What are the causes of irritability and anger in middle-aged women?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Irritability and quick temper in middle-aged women may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, accumulated mental stress, hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorder, menopausal syndrome, etc. These symptoms can be improved through regulating sleep patterns, emotional relaxation, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, or are accompanied by palpitations and insomnia, timely medical consultation is necessary. Middle-aged women experience declining ovarian function.

  Irritability and quick temper in middle-aged women may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, accumulated mental stress, hyperthyroidism, anxiety disorder, or menopausal syndrome. Symptoms can be improved through regulating sleep patterns, emotional relaxation, and medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, especially with palpitations or insomnia, prompt medical attention is recommended.

  1. Hormonal fluctuations: As ovarian function declines in middle-aged women, the secretion of estrogen and progesterone becomes unstable, affecting nervous system regulation and leading to mood swings, irritability, and anger. It is recommended to maintain regular sleep habits and avoid staying up late, consume more soy products to supplement plant-based estrogens, and keep a calm and balanced mindset.

  2. Accumulated mental stress: Juggling family and work responsibilities, prolonged fatigue, and insufficient emotional release can lead to excessive psychological burden, resulting in irritability and anger. Stress can be relieved through physical activity, listening to music, and frequent communication and emotional support from family and friends.

  3. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones increases metabolism and elevates nervous system excitability, causing irritability, anger, palpitations, heat intolerance, and weight loss. Patients may take medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol tablets under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

  4. Anxiety disorder: Unrelieved long-term psychological stress leads to imbalances in neurotransmitter secretion, causing persistent anxiety manifested as irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Under medical guidance, medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, sertraline tablets, or lorazepam tablets may be used to relieve discomfort.

  5. Menopausal syndrome: Ovarian decline causes significant hormonal fluctuations, disrupting autonomic nervous system function and leading to irritability, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and menstrual irregularities. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nylestriol tablets, oryzanol tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets to improve symptoms.

  Maintain a regular routine with sufficient sleep, eat a light and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engage in moderate exercise such as walking or yoga, learn techniques for self-emotional regulation, and remain calm and avoid impulsive reactions when facing challenges.