Mood swings are changes in how a person feels, usually quite quickly. During a mood swing, a person may go from feeling happy and content to feeling sad, angry, or frustrated.
In this article, we will look at the different causes of mood swings in both men and women and provide ways to help prevent them from happening.
The most common causes of mood swings
Often, lifestyle factors play a role in the onset of mood swings. If a person is:
- Experiencing a significant life change, such as moving home or changing jobs.
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not eating healthily
- Taking medications that affect mood or sleep
However, frequent and severe mood swings may indicate an underlying condition. Some conditions that cause mood swings affect both men and women, while others only affect women.
Male and female mood swings
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is when a person experiences periods of extreme happiness and sadness. These mood swings may occur rarely or several times each year.
Almost four percent of adults in the United States will develop bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
MDD affects more than 16.1 million adults in the United States, with women being more affected than men. People with MDD experience persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities they normally enjoy.
Also Depression impacts a person’s mood, daily life, and relationships. Most people who suffer from depression have several episodes of low mood throughout their lives. They may, however, have periods of happiness and good mood in between.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia, a cyclothymic disorder, is characterized by emotional highs and lows. It is similar to bipolar disorder, but it is less severe and occurs less frequently.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
This type of depression was previously referred to as dysthymia. People with PDD have long-term feelings of depression that last at least two years.
Although the symptoms of PDD are not as severe as those of MDD, they can significantly impact a person’s life and relationships. Every year, approximately 1.5% of adults in the United States are affected by the condition.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
BPD patients may experience intense mood swings, self-image issues, and difficulty controlling their behavior. BPD patients have a strong fear of abandonment and have unstable relationships.
According to some studies, 5.9% of those who trusted Source will suffer from BPD at some point in their lives.
Other mental health problems:
Other mental health disorders that can contribute to mood swings include:
- Schizophrenia: People with schizophrenia have hallucinations or delusions that cause them to experience an altered state of reality. Schizophrenia has a significant impact on quality of life.
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Children and adults with ADHD may struggle to manage their emotions, resulting in mood swings. Other symptoms include impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention.
- Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD is a childhood condition characterized by intense moodiness, including anger, extreme irritability, and temper outbursts. These symptoms must last at least a year: trusted Source or more for DMDD diagnosis.
Physical health issues
Physical health issues, particularly chronic or terminal illnesses, can significantly impact a person’s mood. These modifications can be direct (via changes in hormones or brain function) or indirect (by triggering depression or anxiety).
Physical conditions that can cause mood swings include:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- HIV
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
- Thyroid disorders
Misuse or abuse of substances
Excessive alcohol or drug use can have a negative impact on mental health and cause significant mood swings.
Female mood swings: what causes them?
Hormonal changes can cause significant mood swings. Females are more likely than males to experience symptoms of hormonal changes, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
The following factors commonly cause female mood swings:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) (PMS)
PMS causes a slew of symptoms just before a menstrual period begins. These are some examples:
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Food cravings
More than 90% of women from Trusted sources report having some PMS symptoms.
Dysphoric premenstrual disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is an extreme form of PMS. Up to 5% of women of childbearing age are affected. It is frequently associated with depression or anxiety.
Extreme mood swings, persistent irritability or anger, and depression or anxiety are all symptoms. It also produces physical symptoms that are similar to PMS.
Mood swings during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormone changes can cause mood swings as well as feelings of anxiety and vulnerability. Physical changes can also have an impact on a woman’s emotions.
These mood swings may be more noticeable during the first trimester and then level off as the body adjusts to fluctuating hormone levels. Some women, however, will experience mood swings during their pregnancy.
Menopause
Lastly Menopause is a natural life transition in which a woman’s menstrual cycles end. It usually affects women between 40 and 58 in North America, averaging 51.
