Skip to main content

Understand this symptom

Mood swings

U

Uma Health

Medically verified5 min read

Insight

The essentials

This symptom is caused by the hormonal shifts your body is going through. Understanding what's happening helps you better cope with what you're feeling.

The (possible) cause

Mood swings during menopause usually have multiple causes. Hormonal fluctuations can affect your stress system and the chemicals in your brain that influence your mood, such as serotonin. Sleep also often plays a role: if you sleep poorly due to night sweats or hot flashes, you can feel more depressed, sad, or angry. Sometimes menopausal symptoms overlap with full-blown depression or anxiety disorders. In those cases, additional support is helpful.

What (often) helps

Many women benefit from three basics: more recovery, less stress pressure, more exerciseSo make sure you get enough rest, exercise regularly, and seek relaxation. Talk therapy can help with anxiety and low mood, and can also support sleep. If your symptoms are severe, last a long time, or you no longer recognize yourself, discuss this with your doctor.

Honest and transparent

The most frequently asked questions

View all questions
Mental

The science

Mood swings are more than just "having a bad day." They can include irritability, crying spells, restlessness, anxiety, or a low mood. Such complaints are common around menopause and perimenopause. In Belgium, this is sometimes referred to more broadly as "mood disorders," with words like sadness, irritability, and anxiety.

What researchers think may play a role

  • Hormonal fluctuations: can influence your mood through your stress system and through substances such as serotonin.
  • Sleep disturbanceHot flashes and night sweats can make your sleep worse. This can make you feel tired, depressed, or more easily angered.
  • Stress and mental strainIf you've been living "on reserve" for a long time, your resilience is lower. Emotions then hit you more quickly.

Factors that can make it worse

  • Irregular nights or insufficient recovery.
  • Alcohol (especially in the evening) and a lot of caffeine can disturb restlessness and sleep.
  • To keep going for a long time without breaks, even if you feel tension building up.

What you can do concretely

1) Map your pattern (10–14 days)
Note: sleep, hot flashes/night sweats, stress, alcohol/caffeine, and moments of irritability. This will make your triggers visible.

2) Focus on recovery
More rest and regularity often help.

3) Move at a comfortable pace
Not as a "must," but as an anchor. A short walk counts too.

4) Talk about it when things get tough
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help with anxiety and low mood, and can also improve sleep.
If you have lost yourself, or if you recognize depressive symptoms: seek guidance.