Hormones may be to blame for unexpected mood swings

DEAR ABBY » This is in response to “Crying Myself to Sleep” (June 2), who is having drastic mood swings, including crying, depression and anger. I experienced these, and it was not only horrible, but also scary.

My doctors figured out my problem was caused by a hormonal imbalance. Since the body makes many different types of hormones, the doctors needed to find out which one(s) were involved in the disturbance.

Instead of going for psychological help first, I suggest she go for physical testing. She should see her regular M.D., her gynecologist and an endocrinologist (a hormonal specialist) to discover exactly what’s going on. If an imbalance isn’t the cause, her doctor may suggest considering other options. If everything physical is ruled out, seek counseling. She should not give up on finding out the source of her problem. — Been there and now doing

great DEAR BEEN THERE » I’m pleased you’re doing well and thank you for sharing. Many readers offered theories about what may be causing “Crying’s” mood swings, and they are worth considering. Read on: DEAR ABBY » As a psychiatrist, I’ve had patients with similar complaints. Before she pursues therapy, I would recommend keeping a calendar/journal for a few months to note when the episodes occur. While people tend to identify events as “random,” I have had patients who, once they kept track, realized the episodes were always a few days before the onset of their period. It is always wise to rule out a physical explanation before devoting time and energy to a psychological one.

— Glen in Texas