Mood Swings

Mood swings are debilitating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause that you may find impossible to control. At The Ashford Center in Athens, Georgia, Clinton Ashford, MD, FACOG, Rebecca Ashford, MD, and Brookes Vaughan, NP, understand how mood swings affect your quality of life and offer solutions. The gynecologists provide comprehensive, individualized, and compassionate care. There’s no need to suffer through your mood swings; call the office or schedule an appointment with the experts online today.

What are mood swings?

Mood swings refer to sudden changes in your emotional state. One minute you’re laughing and happy; the next, you're crying and sad. Mood swings affect everyone. 

However, many women experience changes in mood due to the hormonal imbalances that occur during their menstrual cycle, perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause), and menopause. These mood swings may make you irritable and easily agitated or cause anxiety and depression.

For some women, mood swings are distressing and debilitating. Though you may feel like you have no control over your mood, The Ashford Center says you do.

What causes mood swings in women?

Mood swings in women occur because of hormonal changes related to reproductive health. 

Your limbic system is the part of the brain that controls your mood. During your menstrual cycle, when you don’t get pregnant, progesterone and estrogen levels decrease, triggering the shedding of the endometrial lining of your uterus. 

When your endometrium starts to degrade, it releases a neuroactive peptide that changes the vasculature of the limbic system, affecting mood.

Declining progesterone and estrogen levels also occur before (perimenopause) and during menopause. These hormonal changes disrupt the production of the neurotransmitters that regulate mood, causing sudden emotional changes. 

When should I seek help for mood swings?

There’s no need to suffer through your mood swings. You should seek help when your mood changes affect how you think, feel, and behave. 

The Ashford Center specializes in treating mood swings that result from PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. Dr. Ashford conducts a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms and the cause so he can create the most effective treatment.

He also reviews your medical history, performs a physical and pelvic exam, and runs bloodwork to check hormone levels.

What treatments can help mood swings?

Dr. Ashford customizes your mood swing treatment plan to best meet your needs. Your plan may include hormonal birth control, antidepressant medication, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and lifestyle changes.

For women who have completed their childbearing, Dr. Ashford recommends advanced endometrial ablation to eliminate mood swings. This minimally invasive procedure gently removes the hormonal lining of the uterus, getting rid of the primary source of your symptoms.

To get help for your mood swings, call The Ashford Center or schedule an appointment online today.