Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde: Mood Swings During Perimenopause

Perimenopausal women in particular will start to experience changes in mood during this hormonal roller coaster ride. Sex hormone levels – notably estrogen – are erratically fluctuating, and this will have a negative impact on mood. Symptoms can come in the form of feeling sad, anxious, panicky, irritable, nervous, angry, stressed and fatigued. When perimenopausal women experience any of these symptoms, they have a tendency to make poor nutritional choices which contributes to weight gain. Is there no end to this madness?

Facts about Mood Swings During Perimenopause

More than 25% of women will experience some of these symptoms as they approach menopause, especially if there is a previous history of PMS, post-partum depression or clinical depression as a younger woman.

It has never been more important to develop an active lifestyle. Being sedentary and overweight are associated with a higher risk of experiencing mood symptoms. And when you are feeling tired and moody, you have no desire to get up and go, do you!

Going to the gym every day can get boring, so you’d better change up your routine. Something as simple as walking around your neighborhood, local park, nearby school track or anywhere that inspires you will help you sleep better and improve your overall sense of well being. I like swimming in a pool. Whenever I swim in an ocean, I always think a great white shark is going to come out of nowhere and bite me. I can blame the movie JAWS for this phobia. You may prefer yoga or hiking. To each her own! Just do it already, and stop making up excuses. I have heard them all. I have even made a few excuses up too!

The most important thing to remember is that perimenopause is a time in life when you are more vulnerable to changes in mood. There are healthy ways to deal with these changes and treatment options available when needed.

Go to www.menopause.org to learn more.

Tara Allmen, MD Credentials:
– Board Certified Gynecologist and Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner
– New York City’s Leading Expert In Menopause
– President, North American Menopause Society Foundation
– Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
– New York City’s Top Gynecologist, 2015
– Five Star Rating From Doctor’s Choice Awards
– Five Star Rating From HealthGrades