Q: Which specialist should I consult for mood swings?
A: If you have severe mood swings you need to consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist
Q: Is it normal to have mood swings?
A: It is normal to have mood changes but severe mood swings occurring persistently and impacting quality of life have to be investigated.
Q: Why do females have mood swings during periods?
A: Mood swings before and during periods are due to hormonal imbalance. Levels of estrogen and progesterone drop during this time.
Q: What are some of the drugs that cause mood changes?
A: Hormone replacement therapy, mefloquine (antimalarial), monteleukast (for asthma), propranolol (beta blocker), corticosteroids, varenicline (used to stop smoking) and vigabatrin (antiseizure drug) are some of the prescription drugs known to induce mood changes.
Q: Can mood swings be controlled by supplements?
A: Certain supplements such as vitamin B complex, vitamin E, chromium, St John’s wort and valerian have shown benefit in controlling mood swings. Stress relieving techniques such as meditation, massage and aromatherapy may also help. Consult your doctor before trying these options.
Q: What are phytoestrogens?
A: Herbs such as ginseng or black cohosh, contain chemicals called phytoestrogens, which function similar to estrogen in the female body. They can help overcome estrogen deficiency and mood swings, but prolonged use of these may make the body unable to produce its natural hormones.
Q: How do junk foods affect mood?
A: Junk foods artificially stimulate our mood neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and also deplete us nutritionally leading to imbalances in the body leading to serious physical as well as mental health issues.
Q: Can foods help to balance mood?
A: Foods such as raw cashews, walnut, kale, dark leafy vegetables, flax seeds, oil rich fish, bananas, avocados, sunflower seeds, fermented foods to improve gut health, citrus fruits can help to improve and balance mood.