subject: Calm Your Perimenopause Mood Swings [print this page] Most women will experience mood swings when their estrogen levels start to fluctuate in perimenopause. This happens to women in their early 40s and may continue until they reach menopause.
You may feel like crying for no reason, or become angry and irritable over small things. It can be a real roller coaster ride. You may even think you've lost your mind. Well, there is an explanation for these mood swings.
The female hormones, estrogen and progesterone become unbalanced during perimenopause. Estrogen plays a large role in many body functions. It also controls the brain chemical serotonin which helps you to feel happy. When estrogen levels are low, so are our serotonin levels. You can see how fluctuating estrogen will affect our moods.
Some us will deal with these mood swings easier than others. If you've always been a positive person, you'll probably be able to laugh it off at some point. Other women who may have suffered from depression in earlier life could find this time very difficult.
You can do some simple things to help take control of your emotions.Feeding your brain the proper nutrition is very important. Making sure your diet contains foods rich in Vitamin Bs. Also include Vitamins C, E and A in your diet. You may want to take a multivitamin supplement.
Exercise is probably the most important remedy for feeling sad or angry. Take a walk, try a dance class or yoga class. Any exercise will be helpful in improving your mood. Talk to a friend or your family about how you are feeling. They will want to help you through this time.
Once perimenopause ends and you reach menopause (which is once you've been without a period for 12 months), you will notice that the moods will even out and you'll feel more like yourself again.
