How to Manage Menopause Mood Swings

Menopause mood swings can easily make you think you're losing it. In fact, sometimes you do lose it and don't really understand why you reacted the way you did. Many times women don't know that they have started pre-menopause or menopause then again they could be in denial.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Menopause mood swings can be hard on you, your family and all involved, because it's like everybody is on the emotional roller coaster with you. Menopause is all about over reacting, so when you over react it creates a chain reaction then everybody's in on the action!
   
   As we all know these drastic changes in mood are created by fluctuating hormones that may require hormone replacement. Additionally, you can handle them with changes in lifestyle. Then there is also the option of using herbal supplements, which can be very effective as well.

2. It's a good idea to begin with the least risky of the three, which are lifestyle changes. Many times a change in lifestyle can make menopause mood swings manageable or even get rid of them. A couple of areas that can help significantly are change in diet and adding regular exercise to your routine.
   
   In addition, cutting back or quitting bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol have proven to be beneficial in reducing mood swings. Of course, this is easier said than done and will take time, Rome wasn't built in a day, but whatever effort made is well worth the outcome as you will see.

3. Stress is another trigger that will make you moody during menopause. Therefore, you need to find ways to relax such as meditation, yoga and massage or any other activity that you know invokes a peaceful state of mind.
   
   It can also help to join a support group with other women such as yourself to share the issues you face on a daily basis. After all, who else is going to validate and understand what you are going through better than those who are going through the same thing? Many times this is all you need!

4. There are simple things too that can make a difference like not getting enough sleep or consuming caffeine, which is a stimulant and can cause nervousness and anxiety. Not to mention, symptoms of menopause such as night sweats, hot flashes, migraines, fatigue and other discomforts.
   
   As you can see there are many factors that can cause menopause mood swings. However, as you work on lifestyle changes you should be able to handle emotional triggers in a more positive way. Then again, if you find it isn't working you can move on to herbal supplements or hormone replacement therapy.

5. Lastly, when you have had past mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar or anxiety attacks you may need to use anti depressant medication for a short while to stabilize emotions.
   
   Check out resources below for help with diet and other menopause related issues where you will find detailed information on what to do and how to do it.

Resources

• How to Eat a Menopause Diet
• How to Get Menopause Help
• How to Ease Pre-Menopause Symptoms
• How to Stop Menopause Weight Gain
• How to Use Calorie Control
• How to Choose the Best Vitamins for Women
• How to Handle Stressful Situations

[FrazzledNanny]

on 6/11/2009 Thanks for the great tips on managing menopause mood swings. I think I'm in the middle of menopause. LOL 5*

[godfather25]

on 6/11/2009 Great article on menopause.

[goodselfme]

on 6/11/2009 Takes someone loving to handle mood swings and the other to follow your good advice.

[shenandoah]

on 6/11/2009 Great article on menopause mood swings... and those pictures ! 5*

[woot]

on 6/11/2009 Thanks for the interesting article about menopausal mood swings. For me they were a breeze compared to the mood swings I had when I was menstruating. What a blessing!