The Connection Between Hormones and Mood Swings: What You Need to Know

February 5, 2025

If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are on a rollercoaster, swinging from joy to frustration or even tears in the span of a day, you’re not alone. For many women, mood swings are a regular part of life, often linked to the ebb and flow of hormones. While these changes can feel overwhelming, understanding the connection between hormones and mood can empower you to take control and restore balance. Let’s explore the science behind hormones and mood swings, and what you can do to support your emotional health naturally.

What Are Mood Swings?

Mood swings are rapid and often intense shifts in emotional state. They can range from happiness and excitement to irritability, sadness, or even anger. While occasional mood fluctuations are normal, frequent or extreme mood swings may signal an underlying hormonal imbalance.

Common symptoms of mood swings include:

Sudden irritability or anger
Crying spells or heightened emotional sensitivity
Difficulty concentrating
Feelings of anxiety or depression

The Role of Hormones in Mood Regulation

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system. They play a critical role in regulating many bodily functions, including mood, energy levels, and stress responses. Several hormones are directly linked to mood swings, particularly in women:

1. Ostrogen

Oestrogen is a primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. It also influences mood by affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being.

How It Impacts Mood: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels, such as those that occur before menstruation, during pregnancy, or in peri-menopause, can lead to mood swings. Low oestrogen levels may result in irritability, anxiety, or depression, while sudden increases can cause heightened emotional sensitivity.

2. Progesterone

Often called the “calming hormone,” progesterone has a soothing effect on the brain and nervous system. It plays a key role in stabilising mood and promoting relaxation.

How It Impacts Mood: Drops in progesterone levels, particularly in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, can lead to feelings of irritability, anxiety, and restlessness. Progesterone also interacts with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness.

3. Cortisol

Cortisol, the stress hormone, is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. While it’s essential for managing short-term stress, chronic elevation or suppression of cortisol levels can significantly impact mood.

How It Impacts Mood: High cortisol levels can lead to irritability, anxiety, and fatigue, while low cortisol levels may cause low energy and feelings of apathy or depression.

4. Serotonin and Dopamine

Although not hormones, these neurotransmitters are heavily influenced by hormonal changes. Oestrogen, for instance, supports serotonin production, while dopamine levels are linked to pleasure and motivation.

How They Impact Mood: Fluctuations in these neurotransmitters, often triggered by hormonal changes, can lead to feelings of sadness, irritability, or lack of motivation.

Common Triggers for Hormonal Mood Swings

Understanding what triggers hormonal mood swings can help you identify patterns and take proactive steps to manage them. Common triggers include:

1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

What Happens: The sharp drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels before menstruation can lead to mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional sensitivity.

2. Peri-menopause and Menopause

What Happens: During peri-menopause, oestrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, causing mood instability. Once menopause occurs and oestrogen levels remain low, some women may experience depression or anxiety.

3. Postpartum Period

What Happens: After childbirth, hormone levels drop rapidly, which can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, or even postpartum depression.

4. Chronic Stress

What Happens: Prolonged stress can disrupt the balance of cortisol and other hormones, leading to emotional exhaustion and irritability.

5. Thyroid Disorders

What Happens: Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) can cause significant mood changes, including depression, anxiety, or irritability.

Natural Ways to Support Hormonal Balance and Emotional Health

The good news is that there are effective strategies to support hormonal balance and reduce mood swings naturally. Here’s what you can do:

1. Support Hormonal Balance with Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs are powerful natural remedies that help the body adapt to stress and restore hormonal equilibrium. Here are some key adaptogens and their mechanisms of action:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This adaptogen helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, and supports the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance. Ashwagandha also improves resilience to stress, which can indirectly stabilise oestrogen and progesterone levels.
Rhodiola rosea: Known for its energising properties, Rhodiola modulates cortisol levels and improves the body’s stress response. It also enhances serotonin and dopamine activity, which can help alleviate mood swings caused by hormonal imbalances.
Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii): Maca is rich in bioactive compounds called macamides that support hormonal regulation by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It’s particularly helpful for balancing oestrogen and alleviating symptoms of peri-menopause and PMS.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as Tulsi, holy basil helps lower cortisol levels while promoting mental clarity and emotional stability. It contains eugenol and other compounds that reduce inflammation and support overall hormonal health.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A key herb in Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is known for its oestrogen-modulating effects. It’s particularly beneficial for women experiencing hormonal fluctuations during PMS, menopause, or postpartum.
Liquorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Liquorice root supports the adrenal glands and helps balance cortisol levels. It’s also effective in regulating oestrogen metabolism, making it helpful for mood swings linked to hormonal imbalances.

These herbs can be taken as teas, tinctures, or capsules, depending on your preference and the guidance of a qualified herbalist.

When to Seek Professional Support

While lifestyle changes can make a significant difference, it’s important to seek professional help if mood swings are severely affecting your quality of life. A healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments, such as hormonal therapy, counselling, medicine, or supplements.

If you’re looking for a natural approach to managing hormonal mood swings, I’m here to help. Through a personalised consultation, we can explore your symptoms and develop a tailored plan to support your emotional and hormonal health. Book a consultation today to take the first step toward balance and well-being.

Conclusion

The connection between hormones and mood swings is undeniable, but it doesn’t mean you have to feel out of control. By understanding the role hormones play in regulating your emotions and taking proactive steps to support hormonal balance, you can regain stability and feel more like yourself.

Whether it’s through diet, exercise, herbal remedies, or stress management, small changes can lead to big improvements in your emotional well-being. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re ready to explore a holistic approach to managing mood swings, reach out today—I’d love to support you on your path to balance.