how hormones impact our mood, it's essential to grasp what hormones actually are and how they function in the body.

Simply put, hormones are powerful chemical messengers that travel through your bloodstream to tissues and organs, regulating a variety of bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, and mood.

The balance of hormones within your body is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, your body's internal stability. This balance is regulated through feedback loops, where hormone levels are continually monitored and adjusted.

Hormones and Mood Swings

While everyone experiences mood changes from time to time, severe or frequent mood swings can be disruptive and may indicate an underlying issue, such as hormonal imbalances. This comes down to how hormonal fluctuations impact neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which in turn influences mood and emotional stability. Here’s a breakdown of how this happens:

Estrogen and Serotonin:

Estrogen increases the production and release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It also enhances the sensitivity of serotonin receptors. When estrogen levels drop, such as before menstruation or during menopause, serotonin levels can decrease, leading to mood swings, irritability, and depression.

Progesterone and GABA:

Progesterone helps regulate the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has calming effects on the brain. High levels of progesterone can enhance the effects of GABA, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Conversely, low progesterone levels, such as those experienced during certain phases of the menstrual cycle or after childbirth, can result in increased anxiety and mood swings.

Cortisol and Stress Response:

Cortisol is released in response to stress and is part of the body’s fight-or-flight response. While short-term increases in cortisol are beneficial for managing acute stress, chronic elevated cortisol levels can lead to persistent anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Cortisol also influences the availability of serotonin and dopamine, further affecting mood regulation.

Serotonin and Dopamine Balance:

These neurotransmitters are critical for mood regulation. Serotonin helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, while dopamine is associated with pleasure and reward. Hormonal changes can disrupt the balance between these neurotransmitters, leading to mood disorders. For example, decreased estrogen levels can lower serotonin availability, while increased cortisol can reduce dopamine levels.

In next week’s newsletter, we will discuss life changes that can cause hormone imbalance and what to do about it.

Are you having hormonal imbalances? DM me or click here to learn how we can work together.