It is not at all uncommon for retirement age women to experience mood changes. However, they can be hard to diagnose. They could be associated with cognitive deficits, medical disorders, or the result of an infection.
Here, we are going to explore mood changes in retirement age females and what some of the causes of mood changes may be.
If, as the adult child of a retirement age woman, you feel that your mom is going through some drastic changes – and you find them disconcerting – it’s time to make an appointment with her physician. Accompany her to the appointment so that you can both discuss changes, how she feels, etc., and discover, together, what can be done to make both parties more comfortable and keep your mom safe/healthy.
Now let’s look at mood change causes in elderly women.
UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections)
In retirement age women, bladder prolapse can be caused by dwindling hormone levels, which can lead to urinary tract infections. Mood changes, pain, confusion, and fever can result from urinary tract infections in older women. If, when urinating, they experience a change in urinary output, blood in the urine, or burning pain, check with a physician. Additionally, you should seek medical attention if your loved one experiences confusion, chills, and fever. Whether or not a urine infection is present will be determined by a urine test. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Mood levels should return to normal once the infection has cleared.
Autoimmune Disorders
More common in females than in males, autoimmune conditions like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause anxiety, depression, and mood changes. Mood can be lifted by hypothyroidism medications (thyroid hormone replacement). Anxiety can be reduced with hyperthyroidism beta-blockers. A more stable mood may be noticed once proper thyroid function has resumed.
Bereavement
Your loved one may feel depressed and lonely if she recently lost her spouse or companion. This kind of loss can also make it harder for them to keep up with home maintenance, cleaning, cooking, and cause stress and anxiety. If your loved one has unexpectedly lost weight, stopped eating, cries frequently, or is becoming more withdrawn, it’s time to get a psychological evaluation from a professional and some suggested treatment.
Numerous retirement age adults find great comfort and a revived sense of purpose in owning a pet.
Low Estrogen Production
Mood swings, itchiness, insomnia, hot flashes, and more can be caused by low estrogen levels in older/menopausal women. If mood changes are being experienced by a postmenopausal loved one, to raise estrogen levels, some women opt for hormone placement. The best person to consult here is a gynecologist. Their mood may brighten once your loved one’s hormones are balanced. This may not be an option, however, if breast cancer exists in your family history.
Keeping a Close Eye On Your Loved One’s Mood and Health – Regency Pointe
Is your loved one ready for retirement living? The resort-like atmosphere at Regency Pointe offers only the best. We are, in fact, the South’s premier retirement community. For the precise level of care needed by your loved one, we offer four different living situations which consist of the following:
- SHINE® Memory Care
- Assisted Living
- Independent Senior Living
- Active Senior Apartments
Our dedicated team is focused on complete satisfaction and resident care. Whichever option you and/or your loved one choose, their golden years will be enjoyable and stress-free.
