Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or response to external stimuli that causes negative emotional reactions like anger, frustration, or impatience. It refers to a low threshold for triggers that provoke these feelings.
Causes
Irritability has many potential causes, including:
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and testosterone can impact mood regulation. Imbalances may increase irritability, which is why it's common during puberty, menstruation, perimenopause, and andropause. The experts at Vitality Renewal Clinic can assess your hormone levels and help restore balance through bioidentical hormone therapy.
- Mental health disorders - Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and seasonal affective disorder are linked to higher irritability levels.
- Sleep deprivation - Lack of quality sleep prevents emotional regulation and coping skills from working optimally.
- Drug/alcohol withdrawal - Cutting out substances can temporarily increase feelings of restlessness and frustration.
- Chronic stress - Constant demands and pressures deplete mental energy and resilience.
- Chronic pain - Persistent physical discomfort fosters unhappiness and moodiness.
Impact
Increased irritability negatively impacts relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing. It can manifest as:
- Short temper
- Impatience
- Verbal outbursts
- Heightened frustration regarding minor inconveniences
- Hypersensitivity to noises, lighting, smells, etc.
Management
Strategies to alleviate irritability include:
- Stress management and self-care techniques
- Set reasonable expectations for yourself and others
- Take breaks when feeling overwhelmed
- Communicate feelings calmly before irritation boils over
- Seek treatment for potential underlying causes like hormonal/neurochemical issues or chronic health conditions
When to Seek Help
If increased irritability persists for over 2 weeks and interferes with daily function, discuss options with a healthcare provider. For hormonal causes, the endocrinology specialists at
Vitality Renewal Clinic provide thorough testing and evidence-based treatment plans tailored to the individual.