Which Hormones Control Mood & Irritability?

You may not realize it, but hormones play a big role in how you feel day to day. Whether it’s that wave of frustration you feel in traffic or the joy you get from spending time with loved ones, hormones are working behind the scenes, influencing your mood.

These chemical messengers control a wide range of bodily functions, and mood regulation is a big one. So, let’s dive into the key hormones that affect your mood and what you can do to keep them balanced.

Estrogen & Progesterone: Your Monthly Mood Managers

For women, two hormones often take center stage when it comes to mood: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones fluctuate during your monthly cycle, and you can thank them for some of those ups and downs you feel.

Estrogen is known for boosting levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps with positive mood. When estrogen is up, you might feel more energized and upbeat—but as estrogen dips, especially right before your period, you may notice mood swings, irritability, and a drop in motivation. Progesterone, on the other hand, is more calming. It works with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.

When both hormone levels drop, it’s no surprise that you might feel out of sorts. If you’re noticing big swings in mood around your period, you’re not alone. At Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding, we understand how these shifts can impact your daily life. That’s why we offer Pure Encapsulations Pregnenolone, which supports healthy hormone balance and helps maintain mood and memory. Another option to promote positive mood, support relaxation, and moderate occasional stress is Pure Encapsulations GABA. These supplements are great options to help keep things on a more even keel.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol is released by your adrenal glands when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. In small doses, cortisol helps you handle challenges by giving you a burst of energy. But when stress sticks around for too long, cortisol levels stay elevated, which can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even trouble sleeping.

Managing cortisol levels is key to keeping stress—and your mood—in check. If you suspect your cortisol may be off, we recommend our Adrenal Stress Kit, a saliva test that will give us insight into your levels. One of the adrenal supplements we offer at Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding is Pure Encapsulations Energy Xtra, an adaptogen formula for physical and mental stamina. Adaptogens help the body to adapt to and cope with occasional stress.

We also recommend Adrenal Health, which is designed to help balance cortisol levels and promote a healthy stress response. By supporting your adrenal glands, this supplement helps you better manage stress and stay on top of your emotional well-being.

Testosterone: More Than Just a Male Hormone

Testosterone isn’t just important for men: it plays a role in women’s health, too. In both men and women, testosterone is linked to energy, motivation, sex drive, and confidence.

Low levels of testosterone can lead to irritability, fatigue, and even a lower mood. As we age, testosterone naturally declines—and for some people, this can make a noticeable difference in how they feel.

If you’re finding yourself feeling more irritable or less energetic than usual, it might be worth looking into how your testosterone levels are doing. We recommend Pure Encapsulations Tribulus Formula to help maintain the body’s normal testosterone levels.

Pregnancy & Postpartum: Hormonal Roller Coasters

During pregnancy, your body experiences a surge in estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and feelings of both joy and anxiety. After giving birth, hormone levels drop sharply, which can contribute to postpartum depression. It’s important to recognize that these mood changes are normal, but if they start to feel overwhelming, you’re not alone. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re feeling down or anxious.

At Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding, we offer Pure Encapsulations PreNatal Nutrients, a multivitamin/mineral complex that supports both pregnancy and lactation, helping you get the nutrients you need to feel your best during this special time.

Menopause: Managing Hormonal Shifts

Menopause brings its own set of hormonal changes that can affect your mood. As estrogen and progesterone levels drop, many women experience mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and more. These changes can make life feel unpredictable, especially when paired with other menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and disrupted sleep.

Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress can help, but some women also benefit from supplements. We recommend Hum Nutrition Fan Club, which features Siberian rhubarb extract to reduce the frequency and severity of several menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.

Keeping Your Hormones in Check

While hormonal changes are a natural part of life, there are steps you can take to keep your mood on a more even path:

• Stay active. Exercise boosts endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Even a short walk can make a big difference.

• Eat well. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like leafy greens and lean proteins, can support hormone production.
• Consider supplements. Sometimes, your body needs a little extra help to stay balanced. That’s why we offer a range of products to support hormonal balance, as well as hormone therapy.

Balancing your hormones doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By staying active, eating nutrient-rich foods, and incorporating the right supplements into your routine, you can help keep your mood steady and feel more in control.

Balancing Hormones & Your Mood

Hormones may be invisible, but their impact on mood and irritability is undeniable. Whether you’re facing the ups and downs of your monthly cycle, having a baby, adjusting to life postpartum, experiencing the changes that come with menopause, or simply aging, understanding how hormones influence your mood is the first step toward feeling better.

At Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding, we’re here to help you every step of the way. With a range of products designed to support hormonal balance, we can work with you to find the right solution for your unique needs. Contact us today for a hormone consultation.

We also offer saliva testing to help monitor and regulate your levels of these pertinent hormones. Click here to request a test kit. We’re happy to help!