Menopause is a natural time of transition and a gateway to a new phase of life which can be liberating or profoundly disturbing depending on how mentally and physically prepared we are for it. The hormonal changes that arise during menopause (or other times of life) can lead to sudden mood swings.
A mood swing is defined as “an abrupt and apparently unaccountable change of mood.”. One minute you might be feeling elated and happy and the next you are expressing anger and hostility! Other mental health symptoms that may occur in menopause include depression, low mood, anxiety and irritability. Women are often offered HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to balance their moods but synthetic hormones will not actually bring the body into balance and they can have unwanted side effects.
For many women who already suffer with existing hormonal imbalances, these can be exacerbated as they go into menopause. Ideally we have a balance between the naturally produced progesterone and oestrogen in the body and a regular pain free cycle in the years leading up to perimenopause. For women who are suffering with hormonal imbalance due to use of the birth control pill or HRT, PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids, homeopathy and herbs can provide a natural solution and ease the changes experienced at menopause.
Imbalances of the female hormones can contribute to the dysregulation of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) like serotonin, which in turn play havoc with our emotions. It may also lead to certain behaviours as a result, such as becoming inactive, avoiding interactions with others, snacking and consuming higher levels of alcohol.
During the first half of the cycle oestrogen is dominant and makes us feel more outgoing, sociable, sexy and assertive. Oestrogen promotes the activity of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which encourages emotions of happiness and motivation. If we have too much oestrogen (oestrogen dominance) we may experience mood swings and depression.
Oestrogen dominance has become more prevalent due to the increasing presence of xenoestrogens in our environment. Xenoestrogens are “foreign” oestrogens, substances that are close enough in molecular structure to oestrogen that they can bind to oestrogen receptor sites with potentially hazardous outcomes. Sources of xenoestrogens include plastics, pesticides and other chemicals in our water systems.
During the second half of the cycle progesterone takes over and makes us feel more introspective. Progesterone has a close relationship with the neurotransmitters GABA (which, when balanced, promotes feelings of calmness and contentment) and glutamate (which helps maintain mental alertness and contentment). If there is not enough progesterone in our body we may experience anger, irritability and poor concentration.
Women who adjust their lifestyle so that they are able to rest and relax in the second half of the cycle leading up to the period and during the bleed report many benefits from this. Taking time to work with and tune into the lunar cycles and to process emotions that come up before and during the menses every month can mean there is less to work through emotionally at menopause. The second half of the cycle is when our body naturally encourages us to rest and reflect on the seeds sown in the first part of the cycle.
In the larger cycle of life the time of menopause can also be a time to go within, seek nourishment and replenish ourselves. As we age, our Qi (life energy) naturally declines. This means we have less energy to “spend” on our daily routine. If no adjustment is made for this energy “gap,” the body and its organs will be affected. Now more than ever it is important to take care of ourselves and eliminate stress as much as possible.
One important reason for this is that prolonged emotional stress and overwork puts a strain on our adrenals: the endocrine glands which sit on top of the kidneys. The adrenals and liver play key roles during menopause and when they are out of balance and they can also affect our emotions so it’s vital to support them during this time.
During the menopause the adrenals take over the production of oestrogen and progesterone and they are much less able to perform this function when they are already overtaxed with having to produce stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) or if they are depleted from the use of steroid medication. Compromised adrenal glands can eventually led to thyroid imbalances. Over-reacting to things and feeling ‘stressed’ or ‘tired but wired’ can be a sign that your adrenal glands are struggling. Adrenal exhaustion can manifest in a craving for stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, red wine, cheese and oranges
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the Kidneys are the powerhouse of the body’s Qi. They store energy reserves and sends Qi to organs that may be deficient. The emotion that is associated with the kidneys is fear so the following emotions are signs that there may be imbalance in the energy of the Kidneys: anxiety, worries and panic disorders.
The Liver controls the smooth flow of blood, Qi and emotions. The common perimenopausal emotion that resonates with the Liver is anger. The Liver is thought to govern growth and development, drive and desires, ambitions and creativity. Obstruction of liver energy can cause intense feelings of frustration, rage, and anger. Stepping into our power and creativity at this time will help improve the flow of Liver Qi.
The Liver is also hugely important as the detoxifier of the body and as such is responsible for getting rid of excess oestrogen. Women seem to be struggling with menopause now more than ever before and this is possibly because of the levels of xenoestrogens in the food chain. We need to be able to detoxify our bodies from these, and if our liver is able to get rid of these xenooestrogens the result will be fewer problems for us during the transition.
Self Help for Mood Swings
Getting sleep right, cleansing the liver & making lifestyle changes can go a long way to restoring mental health: there’s a lot you can do!
- Reduce stress levels because stress directly affect the adrenal glands which take over the production of female hormones during menopause.
- Make time to rest and relax. We need to replenish and restore are energy reserves during menopause.
- Do something you enjoy daily. Prioritise your need for self-expression and creativity which has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland (throat chakra) and the Liver.
- Get enough sleep. Good quality sleep is important for serotonin production.
- Nourish yourself with good food. Make sure you are eating good quality fats and omega oils plus plenty of fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables.
- Detox your life and look after your liver. The liver is important in removing unneeded hormones from the body. Liver congestion is made worse by alcohol so cut down as much as possible.
Homeopathic Remedies for Mood Swings
Kali Phos Tissue Salt
Helps with mental exhaustion and feeling strung out and edgy. Finding it hard to settle
Ignatia
Indicated when there are sudden mood changes from sadness to happiness and from weeping to laughter. Ignatia helps when there is a history of emotional shock or grief. The person may seem hysterical with sudden outbursts of tears or laughter.
Pulsatilla
Sensitive soft gentle people who have a tendency to tears. Very attached to family and may find children leaving home difficult. Sudden mood changes. Alternate between tears and laughter easily. Oversensitive and get offended easily. Look for consolation and feel better when consoled. May be a history of silent grief. Feeling lonely or forsaken. Aggravation from stuffy rooms and preference for fresh air.
Arsenicum
Mood swings in anxious personalities. Anxiety mainly about health and the future. Extreme restlessness. Fear of loss and disease. Fastidiousness and cleanliness.
Sepia
Mood swings related to hormonal changes where a woman feels exhausted or weary. Usually a lot of irritability particularly with family. Feel drained by family and friends and may not enjoy spending time with them anymore. Low energy levels and a loss of interest in daily tasks. May feel better from dancing or vigorous exercise.
Natrum Mur
Deep grief. Reserved and keeps emotions hidden from others. Brooding over hurts and disappointments from the past.
Staphysagria
A person who needs this remedy usually seems shy, mild-mannered and accommodating but has many suppressed emotions. Women around the time of the menopause may become depressed or have unaccustomed bouts of rage. They may even throw or break things. May have been in an oppressive relationship or have experienced abuse.
Lachesis
Great for depression during menopause. Aversion to social interaction. Aversion to do any work and desire to run away from the world. Suits passionate, creative talkative people who hate being confined in any way. Symptoms tend to appear on the left side. There may be mood-swings and jealousy or suspicion. Sexual desire may increase. Hot flushes. Cannot bear tight clothing. Symptoms better for menstrual flow starting.
Lilium Tigrinum
May be indicated for women with a tendency to fly into rages and make other people ‘walk on eggshells’. Feels hurried, anxious and very emotional.
Australian Bush Flower Combo – Purification.
To release and clear emotional waste, and residual byproducts and letting go of built-up emotional baggage.