Symptom 9. Mood Swings – The Emotional Roller Coaster
Graves’ disease doesn’t just affect the body; it also invades the mind. Many men with Graves’ disease report experiencing mood swings and irritability. One moment you might be cheerful, and the next, you could be engulfed by a wave of unexplained anger or sadness.
The reason for this emotional upheaval lies in the excess thyroid hormones. These hormones can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. The constant hormonal flux can also lead to emotional instability, resulting in mood swings.
The impact of these mood swings extends far beyond the individual. They can strain personal relationships, contribute to stress at work, and affect overall mental health. Constant irritability can lead to conflict with family, friends, and colleagues, which can result in social withdrawal and isolation. (9)
