If you've clicked on this article, you're probably going through the emotional rollercoaster of menopause, or you know someone who is. First of all, let's be clear: You are not alone. Many women experience mood swings during this transition, and it's completely normal ( 1 ).
Why do mood swings occur during menopause?
Good question! The main reason for these sudden mood swings is fluctuating hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. As these hormone levels fluctuate, they can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for regulating mood ( 2 ).
Balancing blood sugar levels: A key to greater stability
Now here's an insider tip you may not have come across yet: Balanced blood sugar levels can play an important role in mitigating or even reducing those annoying mood swings . But why is that?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main source of energy for your body's cells. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which then enters your bloodstream. The hormone insulin helps cells absorb this glucose and use it for energy. However, when blood sugar levels rise or fall dramatically, it can lead to a number of physiological effects that affect your mood ( 3 ).
For example, a rapid drop in blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings. This is because the brain, which is particularly sensitive to glucose levels, doesn't receive enough energy to function optimally. On the other hand, consistently high blood sugar levels can cause inflammation, which has been linked to mood disorders such as depression ( 4 ).
Additionally, unstable blood sugar levels can impair sleep and promote sleep deprivation, which is known to worsen mood. It can also lead to cravings for sugary foods, creating a vicious cycle of glucose spikes and troughs that further exacerbates mood swings.
By eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods and fiber and low in processed sugar, you can help stabilize these levels and thus your mood. Incorporating foods low in simple carbohydrates, such as whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, can provide you with sustained energy and prevent rapid blood sugar fluctuations. Regular meals and snacks with ample time between meals for digestion can also keep blood sugar levels stable, thus providing a more stable foundation for your mood.
Why should you choose Hello Inside?
What does Hello Inside have to do with all this? While mood swings can affect anyone, they're more common in women going through menopause. Regulating your blood sugar levels through dietary and lifestyle changes can go a long way toward mitigating the occurrence and severity of mood swings so you can continue to feel your best! Hello Inside is the best and easiest way to control your blood sugar because it:
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Accurate and reliable : Hello Inside uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that's among the most accurate and reliable on the market. This means you can trust that the glucose data you receive is accurate.
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Convenient and easy to use : The Hello Inside app is easy to use and provides you with all the information you need to effectively manage your blood sugar levels. The app also offers a variety of personalized insights and recommendations to help you make changes to your diet, lifestyle, and/or sleep habits.
- Personalized : Hello Inside takes your individual needs and health goals into account. So you can be sure you'll get the advice and support you need to effectively control your blood sugar levels.
Remember that every woman's experience with menopause is unique. Therefore, it's important to make lifestyle changes that are tailored to your individual needs to improve your symptoms.
In summary…
Menopause is a journey, and like all journeys, it brings its challenges. With the right knowledge, tools, and support, you can manage your mood swings and approach this new chapter with confidence and grace.
