Mood Changes
Mood changes are a normal part of life, and feeling sadness, irritability, or a sense of overwhelm may be a simple response to current stressors. However, when your mood affects your life on a regular, ongoing basis, it may be helpful to look more deeply at the cause.
At TCRA, we work with mood issues on a daily basis. Mood changes are sometimes due to a menstrual cycle that needs regulating: in particular, PMS can indicate that the liver is having trouble processing hormones. The stress of infertility causes many women to experience strong sadness, anger, or overwhelm, and medications prescribed in conjunction with procedures such as IUI or IVF may heighten these emotions. Finally, women in their late 30s and early 40s are sometimes entering perimenopause, another time of life when moods may change rapidly and unpredictably.
If mood changes have become upsetting or troublesome, there are many ways to help yourself regulate your mood. Some suggestions include:
Regular physical exercise
Getting enough sunlight
Eating a healthy diet
Avoiding sugar and caffeine as much as possible
Getting enough sleep
Meditation and/or yoga
Journaling
If lifestyle changes are not helpful, it may be beneficial to talk with your doctor or a therapist about treatment options. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are another useful tool to consider. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system to calm the stress response. In particular, regular acupuncture treatment lowers cortisol levels. Chronic stress and mood issues can lead to high cortisol, which in turn affects estrogen and progesterone. High estrogen levels are known for causing irritability, and in some women, sadness or frequent crying. Depending on the patterns of imbalance seen in your body, you may also be prescribed Chinese herbal formulas and/or nutritional recommendations to help bring your mood back into balance.
Treating mood issues with acupuncture and Chinese medicine not only helps you feel better day to day, but also has a beneficial effect on your menstrual cycle, your fertility, and your overall wellbeing. No matter what the cause of your mood changes, the compassionate women’s health specialists at TCRA can help you find the best solution to managing any issues you may be experiencing.