Can Weather Change Affect Our Mood?
It has been rainy and gloomy here in Houston for the last week! I have received so many calls regarding behavior changes that parents have seen in their kiddos this week so I thought I would address the age old question of, “Can the weather affect our moods?”.
The short answer is YES! Changes in the barometric pressure can affect our moods!
How are Atmospheric Pressure and Mood Changes Related?
Serotonin Metabolism
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and dysregulation.
Atmospheric pressure has been shown to influence serotonin metabolism which in turn can lead to significant mood changes (Oniszczenko, 2020).
Depression
Lower atmospheric pressure has been associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in males. In fact, a study conducted in Finland found that daily atmospheric pressure correlated statistically significantly with the number of suicide attempts (Hiltunen et al., 2012)
Headaches/Migraines
While the triggers for migraines can be multifaceted, changes in the barometric pressure have been shown to increase headaches and migraines (Okuma et al., 2015).
I personally have had a migraine for the last three days. I have worked to treat it and rest easy in the fact that this will also pass as the barometric pressure returns to a more normal level. I have treated the migraine with PEA Soothe Support Pro and OptiMag Neuro Magnesium by Xymogen. I have also prioritized rest and sleep.
Joint pain
Research has shown that changes in barometric pressure and sudden drops in temperature can affect mood and cause muscles and joints to ache and swell up due to the expansion and contraction of tendons, muscles, bones and scar tissues (Fagerlund et al., 2019)
Other Weather Factors That Can Affect Mood Include:
Sunshine: Sunlight can improve positive moods, reduce negative moods, and reduce tiredness.
Temperature: Temperatures that deviate from the ideal of around 20°C can cause discomfort.
Humidity: Humidity can make people more irritable and tired
If you are someone who struggles with mood change and or experiences an increase in pain or fibromyalgia symptoms when the weather changes, please know that you are not alone and that there are things that we can do to help reduce the severity of symptoms.
If you would like to set up a consultation with me or order PEA Soothe Support Pro and/or OptiMag Neuro Magnesium by Xymogen you may do so by clicking the linked option.
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Thank you for being here!
Dr. E
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