Mood Swings During Puberty: Hormonal Causes and Coping Strategies

Mood lability is a hallmark of puberty, driven by surging gonadal steroids (estradiol, testosterone) and adrenarche (DHEA/S). These hormones modulate neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, GABA) in limbic and prefrontal circuits still undergoing maturation.

Contributing Factors

• Hormonal fluctuations → emotional reactivity.
• Brain remodeling (synaptic pruning, myelination) → temporary imbalance in regulation.
• Psychosocial stressors: identity formation, peer pressure, academic demands, body image.
• Sleep phase delay + early school starts → chronic sleep restriction worsens mood.

Supportive Strategies

• Validate feelings; avoid dismissal (“just hormones”).
• Encourage regular sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition.
• Teach emotion‑labeling and distress‑tolerance skills (mindfulness, CBT tools).
• Monitor for red flags: persistent sadness >2 weeks, self‑harm ideation, functional decline → refer to mental‑health professional.