Answers to Your Questions About Mood Swings and Menopause
Q: Does menopause have anything to do with my mood swings?
A: The changes in your hormones during perimenopause and menopause can definitely wreak havoc on your moods. Even if you are a normally cheerful, happy person, low hormone levels can turn you into someone not even you recognize! Mood swings are one of the most common concerns of perimenopause and menopause and probably one of the most noticeable to other people. Your mood swings will most definitely affect those around you.
Q: What exactly is causing these drastic changes in mood?
A: With the drop in estrogen and progesterone in your body, the serotonin (the “happy” hormone) in your brain is also reduced. This can cause a big change in your moods. Hormones play a major role in how we react to every day situations and when the main hormones start changing, so do your moods.
Exercise and a good diet can do wonders for improving your mood. Exercise is a natural serotonin booster, as is a correct diet, and can help you feel happier. Exercise is particularly beneficial when combined with a balanced diet and a natural progesterone supplement.
Also, many women find that they are facing major stresses in their life around the time that menopause starts, which can also affect moods. Having your children moving out and retirement can be big issues and when combined with hormonal fluctuations, can cause mood swings.
Q: Do my other perimenopause and menopause symptoms affect my moods?
A: Of course they do! When you are suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and other irritating problems caused by perimenopause and menopause, it's easy to become frustrated. Most women tend to get a bit grumpy when they don’t sleep well. Add being uncomfortable to the mix and you have major mood swings, even without the confused hormones.
Q: Can natural hormones such as natural progesterone help regulate my mood swings?
A: A natural hormone balance program using natural progesterone cream has been shown to help with hormone balance necessary to even out those crazy hormones and smooth the mood swings. Consistent use of progesterone is very useful in reducing all of the discomfort arising from perimenopause and menopause, including mood swings. Look for a natural progesterone cream that doesn´t have many additives to be sure you are getting the most pure product available.
Q: What herbs I can take to help with my moods?
A: Black cohosh is a very useful herb that has been used for generations to help with mood swings. You can also try kava kava and hops, as these are both herbs that can help, too. There are several products on the market that combine these and other herbs that can help ease the most bothersome issues of menopause, such as EstroRenew.
Q: Should I be taking anti-depressants?
A: Anti-depressants are not usually necessary for mood swings caused by the hormonal changes of at this time of your life. They can have unpleasant side effects and may cause dependency. Try natural products such as progesterone and perhaps an herbal blend designed for perimenopause and menopause before resorting to anti-depressants.
Q: What else can I do to control my moods?
A: If you don’t like running and avoid the gym at all costs, you might prefer an alternative form of exercise. Try taking a yoga or martial arts class. Dancing is another good way to get some fun exercise in. Taking some sun each day can also boost serotonin levels.
Q: I’m feeling more stressed since I hit menopause. Could this be affecting my moods?
A: Use of progesterone actually helps relieve stress. Since progesterone, along with estrogen, drops during menopause, stress levels can rise. This can certainly contribute to mood swings, especially in conjunction with the lower serotonin levels in your brain. One of best ways to help keep stress at bay, apart from avoiding it, is to use a natural progesterone cream. Using a pure formula progesterone cream without many additives will ensure that you will achieve the results you are looking for.
©Alternative Medicine Network 2009
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