Do you find that your aging mom’s mood is fluctuating more than usual lately? If so, you are not alone. Mood swings in aging women are common and most families will experience such transitions. These mood swings can usually be identified through their intense expression of emotions, especially in moments of sadness, anger, anxiety, as well as excitement. Most elderly women themselves also recognize such behavioral changes, but most times the emotions they feel are too overwhelming to be kept under control.
Managing mood swings can be overwhelming and difficult for family members. As such, it is imperative to learn about the causes of mood swings to better manage your loved one’s mood swings the next time they happen. Read on to find out some of the common causes of mood swings in aging women.
Hormonal Changes
The most common reason aging women go through mood swings is the change in hormone levels as they age. Elderly women are the one demographic that experiences the most drastic fluctuations, affecting many factors like mood, sleep, motivation, energy levels, and others alike.
The most common problem lies in the fact that elderly women have lower estrogen, which is known to drastically decline in the period after menopause. Since estrogen is closely linked to our mood, low estrogen levels make it difficult for aging women to control their emotions. Thankfully, hormonal imbalances can be easily diagnosed through blood tests and most importantly, can be treated with hormone replacement therapy.
Bipolar Disorder
Another possible reason why your loved one is going through major mood swings is the development of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can be summed up as a mood disorder that results in periods of depression followed by periods of mania. If you notice your loved one not sleeping as much as usual, acting abnormally energetic, or engaging in reckless behavior, then it may be time to seek professional treatment.
Grief and Loss
Different people respond to grief and loss easily. As such, the impact of sudden grief can wear heavily on some. Loss of loved ones is more likely to happen with age and can be too much for some to handle. If you notice any mood swings or emotional outbursts in your aging mom after the passing of a close one, then they might just be trying to adjust to life without that person.
Not everyone will eventually walk out of their grief, so intervention might be required if no improvements are seen even after some time.
Cognitive Decline
Another possible reason why your aging mom is going through mood swings could be attributed to cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is something commonly associated with the elderly, and it is extremely important to take proactive steps in ensuring the condition doesn’t worsen further. Here at TerraBella Newton, a memory care program is dedicated to improving the cognitive abilities of the elderly who face cognitive decline and other memory-related problems. Schedule a tour with us today to experience it!
