5 Natural Remedies for Mood Swings in Women

Feeling a bit moody today? The reason mood swings in women are more common than in men is that our hormones are intimately connected to our emotions and when they become imbalanced, our mood tends to swing. Women experience more frequent hormonal imbalance than men due to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Does this mean that we need to give up on mood swings? Absolutely not. In fact, there are some natural remedies that can help improve mood swings in women. 

What are mood swings? 

We have all experienced those days where we are happy one moment and can cry the next! Those drastic emotional changes are called mood swings. Most of the time, we can’t really explain why this constant up-and-down happens, however, there are some causes and factors that can trigger mood swings. 

Main causes of mood swings in women 

Women affected by hormonal disorders like PMS syndrome and PCOS or are in a particular hormonal phase like puberty or menopause are more likely to experience this emotional rollercoaster. Other than hormonal imbalances, both genders who may have psychological disorders like depression, or bipolar depression can experience drastic mood swings. Stress and lack of sleep play another big role in mood swings, especially when combined with hormonal imbalance. Have you ever noticed how easily irritable we are when we don’t get enough sleep? Or when our boss is pressuring us? Adjusting some lifestyle habits combined with natural remedies, can vividly improve the way we feel and limit our mood swings.  

Remedies for mood swings in women 

1.    Improve the quality of your sleep 

Sleep is the most effective natural remedy we have, but we often don’t take advantage of it. When we have very busy schedules, sleep is the first thing we compromise on. What a mistake! Regular quality sleep not only gets us ready to face the following day, but it also helps to keep our hormones in balance and, consequently, our mood. We have more energy and can see things in perspective. It is an overall nostrum that can also help address other issues like stress and anxiety. To improve the quality of your sleep, try to set a regular time where you go to bed and to spend the hour before doing something relaxing like reading a book, stretching, knitting, or anything that helps you to calm your nerves and unwind.  

2.    Manage stress 

Studies show that women struggle more with stress than men. Managing stress is something that can sound easy, but many of us struggle with it. Some external factors can complicate stress management and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and feel there is no way out. During these moments it is important to take deep breaths and reconnect with our inner self to revise our priorities. The success of meditation comes from the fact that it helps us practice visualisation through our breath to calm the mind and body. Starting your day with a 10-minute meditation is a great way to connect with yourself and clear the mind from all the unnecessary feelings. Throughout your day, come back to that safe space whenever you feel like you need a break. Consistency is key here, so try to turn it into your morning routine.  

3.    Exercise regularly  

Physical exercise is the most powerful uplifting natural remedy. When we practice sport our body releases endorphins, which are also called ‘the happiness hormones’. Find a physical exercise that you enjoy doing, if you don’t like going to the gym, don’t force yourself to do so only because you read in a magazine that it is the only way of achieving results. Find what works for you and your lifestyle, otherwise, it will only cause further and unnecessary stress. 

4.    Healthy Gut, happy mind! 

Eating healthy and balanced meals helps manage our blood sugar levels, which can often be the cause of mood swings in women. Include in your meal a portion of veggies, whole meal complex carbs like pasta or rice, a source of protein, and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. The combination of all the macronutrients will help keep your blood sugar levels under control and make you feel full for longer. Between meals, have ie a piece of fruit with some nuts or yogurt/ kefir. Having more frequent meals during the day can also help limit mood swings. 

5.    Aromatherapy  

Essential oils and aromatherapy treatments can be of great support when experiencing emotional shifts. Some essential oils like lavender, bergamot, clary sage, and rose otto are known to help improve our mood. The scent of essential oils can stimulate an emotional response reminding us of positive feelings and moments. Implementing aromatherapy in your healthy lifestyle habits through massages, inhalation, or holistic products can boost your energy and balance the mood.  

Taking more time for ourselves to treat and nourish our mind and body with quality sleep and relaxation practice, healthy food combined with regular movement, and the support of aromatherapy, is an investment towards our mental and physical health. An overall healthy lifestyle is key for hormonal balance and to avoid drastic shifts of emotions, especially during periods of severe fatigue or stress.