Mood Swings & Anxiety in Perimenopause: You're Not Imagining It

Feeling like you're on an emotional rollercoaster? Shifting hormones can affect the brain systems that help regulate mood.

The connection

• Estrogen influences brain chemicals involved in mood, such as serotonin.
• Progesterone has calming effects for many women, and changes in it may affect anxiety.
• When hormones fluctuate more, moods can too.

What you might notice

• Irritability that feels out of proportion
• Anxiety or worry that's new for you
• Crying more easily
• Feeling overwhelmed by small things

Supporting your mood

1. Movement — even a 10-minute walk can lift your mood.
2. Daylight — time outside, especially in the morning.
3. Limit alcohol — it can make anxiety and sleep worse.
4. Connect with others — isolation makes everything harder.
5. Self-compassion — you're going through a lot.

When to get help

If mood changes are affecting your daily life, work or relationships, please reach out to a healthcare provider. Depression and anxiety are common during the menopause transition, and effective help exists. You deserve support.

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Educational content, not medical advice.