Have you ever wondered what caused a sudden change in your mood? You can be cheerful and happy one moment, and at the very next moment, you succumb to crying without any reason.
This article describes the relationship between hormones and mood swings. When we talk about hormones, most of us presume that it is only related to one’s sex life, but there are many other instances where the hormonal imbalance in your body can affect your mood and behaviour. Male and female bodies contain common and distinct hormones that behave differently in both genders. To understand this topic more precisely, let us first understand what hormones are.
Hormones are chemical compounds in your body that function as messengers. Hormones are released by a special gland called the endocrine gland, which is then carried in the blood to move messages from one body part to another. Everyone has two types of hormones: one that can arouse positive feelings such as happiness, love, and pleasure, and the other that can elicit negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, sadness, and so on.
Which hormones are responsible for creating the happy and positive Mood?
Here’s a look at different hormones that work as a positive mood booster.
- Dopamine – Many recognize this hormone as the “feel good” hormone. This helps generate positive sensations in the body, along with learning, memory, and more.
- Serotonin- This hormone helps regulate your mood and aids in sound sleep, good appetite, digestion, learning ability, etc.
- Oxytocin- This hormone, in general, is also known as the “love hormone.” This hormone is essential for natural processes like childbirth, breastfeeding, sexual intercourse, and parent-child bonding. It also arouses the emotions like trust, empathy, affection, etc.
- Endorphins- These hormones act as “natural pain relievers” in the body. This hormone is produced in the body in response to stress, discomfort, pain, injury, etc.
What can happen when there are any changes in the hormones?
You can have different symptoms when your hormones are out of equilibrium. You may feel:
- Difficulty in Sleeping
- Feeling Anxious Throughout the Night
- Feel Irritable Quite Often
- Feel A Hot Flush of Air In The Body
- Night Sweats
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Hair Fall
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Weight Gain and Excessive Eating
These are some of the most common symptoms a person may experience during a hormonal imbalance. If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly and cannot determine the cause, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Hormonal Changes in Women
Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that significantly impact mood swings in women. A disruption in hormonal balance can have severe consequences for an individual’s emotional health. Suppose the level of estrogen increases in contrast to the progesterone level in a woman’s body. In that case, you may face irregular periods, lowered libido, bloating, swelling, water retention, and mood swings.
Mood swings are extreme among women during the pre-menopause and menopause phases. As a woman starts approaching menopause, the level of estrogen and progesterone in her body starts declining. As a result, these symptoms can be found.
- Hot Flushes
- Irritability
- Painful Intercourse
- Vaginal Changes
- Joint Pains
- Itchy Skin
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
- Weight gain around the stomach
Pre-menopause is when a woman starts getting irregular periods. During this phase, a woman might get her period once or twice a year. Sometimes the pre-menopause period can be even worse than menopause due to constant hot flashes and anxiety attacks. If you are going through any of these phases and unable to tackle this on your own, consult the best gynecologists in Delhi who are experienced and trustable.
Hormonal Changes in Men
In men, testosterone is the primary hormone influencing mood, bone and muscle health, and sex drive. Unlike women, men’s hormones, such as testosterone, drop gradually after 60. This drop in testosterone can result in irritability, lack of concentration, and mood swings. Medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes can also lead to a rapid decline in the level of testosterone.
Which Doctor should I Consult if I face any issues related to hormones?
Suppose you experience frequent mood swings or changes in your body or behaviour that you cannot understand on your own. In that case, consulting with an endocrinologist is the best decision. Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in hormonal problems. They are trained in the endocrine system and can help you understand and treat the hormonal imbalance in your body.
