“One Minute I’m Fine, The Next I’m Breathing Fire” - Hormones, Mood Swings & Irritability
Minal Patel - Naturopath & Food Scientist | Bhimble Wellness
Do you ever feel like you could throw a frying pan at your partner?
You’re not crazy. You’re not alone.
From PMS in your teens and twenties to the roller-coaster of perimenopause, so many women feel the same way.
Today, I want to chat about why your hormones might be sending your moods all over the place and what you can do to feel calmer, lighter, and more like yourself again.
Are Your Hormones The Culprit?
Hormones aren’t just about periods and fertility, they’re little chemical messengers that affect everything form your sleep, energy, mood, and even how tolerant you feel towards the people around you.
Here’s what may be going on:
- High fluctuating estrogen can trigger insomnia, irritability and that intense “don’t talk to me” rage.
- Perimenopause often means higher estrogen with low progesterone which can stimulate your immune system to release histamine which can cause anxiety, migraines, heavy periods, hay-fever and more symptoms.
- Other possible triggers include iodine deficiency, sensitivity to progesterone changes, and high prolactin levels.
PMS or PMDD – What’s The Difference?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is the more common and mild. It can be annoying but doesn’t stop you from living your life.
Common PMS symptoms:
- Tender breasts
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Low mood
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Bloating
- Food cravings
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe, diagnosable mood disorder. It can interfere with your work, maintaining relationships and affects your overall well-being. If you suspect PMDD, see your GP and I can support you too.
Common PMDD symptoms:
- Extreme mood swings
- Anger or irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression (sometimes with suicidal thoughts)
- Feeling overwhelmed or tense
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite or food cravings
- Trouble sleeping
You Don’t Have to go Through This Alone
It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling low or having really dark thoughts. If you ever feel like you might harm yourself or have suicidal thoughts, get help immediately. Some options include:
- Talking to your GP
- Calling 1737 to speak with trained counsellors
- Calling 111 or going to your nearest emergency centre
Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You don’t have to manage everything on your own.
Some Simple Tweaks to Help Boost Your Mood Starting Today:
You don’t have to turn your whole life upside down, start with making small changes:
- Cut Back on Alcohol – Alcohol messes with estrogen metabolism and gut health, which both effects your hormones.
- Cut Back on Ultra-Processed Foods – Ultra Processed Foods include packaged snacks, takeaways and sugary treats that can trigger inflammation and gut issues which makes mood swings worse.
- Manage Your Stress – 5 minutes of deep breathing or a quick walk can calm your nervous system.
- Move Your Body – Exercise lifts your mood, boosts energy and helps protect muscle mass which naturally declines after menopause.
You Can Feel Balanced Again
You don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle of rage, exhaustion and “I can’t deal with life right now.”
With the right support, you can calm your hormones, ease your mood swings and feel at home in your body again.
Book a free 30-minute Hormonal Wellness Discovery Call and let’s talk about how I can help you to feel like yourself again.
With love and understanding,
Minal