Menopause can be a very trying time for those of us lucky enough to be in the middle of it. The hot flashes are bad enough but add in all the other symptoms and menopause can make your life downright miserable. Mood swings are a fun one to experience, aren't they?
One minute you are feeling and acting normal and in the next instant, for no apparent reason, you have turned into Medusa and your family has gone running for cover. What the heck happened?
Hormones, that's what happened. During perimenopause and menopause, it's like the hormones in your body are confused and in chaos. They really do not know which end is up so they cause these menopause mood swings and give you the power to clear a room with just one look.
There are ways to control your moods so your family will enjoy being around you again. You may have to make some small changes but it will be worth it if you can mellow out.
To increase the amount of estrogen in your system, without having to go on hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, try eating foods made from soy. Soy milk and other soy products are available at your local grocery store. Soy is rich in some things called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens mimic the effects of your body's own estrogen and can help level out your mood and may even help decrease your hot flashes.
If you continue to experience severe mood swings, you could try an herbal supplement. There are several available that help with menopausal symptoms and can help with your mood also. Specifically, St. John's Wort. St John's Wort helps level out the chemical serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is commonly referred to as the "feel good" chemical and when it is not to the level it needs to be, you have mood swings and even depression symptoms.
Always talk to your doctor before you start taking any herbal supplement, especially if you are taking other medications. Your doctor can tell you if it is safe to take the supplement or if you will cause a drug interaction by taking it. Better to be safe than sorry.
The most effective way to elevate your mood, though, is regular exercise. Exercise has so many benefits and improving your mood is one of them. Even if you are convinced that nothing could possibly make you feel better and you are determined to not even try. Force yourself if you have to and get outside and take a walk. You will soon see that your mood has improved and you can even start liking yourself again.
The exercise you do doesn't have to be so intense that you can't walk the next day. As long as you do something to make your body move for 20-30 minutes every day. Don't let menopause mood swings control your life any longer.
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