Why Men Experience Mood Swings

Mood swings are unpleasant for the person experiencing them and significantly affect their loved ones. Sudden changes in emotions, from joy and laughter to tears and irritation, often cause misunderstanding and even alienation. A man whose mood "jumps" feels like he's on a swing, moving from euphoria to sadness without apparent reasons. What factors are responsible for mood swings?

Hormonal Changes

Have you heard of "Irritable Male Syndrome" (IMS)? This condition is associated with a drop in testosterone levels and is accompanied by irritability, aggression, fatigue, and loss of interest in favorite activities.

Men's testosterone levels begin to gradually decline around the age of 40, triggering symptoms similar to those women experience during menopause. IMS is accompanied not only by physical changes (fatigue and decreased libido) but also emotional ones: men become more prone to irritation and emotional swings. IMS is closely linked to decreased quality of life, including deterioration in relationships with loved ones.

External obligations, expectations of others, and a sense of family responsibility can cause high stress levels. Stress affects physiology, causing changes in cortisol levels, which intensify emotional instability.

Illnesses and Physical Condition

Sudden mood swings can be related to diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or chronic cardiovascular diseases. Abnormal conditions affect metabolism and hormonal balance, leading to physical and emotional instability. For example, people with hypothyroidism often experience depression and fatigue, resulting in mood swings.

Constant discomfort from chronic illnesses causes irritability and depressive moods.

What About Mental Health?

Bipolar affective disorder, borderline personality disorder, and depression can cause mood swings in men. For instance, bipolar disorder is characterized by transitions between hypomanic (manic) and depressive phases, lasting from several hours to several weeks. In the manic phase, a person feels inappropriately strong, excited, and full of energy that is not typical for them, may engage in foolish actions, and sleep little, while in the depressive phase, they fall into apathy and lose interest in life.

It's also vital to consider depression, which in men often masquerades as irritability and aggression. Instead of showing apparent signs of a depressed state, men may become more short-tempered, which is sometimes mistakenly perceived as a characteristic trait rather than a symptom of depression.

Lack of Sleep and Poor Nutrition

Chronic sleep deprivation negatively affects serotonin levels - a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and stable mood.

Lack of nutrients, B vitamins, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids can also cause mood deterioration. Dehydration can also cause mood swings as it causes fatigue and reduces the body's ability to cope with stress.

Impact of Alcohol and Psychoactive Substances

Frequent alcohol consumption leads to mood suppression and depression. The influence of narcotic substances is even more unpredictable: they cause euphoria for a short period, which is followed by severe emotional swings, depression, and anxiety.

Again, we can't ignore the topic of hormonal balance. The use of alcohol and drugs also leads to changes in the functioning of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin), causing "swings" in mood - from high excitement to deep depression.

Winter-Summer

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression associated with changes in seasons. In autumn and winter, many people experience a decreased mood associated with short daylight hours and reduced serotonin production. Men with SAD experience not only depressed mood but also increased fatigue and irritability.

Summary

Many factors cause mood swings in men. The problem of emotional instability requires a comprehensive approach, including analysis of hormonal background, work with a psychologist or psychiatrist, and lifestyle adjustments.