If you've clicked on this article, chances are you're either experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of perimenopause or you know someone who is. First and foremost, let's get one thing straight: you're not alone. Many women experience mood swings during this transitional phase of life, and it's completely natural (1).
Why Do Mood Swings Happen During Perimenopause?
Great question! The primary culprit behind these out of nowhere mood swings is the changing levels of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. As these hormone levels fluctuate, they can impact neurotransmitters in the brain, which are responsible for regulating your mood (2).
Balancing Blood Sugar Levels: A Key to Mood Stability
Here's an insider tip you may not have come across yet: balancing blood sugar levels can play an important role in alleviating or even reducing those pesky mood swings. But why is that?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for your body's cells. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which then enters the bloodstream. The hormone insulin helps cells absorb this glucose and use it for energy. However, when blood sugar levels spike or drop dramatically, it can lead to a cascade of physiological effects that influence your mood (3).
For instance, a rapid drop in blood sugar can lead to symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and moodiness. This is because the brain, which is highly sensitive to glucose levels, is not getting the energy it needs to function optimally. On the flip side, consistently high blood sugar levels can cause inflammation, which has been linked to mood disorders like depression (4).
Furthermore, unstable blood sugar levels can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation—a well-known mood destabilizer. It can also lead to cravings for sugary foods, creating a vicious cycle of sugar highs and lows, further exacerbating mood swings.
By maintaining a balanced diet, rich in whole foods, fiber and low in processed sugars, you can help stabilize these levels and, in turn, your mood. Incorporating foods with little of low carbohydrates, such as whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can provide sustained energy and prevent rapid blood sugar fluctuations. Regular meals and snacks, with enough time in between to digest, can also keep blood sugar levels steady, offering a more stable mood foundation.
Why Choose Hello Inside?
What does Hello Inside have to do with all this? While mood swings can affect anyone, they are more common in menopausal women. Regulating blood sugar levels through diet and lifestyle changes can go a long way toward mitigating the onset and severity of mood swings so you can continue to feel great! Hello Inside is the best and easiest way to control blood sugar levels because it is:
- Accurate and reliable: Hello Inside uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that is one of the most accurate and reliable on the market. This means that you can be confident 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 manage their blood sugar levels effectively. The app also offers a variety of personalized insights and recommendations to help you make changes to their diet, lifestyle, and/or sleep routines.
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Personalized: Hello Inside takes into account your individual needs and health goals. This means that you can be confident that you are getting the advice and support you need to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
Remember, everyone's experience with peri-menopause is unique, so it’s important to make lifestyle changes personalized to you in order to see improvement in symptoms.
In summary...
Perimenopause is a journey, and like all journeys, it comes with its challenges. But remember, you're not trekking this path alone. With the right knowledge, tools, and support, you can navigate the mood swings and embrace this new chapter with confidence and grace.
