Irritability - Renew Hormone Clinic

What is irritability?

Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or annoyance to stimuli that typically do not bother most people. It manifests as increased reactivity to minor frustrations, provocations, or demands.

Common symptoms of irritability include:

• Feeling easily annoyed or angered
• Overreacting to small problems
• Having a low frustration tolerance
• Snapping at people for minor reasons

Irritability differs from anger because it can occur without true provocation. Minor triggers can set off an irritated mood.

Causes

There are several potential causes of increased irritability:

• Stress - High stress levels can make someone feel constantly on-edge.
• Mental health conditions - Disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD and bipolar disorder are associated with higher rates of irritability.
• Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones, like prior to menstruation, can increase irritable moods.
• Medical conditions - Certain illnesses are linked to greater irritability, like Alzheimer's disease or chronic pain.
• Medications - Some prescription drugs list irritability as a potential side effect.

If irritability persists, checking in with a doctor is wise to identify any underlying causes that may need treatment.

Management

Whether the root cause can be pinpointed or not, there are ways to help minimize frequent irritable feelings:

• Stress management techniques - Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or journaling to reduce overall stress.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - Working with a therapist to adjust reactions to frustration.
• Lifestyle changes - Ensuring adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Avoiding alcohol and stimulant drugs that increase reactivity.
• Support network - Having close relationships to provide perspective during periods of high irritability.

At Renew Hormone Clinic, we also specialize in hormone balance solutions that can help stabilize moods. Hormonal fluctuations are a very common culprit behind increased feelings of irritability. Our clinicians design customized hormone therapy plans to target the unique needs of each patient.

Interested to learn more about whether hormone imbalance could be contributing to irritability? Schedule a consultation today at . Our compassionate care teams are here to help you on your path towards balanced wellbeing.