How to manage mood swings without side effects in females?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 34-year-old woman struggling with mood swings that shift from feeling very low and depressed to suddenly feeling high and restless. It is starting to affect my work, social life, and relationships. My doctor has suggested starting medication, but I am worried about possible side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and how it might affect my menstrual cycle or future pregnancy plans.

I have heard that therapy can help. Can it work on its own, or is it better when combined with medication? Are there certain medicines or treatment plans that are safer for women? I have also noticed that my mood tends to get worse around my periods or during stressful times.

I would like to understand what to expect in the long term, how I can manage my symptoms better, and what lifestyle changes might help improve my mental health.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that it must have been very difficult for you to experience these mood swings and their impact on your life. I am glad that you have reached out for help.

Whether therapy alone will work or if a combination of medication and psychotherapy is needed depends on the severity of your symptoms.

If your symptoms are mild and do not interfere much with your daily life, psychotherapy alone may be sufficient. However, as you mentioned that your mood swings are affecting your work, social life, and relationships, you would likely benefit from both medication and psychotherapy.

You may be experiencing bipolar disorder (a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs called mania or hypomania, and lows called depression). The choice of medicine depends on the type of mood episode you are currently experiencing.

There are effective medications available with different side effect profiles. For example, Aripiprazole (a mood stabilizer and antipsychotic medication) does not typically cause weight gain, menstrual cycle changes, diabetes, high blood pressure, or sedation. It may, however, cause some restlessness or mild discomfort when first started.

Side effects are carefully monitored by your treating psychiatrist, and every effort is made to minimize them. The benefits of starting medication usually outweigh the possible side effects. Therefore, I strongly recommend following your doctor’s advice regarding medication.

Psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, interpersonal therapy, and maintaining good sleep hygiene are also effective. The most suitable type of therapy for you will depend on your specific needs and areas that require attention.

Both medication and psychotherapy are important parts of treatment and should ideally be used together for the best results.

Lifestyle modifications are also essential, such as maintaining a regular sleep routine, taking medications consistently, reducing caffeine and nicotine intake, and managing stress.

If this is your first mood episode, medications are usually continued for six to 12 months. If you have had multiple episodes, long-term or lifelong treatment may be necessary.

It is also common for symptoms to worsen around your menstrual cycle, but once you start appropriate treatment, these mood fluctuations generally improve.

I hope this helps you.

Kindly revert if there are any queries.

Thank you.