Mood refers to a person's pervasive and sustained emotional state. Mood can be described as positive or negative, ranging from feelings of sadness and depression to feelings of happiness and elation. Mood changes refer to shifts in a person's baseline emotional state over time.
Some common causes of mood changes include:
How long do mood changes last? Mood changes can vary greatly in duration. Reactive mood shifts prompted by an upsetting event typically resolve within hours or days. Mood changes tied to hormonal fluctuations, medications, or drugs/alcohol may persist for weeks or until the underlying cause is treated. Symptoms of clinical depression and bipolar disorder can saddle patients with disturbed mood for months at a time without treatment. Ongoing mood instability is not normal and may indicate an underlying physical or mental health issue warranting medical intervention.
In summary, mood changes refer to emotional highs and lows over time impacted by diverse internal and external factors. If mood instability lasts more than a few weeks or significantly impairs function, seeking help from a doctor or Renew Hormone Center hormone clinic is advised. Consistent mood changes often respond well to tailored treatment plans aimed at balancing hormones, reducing stress, stabilizing sleep, and addressing related medical issues.