Mood swings that are directly related to menopause in women occur because of natural physical and hormonal changes. Most women experience menopause mood swings around 40-50 years of age – at that period of life the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone as well as stopping the production of eggs. These hormones are responsible for controlling serotonin (so called “happy hormone”), which is the brain chemical that controls moods.
Some women are just more sensitive to hormone changes than other women. Unpredictable hormone fluctuations plus concerns about aging, body changes (weight gain), new life stresses, decreased sexuality and infertility are causing emotional distress that may result in mood swings and/or in depression. Menopause mood swings are characterized as rapid emotional changes which include irritability, sadness, anxiety, depression and anger. About 30-40% of menopausal women experience mood swings.
Menopause depression
During menopause women are more sensitive and some normal events or activities could provoke sudden negative feelings, sadness, depression, anger, anxiety, loss and annoyance.
In most cases some other menopause symptoms such as sleep disruption, hot flashes, night sweats, lack of concentration, weight gain and fatigue can serve to disrupt the woman’s mental state as well, causing negative changes in mood. The whole situation is provoking a different level of stress and stress itself is making worse mood swings in menopause.
MENOPAUSE MOOD SWINGS – risk groups
- Women who have suffered from premenstrual symptoms (PMS) and/or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in the past
- Women with long-term stresses
- Women who were emotionally up and down during a pregnancy
- Women who have had a postpartum depression
- Women with sleep disorders
- Women with family history of depression
MENOPAUSE MOOD SWINGS – solutions
Modern medicine can provide several solutions (treatments available) for women suffering from menopause mood swings. Main solutions include hormonal therapies, regular physical exercises and lifestyle changes. Hormone therapy can work well, but may have long term risks. Regular moderate physical exercises (fitness, cardio, aerobic) have been proven to raise the levels of serotonin (“happy hormone”) in the brain and will help focus energy into a positive role and it can also help with sleep patterns. Changes in lifestyle and diet can also help, as some foods can help boost serotonin. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and smoking as they can make symptoms worse.
MENOPAUSE MOOD SWINGS – light therapy
During last decades scientists have discovered that many of our key “mood” hormones are regulated by light. Modern medicine is using light therapy in many cases – it could be prescribed by psychiatrists, psychologists and/or family doctors, and is considered the most effective non-pharmaceutical treatment for depression. The effectiveness of the light therapy is high because it treats one of the primary causes of depression – low serotonin levels in the brain.
Human emotions and mood are regulated by 2 happy hormones – Serotonin & Melatonin. Serotonin is produced during day time and Melatonin is produced at night. Lack of day light and low levels of Serotonin can cause irritability and depression during menopause.
Syrcadian Blue Light Therapy Device for SAD
A great deal of research has been performed over the past two decades, focusing specifically on the chemical processes responsible for the production of serotonin stimulated by light and especially by blue light.
In 2002 the prestigious journal Science announced that a breakthrough discovery had been made concerning light and serotonin (so called “happy hormone”). A new set of light sensitive receptors in the eye were discovered – it was proved that these receptors are not used for vision but linked directly to the production of serotonin, and the regulation of melatonin and other hormones. Syrcadian BlueTM light therapy device has been engineered to stimulate the light sensitive receptors in the eye in a safe, effective and non-distracting manner.
Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device
Philips “goLITE BLU Plus” energy light is the number-one energy light sold worldwide – this light is clinically proven to naturally boost your mood and energy and fight menopause depression in as little as 15-20 minutes a day. Featuring breakthrough Bluewave technology, “goLITE BLU Plus” provides the blue light you need to naturally boost your mood and energy whatever the season – it can prevent your sadness, irritability, anxiety and some other symptoms of menopause depression.
This portable deluxe energy light is rechargeable and features an easy-to-use touch screen and a digital backlit clock with timer for convenient use. And thanks to its lightweight and special portable design, the “goLITE BLU Plus” can go wherever you need it – at home, in the office and/or on the go.
NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp
You can experience the powerful mood healing effect with NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp – it bathes you in Sky Effect light while simultaneously releasing healthy negative ions into the atmosphere. This modern light system can lift your spirits with the special combination that balances your mood, body clock, leaving you feeling rested, keeping you refreshed and nourished all over.
Combination of well designed light and ions change mood of depressed person, stabilize body internal rhythms and strengthen body systems responsible for mood and depression. If you use “NatureBright SunTouch Plus Light and Ion Therapy Lamp” during 30-35 minutes every day, you can change your mood, spirits, sleep cycles, potential energy and concentration ability. This Lamp can also alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
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