Mastering Mood Swings and Irritability During Adolescence and Hormonal Shifts

Hormones cause real, measurable changes in the brain’s emotion circuits, especially during adolescence and the days before a period. For some girls, this means irritability, crying at minor triggers, or impulsive arguments that feel urgent in the moment. Yet most women discover over time—whether from experience or a simple tip from someone older—the wisdom of waiting two days before acting on strong, negative feelings when in the thick of hormonal turmoil. During that waiting period, the storm of chemicals recedes, and judgment returns, often revealing a calmer or different perspective.

The next time you feel a surge of anger, frustration, or upset, check the calendar and see if you’re in a possible high-risk window for mood swings. Commit—not just to yourself, but maybe to someone you trust—not to argue, break up, quit, or confront until at least two days have passed. Use the pause to journal or call a friend to vent, but hold off on acting. You might find that after 48 hours, what felt overwhelming has faded to a manageable annoyance or disappeared entirely. Try this approach at least once in the coming month; it will empower you to ride out mood swings with more control and less regret.