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What Your Mood Swings Are Really Saying About Your Body

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. od-swings-are-really-saying-about-your-body.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 11:28 GMT by TheHealthSite

Frequent Mood Swings: What Medical Tests Can Reveal the Real Cause
(Summary of TheHealthSite article – 5 Dec 2023)

Mood swings that come and go with no obvious trigger can be distressing, whether they surface as rapid shifts between happiness and sadness, irritability, or anxiety. While “just a phase” or “stress” are common lay explanations, medical science now offers a range of diagnostic tools that can uncover underlying physiological or psychiatric conditions. Below is a comprehensive overview of the key tests clinicians often order when patients report unexplained, frequent mood fluctuations, along with the medical conditions they help to rule in or out.

1. Why the Body is a Key Player in Mood Regulation

The nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, and metabolic pathways all influence neurotransmitter production, hormone levels, and brain chemistry. Even seemingly minor imbalances can ripple into noticeable mood changes. The HealthSite article emphasizes that many patients who present with mood swings actually have hidden disorders—especially hormonal and metabolic ones—that would be invisible without proper testing.

2. Blood Tests: The First Line of Investigation

The article stresses that “a single panel” is rarely sufficient. Clinicians usually tailor tests to the patient’s age, sex, medical history, and symptom pattern.

3. Hormone‑Specific Assessments

• Menstrual‑Cycle‑Specific Hormones
  Progesterone, estrogen, prolactin
  Women with pre‑menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from a cycle‑specific hormone profile.

• Androgen Assessment
  Testosterone, DHEA‑S
  Excess or deficiency can impact mood, energy, and libido.

• Pregnancy‑Related Hormones
  Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone
  Early pregnancy can cause mood swings due to rapid hormonal shifts.

• Cortisol and DHEA
  Morning cortisol levels and/or 24‑hour urinary free cortisol help screen for Cushing’s syndrome or Addison’s disease—both of which can produce extreme mood changes.

4. Additional Diagnostic Tools

The HealthSite article notes that imaging is usually reserved for patients with focal neurologic signs or when psychiatric evaluation raises suspicion of organic brain disease.

5. When to Suspect Medication‑Induced Mood Swings

Certain prescriptions can directly provoke emotional lability:

• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) – can cause euphoria or depression.
• Antidepressants – side‑effects include anxiety or agitation in the first weeks.
• Stimulants (used for ADHD) – may produce irritability.
• Hormonal Contraceptives – estrogen‑rich formulations can alter serotonin.
• Statins – rare reports of mood changes.

A thorough medication review, often conducted concurrently with lab work, is critical.

6. Interpreting Results: From Numbers to Treatment

A typical “mood‑swings work‑up” might proceed as follows:

1. Baseline CBC & CMP – rule out anemia or metabolic derangements.
2. Thyroid panel – if abnormal, initiate levothyroxine or thiamazole.
3. Hormone panel – adjust hormonal therapy or refer to endocrinology if needed.
4. Vitamin & mineral screen – supplement deficiencies.
5. Inflammatory markers – if high, consider anti‑inflammatory or immunomodulatory strategies.
6. Sleep study – treat apnea with CPAP or lifestyle changes.
7. Psychological screening – refer to therapy or psychiatry for mood disorders.

The HealthSite piece stresses that no single test will solve every mystery; rather, the constellation of results guides a tailored treatment plan that may involve medication changes, hormone replacement, nutritional supplementation, or psychotherapy.

7. Key Take‑Away Messages

8. How to Proceed If You’re Experiencing Mood Swings

1. Schedule a comprehensive health check – Bring a list of all current medications, supplements, and recent changes.
2. Ask for the specific tests outlined above – Your primary care provider can order them or refer you to an endocrinologist.
3. Maintain a mood diary – Note when swings occur, what you ate, slept, or were under stress; this data can help clinicians correlate patterns.
4. Follow up promptly – Even if initial labs are normal, persistent symptoms warrant repeat evaluation.

9. Bottom Line

Frequent mood swings are rarely “just mood.” They can be the tip of a hidden hormonal or metabolic iceberg. The HealthSite article underscores that a methodical diagnostic approach—starting with a full blood panel, followed by targeted hormone assays and, when necessary, neuro‑imaging—can reveal the true cause and pave the way for effective treatment. Whether the culprit is thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, adrenal insufficiency, or an undiagnosed psychiatric condition, the right tests give both patients and clinicians a clearer roadmap toward emotional stability.