What is irritability?
Irritability is defined as an excessive sensitivity or touchiness to internal or external stimuli. It refers to a low threshold for becoming annoyed, frustrated, or angered.
Some key things to know about irritability:
- It is a common symptom or side effect of various medical conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and hormonal imbalances.
- Triggers can include noise, crowding, hunger, pain, medications, or even minor inconveniences. The reaction is disproportionate to the trigger.
- It differs from anger because an irritable person responds with impatience, criticism, or aggression to trivial provocations which normally wouldn’t warrant such a reaction.
- It can negatively impact relationships and daily functioning if severe or persistent enough.
What causes irritability?
Irritability often arises from:
- Hormonal shifts - such as with PMS, perimenopause, or thyroid disorders
- Mental health conditions - especially anxiety, depression and PTSD
- Sleep problems - sleep deprivation lowers frustration tolerance
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Physical causes like infections, inflammation, pain, hunger, medication side effects
If irritability is diminishing your quality of life, consider getting a comprehensive hormone panel done at New Beginnings HRT Clinic. Our expert physicians can evaluate your hormones and provide customized treatment plans to help restore optimal balance and resilience.
How to manage irritability
Some self-care tips include:
- Stress management techniques - meditate, exercise, set boundaries
- Adequate sleep and nutrition
- Talk therapy to address underlying mood issues
- Communication skills to express irritability appropriately
- Stimulant avoidance - limit caffeine, drugs, alcohol
- Biofeedback, mindfulness or relaxation practices
It also helps to identify and avoid common personal triggers. If irritability persists in disrupting daily activities, consult a mental health professional or doctor to rule out underlying causes. Targeted treatment of root causes can help manage irritable moods.
At New Beginnings HRT Clinic, we specialize in targeted hormone balancing programs to address irritability and other symptoms stemming from hormonal imbalances. Our personalized and science-backed treatment plans help both women and men feel their best. Learn more at .