What's really happening
Your hormones are shifting rapidly—and your mood is coming along for the ride. You may feel fine one day and then feel totally hijacked by rage, irritability, or sadness the next. These outbursts can feel uncharacteristic or even scary, especially if you’ve never experienced mood swings before.
But why?
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone impact neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—throwing off mood balance.
Scientific Breakdown
Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and dopamine. When estrogen levels drop or fluctuate unpredictably—as they do in perimenopause—those brain chemicals get disrupted. Progesterone, which has a natural calming effect through its support of GABA, also decreases with irregular ovulation. That one-two punch destabilizes emotional regulation, increases reactivity, and reduces your ability to recover from stress or frustration.
• ↓ Estrogen = ↓ serotonin (mood stabilizer)
• ↓ Progesterone = ↓ GABA (calming neurotransmitter)
• Irregular ovulation = hormonal chaos = emotional whiplash
Essentially…
Your brain chemistry is on a hormonal rollercoaster—and your mood is holding on for dear life.
See a doctor if …
• If your mood swings are affecting your relationships, work, or safety
• If rage or sadness is persistent and doesn’t ebb with your cycle
• If you experience intrusive thoughts or depressive episodes
• Major Depressive Disorder or Generalized Anxiety
• PMDD (if symptoms are cycle-based)
• Thyroid imbalance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Mood Swings & Irritability (Anger, Rage)
Q: Do mood swings get worse in perimenopause?
Yes—because hormone fluctuations affect brain chemistry.
Q: Can HT really help with mood?
Absolutely. Estrogen in particular plays a key role in mood regulation.
Q: What if I don’t want to take hormones?
There are natural and medication-based options that can help too.
“I was convinced I had rage issues. Then my doctor helped me start on hormone therapy. Within a week, I felt more like myself—and so did my family.”
— FLUXX community member, age 48
FLUXX Recommendations
1. Consider hormone therapy (especially if you’re having other symptoms too)
2. Start a mood and symptom tracker
3. Try CBT or mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation
Non-Hormonal Medications
• SSRIs or SNRIs (can be used low-dose, sometimes cyclically)
• Gabapentin (off-label use for mood and sleep)
• Magnesium glycinate and B6 for mood support
• Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola (some evidence, low risk)
• Acupuncture for emotional rebalancing
Lifestyle Suggestions
• Exercise (even 20–30 min) boosts serotonin and GABA
• Regular sleep and consistent routines reduce reactivity
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar—especially if you’re feeling “on edge”
Myth-Busting
Mood swings aren’t just “stress” or “being too sensitive.” They’re physiological. And you’re not “crazy” for needing help.
Modern Guidance
Mood swings tied to hormone drops may respond to HT, SSRIs, or mood stabilizers. Daily movement, magnesium, and cutting alcohol can also help. This isn’t a failure of willpower—it’s chemical.
Ask yourself
• “Do your outbursts follow your cycle—or show up randomly?”
• “Are you also experiencing sleep issues or anxiety?”
• “Do you want to avoid pharmaceutical options for now?”
Ask your doctor
• “Could my mood changes be hormonal?”
• “Would HT, progesterone, or an SSRI help?”
• “Do I need a referral for a therapist who understands menopause?”
Mood-related symptoms are often under-treated in perimenopause—but can respond well to both hormone therapy and non-hormonal interventions.
