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Managing Mood Swings During Menopause: Expert Tips For Emotional Balance

Episode Summary

Explore proven strategies for managing menopausal mood swings without medication. Discover how diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can restore emotional stability during this challenging transition.To learn more, visit: https://bettyjohansen.com/dancing-through-menopause/

Episode Notes

You know that moment when you're completely fine one second, then suddenly fighting back tears over a grocery store commercial? If you're going through menopause, you're probably nodding right now. Today we're talking about something that affects up to 70% of menopausal women but rarely gets discussed openly: those unpredictable mood swings that make you feel like you're losing your mind. Here's what's actually happening in your body. Your estrogen levels are dropping, and estrogen acts like a natural mood stabilizer. It helps maintain serotonin production, the same chemical that antidepressants target. When estrogen declines, your brain chemistry literally changes. You're not being dramatic or oversensitive. Your neurotransmitters are adjusting to a new normal. The good news is you don't have to white-knuckle your way through this phase. Simple dietary changes can make a huge difference. Stable blood sugar levels prevent those mood crashes that leave you feeling irritable or weepy. Focus on protein-rich meals and complex carbohydrates. Skip the sugar rollercoaster that makes everything worse. Exercise acts as a natural antidepressant by releasing endorphins and processing stress hormones more effectively. You don't need to become a gym warrior. A thirty-minute walk can significantly improve your emotional state. The key is consistency, not intensity. Sleep becomes more crucial during menopause, yet it's often the first thing that gets disrupted. Night sweats and hormone fluctuations can turn bedtime into a battle. Creating a cool, dark environment and establishing consistent bedtime routines help signal your body it's time to rest. Breathing techniques offer immediate relief when emotions feel overwhelming. Try the four-seven-eight method: inhale for four counts, hold for seven, exhale for eight. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system and interrupts anxiety spirals before they take over. Building a support network makes an enormous difference. Connect with other women experiencing similar changes. Professional guidance from menopause specialists can provide personalized strategies that address your specific symptoms and lifestyle factors. Betty Johansen, author and menopause wellness expert, emphasizes that this phase requires patience with yourself and consistent application of healthy strategies. She notes that most women find their emotions stabilize once hormone levels reach their new baseline, typically within two to five years after menopause. Managing mood swings naturally is absolutely possible with the right information and support. For detailed strategies and comprehensive guidance on managing menopausal emotions without medication, visit the link in the description to learn more from Betty Johansen's expertise. Wordsmith World City: Big Spring Address: Texas Website: https://bettyjohansen.com/