I’ve got a tremendous appreciation for my friends in the same stage of life. Recently, during a lunch gathering, we shared our experiences of how one moment we can feel incredibly emotional and down, only to be followed by a surge of energy, and then suddenly, we’re irritable and need space from everyone. It felt so comforting to realize I’m not alone in this.
As I’ve entered my mid-40s, I’ve come to recognize that my mood swings have become more frequent, intense, and at times, downright bewildering. In my younger days, if I felt upset, I could usually pinpoint the cause. My emotions seemed more logical, and I certainly didn’t feel this chaotic. It’s been a relief to connect with my 45-year-old friends about this because, honestly, it’s crucial to know that others are navigating the same tumultuous waters.
Hormonal changes are no joke. There have been countless instances over the past few years where I’ve questioned what was happening to me, feeling so completely unlike myself. I remember when my mother began her own perimenopausal journey (she made sure to remind my sisters and me daily). I was convinced I wouldn’t react that way—I thought she was just using it as an excuse for her behavior. Fast forward to now, and here I am, feeling overwhelmed by the smallest things more often than not. This isn’t just me acting out; it’s the reality of life during perimenopause.
A friend of mine once drove off in a huff because her boyfriend brought her the wrong type of donut after five years together—how could he not know her favorite? Another friend finds herself waking up at 3 a.m., drenched in sweat, her mind racing, and feeling snappy with everyone around her. Some of her younger friends have even commented that she seems different. When I hang out with her, it’s like seeing a reflection of my own struggles, which reassures me that we’re in this together.
Even in my 30s, I’d hear about hormonal mood swings and think, “Not me! I’m always cheerful!” But let me tell you, the version of you in your 30s has no idea what the 40s will bring. Buckle up, because the mood fluctuations during this phase will give you a whole new perspective on films like Thelma and Louise.
In an email interview, board-certified OB/GYN and Chief Wellness Advisor for Love Wellness, Dr. Jodie Horton, explained that these emotional upheavals can be attributed to the hormonal shifts occurring in our bodies during this time. As women approach menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels decline. Lower estrogen levels have been linked to irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and even forgetfulness. It’s why I might ask my kids the same question multiple times or break down in tears over hair on the bathroom floor.
These fluctuations can make it hard to adapt to changes in our daily routine, and we often expend so much energy second-guessing ourselves that it exacerbates the issue. Society doesn’t exactly encourage us to embrace menopause; instead, we’re taught to resist it because it can be inconvenient for others.
Dr. Horton also notes that the decrease in estrogen can impact how our bodies manage serotonin and norepinephrine, which are tied to mood regulation. Low serotonin levels can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and even aggression. The drop in progesterone, responsible for calming the brain, can disrupt sleep, making us even more irritable. I can attest to this—I need at least seven hours of sleep to function, yet those restful nights are becoming increasingly rare.
The hormonal changes also lead to physical symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain, which can feel overwhelming and affect our emotional state. So we have the added bonus of feeling irritable along with dealing with physical discomfort.
But don’t despair—there’s hope! Dr. Horton mentions that while these symptoms can linger for months or even years, there are ways to help manage them. Natural remedies like black cohosh have shown promise in alleviating mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep issues. I recently ordered some myself!
Another well-researched supplement for managing perimenopausal mood swings is ashwagandha. This adaptogen can lower cortisol levels and help combat anxiety and depression. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids can enhance serotonin production, potentially easing mood swings. Many women also find relief through practices like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
If your mood swings are particularly severe, don’t hesitate to seek help. Dr. Horton recommends that if these feelings start to interfere with your daily life, you might consider medication, such as an antidepressant, in conjunction with therapy.
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Summary:
Navigating mood swings during perimenopause can be challenging and confusing. As hormone levels fluctuate, many women experience heightened emotions, irritability, and physical discomfort. Understanding that these changes are a natural part of the transition can help alleviate feelings of isolation. There are various natural supplements and lifestyle changes that may alleviate symptoms, but seeking professional advice is essential if mood swings become overwhelming.
Keyphrase: perimenopausal mood swings
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