Daily life is enough to cause the occasional bad mood, but many women find that they suffer from more severe mood swings as they approach menopause. This is because hormone levels, specifically estrogen, fluctuate during menopause. Estrogen impacts mood, and decreases in estrogen levels can cause mood swings and irritability. Research shows that women who suffer from Premature Ovarian Failure or strong PMS tend to experience stronger mood swings and irritability.

Home Remedy for Irritability
Herbal Brews
In addition to a varied diet and regular exercise, herbal home remedies can help soothe away irritability. The most popular way to take such herbs is through tea, which comes in a wide variety of flavors and purported benefits.

Valerian root tea, for example, is widely thought to have calming effects, with the added bonus of helping to fight insomnia - another common menopause symptom. Passionflower has also been studied for its stress-reducing qualities, though time-tested classics like chamomile and peppermint are more widely available.

Time to Unwind
Irritability during menopause can be triggered by stress. The best way to regulate stress is to carve out time specifically for relaxation. If social activity calms you down, perhaps you could go to a spa with some friends. Likewise, if solitude is calling your name, a good book can be welcome escape from the pressures of everyday life. Nature is often a soothing environment, and a walk in the park might be just the quick fix to turn an irritable mood around.

Blowing Off Steam
However, sometimes a walk in the park just isn't enough to vent aggravation. In that case, cathartic outlets might be worth a try. One of the healthiest ways to vent anger is through a good cardio workout, which not only releases pent-up irritability, but also promotes overall health.