Mood Swings You Can't Explain? Learn the Common Causes Today

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Siva Anoop Yella

Mood swings are sudden changes in emotional state, from joy to sadness or dread. They can be normal but may indicate an underlying illness when they are excessive and interfere with daily life. Sometimes triggered by situations, mood swings can also occur without apparent reason.

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Mood swings might result from chemical imbalances in the brain. They can be symptoms of psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, or medical conditions such as dementia, neurological disorders, brain tumors, meningitis, and strokes. Conditions depriving the brain of nutrients and oxygen, like lung and cardiovascular disease, substance abuse, medication side effects, and hormonal changes, can also cause mood swings.

Impacting various life aspects, mood swings can indicate serious conditions. Immediate medical attention is necessary for crises or suicidal behavior. A healthcare professional should promptly address persistent or worsening mood swings.

Common Causes of Mood Swings

Often, lifestyle factors play a role in causing mood swings. People can have sudden changes in mood if they are:

Experiencing a significant life change, such as moving or changing jobs
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
Not getting enough sleep
Not eating healthily
Taking medications that affect mood or sleep

Mood Swings in Men and Women

Common mood disorders that affect either sex include:

Bipolar disorder: Involves emotional highs and lows. A form of mood disorder, it's a major mental health condition involving intense mood swings.
Major depressive disorder (MDD): Persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily life.
Cyclothymia: A Milder but chronic form of bipolar disorder.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Long-term, low-grade depression.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Involves intense mood swings and unstable relationships.

Mental Health Conditions and Mood Swings

Schizophrenia
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
DMDD (Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder)
Substance misuse or abuse

Physical Health Conditions and Mood Swings

Alzheimer's Disease
Coronary Disease
Diabetes
Epilepsy
HIV
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stroke
Thyroid Disorders

What are the Causes of Mood Swings in Women?

Hormonal changes can lead to dramatic mood swings. Women are more prone to signs of hormonal changes than men, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Common Causes of Mood Swings in Women

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Mood swings during pregnancy
Menopause

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What are the Symptoms of Mood Swings?

Quick mood shifts without a clear reason
Feeling overly energetic or very tired
Trouble sleeping or changes in appetite
Finding it hard to focus
Acting impulsively or feeling restless

When to Visit a Doctor?

Mood swings are normal occasionally, but if you experience any of the following, it may be time to seek professional help:

Intense or unpredictable mood changes: Feeling extreme highs and lows without a clear reason.
Risky or impulsive actions: Making reckless decisions that could harm yourself or others.
Thoughts of self-harm: Feeling hopeless or considering hurting yourself.
Difficulty managing daily life: If mood swings interfere with work, relationships, or daily tasks.

Don't hesitate to reach out to a doctor or mental health professional—getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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How Are Mood Swings Diagnosed?

Medical History Review: Discussion of symptoms (frequency, intensity, triggers). Personal or family history of mental health conditions. Current medications, substance use, or physical health issues.

Physical Examination: Rule out underlying medical causes (e.g., thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, neurological conditions).

Psychological Evaluation: Screening for mental health disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder). Assessment of emotional patterns, behavior, and thought processes.

Lab Tests (if needed): Blood tests. Hormone level checks (e.g., estrogen, testosterone, cortisol).

Referral to Specialists: Psychiatrist, psychologist, or neurologist for further evaluation if needed.

What are the Treatment Options for Mood Swings?

While professional treatment may be necessary, these lifestyle changes can help stabilize your mood:

Exercise Regularly
Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Sugar
Try Calcium Supplements
Change Your Diet
Practice Stress Management
Sleep Better

Small changes can make a big difference. Start with one or two adjustments and build from there!

Risk of Untreated Mood Swings

When mood swings are left untreated, they can gradually worsen and interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. Ignoring the symptoms may also lead to more serious emotional or physical health issues over time.

Increased risk of anxiety and depression
Strained relationships with family, friends, or coworkers
Poor decision-making or impulsive behavior
Decreased work or academic performance
Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Substance abuse or unhealthy coping habits
Higher chance of developing a mood disorder like bipolar disorder

Prevention Tips for Mood Swings

Track your moods
Identify and release negativity
Pause and breathe during emotional shifts
Seek lifestyle balance
Engage in new, enjoyable activities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Researchers suspect that changes in the hormone estrogen are most likely to be to blame. In the days and weeks leading up to a period, a woman's estrogen levels rise and fall dramatically. They stabilize 1 to 2 days after the start of the period. These changes can affect mood and behavior.

It's common to experience an occasional change in mood or to experience a short period of joy or sadness. But if your behavior is unpredictable for several days or more, it may be a sign of something more serious. You may feel grumpy one minute and happy the second.

Mood swings are also common with depression, especially if left untreated. A person's mood can range from irritability to extreme sadness to an outburst of anger. People who are depressed can also have other signs, such as feeling sad, hopeless, and worthless.

Yes, diet plays a significant role in mood regulation. Consuming a balanced diet with adequate nutrients helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which can reduce mood swings.

Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can cause emotional instability and lead to mood swings. Chronic stress can exacerbate these effects.

Teenage mood swings usually begin to settle by the early 20s as hormonal levels balance and emotional maturity develops.

Yes, occasional mood swings are a normal part of life, especially during hormonal changes, stress, or emotional events.

Yes, hormonal fluctuations before and during menstruation can lead to irritability, sadness, or mood swings in many girls.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular sleep, balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and seek help if mood changes are severe or frequent.