Which mood symptoms should be considered potential manifestations of the menopausal transition?
Here at Alloy, we know that mood symptoms are a very common part of the menopausal transition. The most notable mood symptoms that can be manifestations of perimenopause and menopause include:
- Mood swings: Rapid, often unpredictable changes in mood, such as feeling fine one moment and suddenly sad, irritable, or angry the next.
- Irritability: A low threshold for frustration, feeling easily annoyed or upset.
- Anxiety: Excessive worrying, feeling unable to relax, being overly stressed, or having difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms like sweating and palpitations can also occur.
- Sadness or depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, or even crying spells that may seem out of proportion to the situation.
- Panic attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms like dizziness or a racing heart.
These symptoms are very common, with about 75% of women experiencing mood swings and over half experiencing anxiety during this transition. Fluctuating and declining estrogen and progesterone levels are the main culprits, affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage them. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a healthy diet, good sleep, and mindfulness can help. For many, balancing hormones with menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can make a significant difference.
You can learn more about mood symptoms and explore treatment options on our Mood Swings Symptoms page and our Anxiety Symptoms page. If you’re interested in personalized solutions, check out our product page or take our online assessment to connect with a menopause-trained doctor.
If your mood symptoms are severe or persistent, especially if you experience prolonged sadness, loss of interest, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a healthcare professional right away. At Alloy, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
This answer was created using the following resources: