Most people experience periods of being moderately irritated, but being irritated for long periods of time can be our body’s way of telling us something serious could be going on such as hormonal imbalance. According to Dr. Jed Diamond, men experiencing chronic periods of irritability may be going through Irritable Male Syndrome, which is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances.
Females experiencing chronic periods of irritability may also be suffering from a disorder like premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Dr. Donnica believes that one in 20 women who have regular menstruation suffer from PMDD. The symptoms of PMDD include irritability, extreme mood swings and anxiety.
Nutritionist Karen Roth believes irritability due to hormonal imbalances could be managed following a whole foods diet. However, it is best to consult with a doctor first and as always. Regular checkups may help rule out irritability due to serious hormonal imbalances.
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Describing Irritability
The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV," or DSM, describes a person who is irritable as "easily annoyed and prone to outbursts of anger."
Sometimes a person may be irritated by a specific situation or circumstance, and sometimes the cause of irritability is unknown. However, the symptoms of irritability are easily identified as strong feelings of frustration and annoyance and can range from mild, short-term feelings of irritation to severe and chronic irritation.
Irritable Male Syndrome
According to the book, "The Irritable Male Syndrome," irritable male syndrome or IMS is a state of hypersensitivity, anxiety, frustration and anger that occurs in males and is associated with biochemical changes, hormone fluctuations, stress and loss of male identity. In many ways IMS is similar to male menopause with the exception that it can affect males of any age. Symptoms of IMS include volatile mood swings, extreme irritability, anxiety and lack of libido.
Dr. Diamond believes that IMS is primarily triggered by chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances may exacerbate it. The periods when men are the most susceptible to IMS are during midlife and adolescence. This is in large part due to rapid hormone shifts that occur during these times.
Treating IMS is similar to treating menopause. Men who believe they have IMS should see their doctor to determine whether they are suffering from hormonal imbalances. If hormonal imbalances are found to be the cause of IMS, topical creams such as male progesterone can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is similar to PMS, but it occurs a week before menstruation. Symptoms of PMDD include, irritability, depression and anxiety.
Dr. Donnica says, " PMDD symptoms go far beyond what are considered manageable or normal premenstrual symptoms." Women experiencing PMDD suffer from mood swings that interfere with daily life. Some women, according to Dr. Donnica, even become suicidal and have thoughts of hurting others.
PMDD is a serious disorder, yet in a survey conducted by Dr. Donnica, eight in 10 women had no idea what PMDD was or that it was even treatable. Women who believe they have severe PMS should see their doctor. If PMDD is found to be the cause, treatment involves taking medications such as antidepressants.
Managing Irritability by diet
Being irritable is not a pleasant experience, but people can control irritable mood swings. Nutritionist Karen Roth believes anxiety, anger and irritability are related to hormonal imbalance and may be treated eating a diet consisting of whole foods.
She says, "Building a strong foundation with a whole foods diet, and sufficient intake of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, can often be enough to allow one’s body to naturally restore hormone balance." She is not a fan of synthetic pharmaceuticals prescribed to treat hormone imbalances and says, "when a prescription drug is used to treat hormone imbalance, it replaces, but does not restore."
Understanding Irritability Is Key
Most people experience short periods of irritability, but chronic irritability could be due to hormonal imbalances. Both males and females experience hormonal changes, and irritability may be a symptom of this. It is necessary to understand the underlying factors that cause an irritable mood and try to alleviate the stressors that exacerbate irritability.
