Mood changes - Renew Wellness

Mood Changes

Mood changes are a normal part of the human experience. Our emotions are constantly in flux, shifting and evolving in response to our surroundings, relationships, hormone levels, and other factors. This variability and volatility in our mood is part of what makes us human.

While mood fluctuations are typical, extreme or prolonged changes in mood can signal an underlying issue like depression or bipolar disorder. Here are some common causes of mood swings:

• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger mood swings in women during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Men's testosterone levels also decline with age, potentially affecting mood.
• Stress - High levels of mental and emotional stress take a toll on our mood regulation. Acute or chronic stressors like work pressure, financial hardship, or relationship conflicts can upset emotional equilibrium.
• Poor diet - A nutritionally deficient diet lacking in key nutrients like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and iron is linked to mood disturbances. Refined sugars, chemical additives, and caffeine can also destabilize mood.
• Sleep deprivation - Insufficient or poor quality sleep disrupts circadian rhythms and impairs mood regulation. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal emotional health.
• Medical conditions - Conditions like thyroid disorders, chronic pain, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease are associated with higher rates of mood disorders, likely due to inflammatory processes.
• Genetics - Research suggests mood disorders have a hereditary component. Variations in genes regulating serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters can contribute.

If you're experiencing intense, unexplained mood swings or prolonged sadness, anger, or irritability, consult your doctor or mental health professional. Blood tests can check for hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid problems, and other medical conditions. Counseling and medication may help relieve symptoms of clinical depression or bipolar disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) also teaches mood regulation skills.

Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, stress management, spending time outdoors, maintaining social connections, and consuming a whole food Mediterranean style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help stabilize day-to-day mood. Limiting alcohol and avoiding heavily processed foods also supports mental well-being.

At Renew Wellness, our qualified medical staff specialize in hormonal balance and mood regulation. We offer cutting-edge lab testing to assess hormone, vitamin, and mineral levels, then create personalized treatment plans. Our holistic protocols combine bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, targeted nutritional supplements, and lifestyle counseling. Let us help you regain emotional equilibrium and rediscover lasting wellness.