“When your mood has a mind of its own.”
TL;DR: the quick version
Emotional symptoms of perimenopause — like mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and other emotional changes — are common, real, and can have a genuine impact on daily life.
You’re not alone—many women experience these shifts.
Understanding these symptoms helps you feel more in control and better prepared.
Practical support and expert advice can make a big difference.
What’s going on?
You might find yourself crying at an advert, snapping at someone you love, or suddenly feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. Emotional shifts during perimenopause are real—and they can be intense, especially if you weren’t expecting them.
Hormonal fluctuations (particularly in oestrogen and progesterone) can affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. Add poor sleep, stress, and life responsibilities, and it’s no wonder things can feel off.
You don’t have to have a history of anxiety or depression for perimenopause to affect your mood. It can feel like someone changed the rules without telling you.
Common emotional symptoms during perimenopause
Irritability or rage
You might have a shorter fuse or feel flashes of anger over things that didn’t bother you before. It’s not just you—oestrogen impacts how we respond to stress.
Mood swings
Highs and lows that come out of nowhere. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re teary or furious. Hormones can shift quickly, and so can your emotions.
Anxiety
A creeping sense of worry, dread, or restlessness—even if nothing’s wrong. For some, it’s a return of past anxiety; for others, it’s brand new.
Low mood or sadness
Feeling flat, joyless, or tearful without a clear reason. It’s not the same as clinical depression, but it can still impact your day-to-day life.
Emotional ups and downs during perimenopause can feel confusing and sometimes quite tough. It’s normal to experience mood swings, irritability, or anxiety, even if they seem to come out of nowhere. These feelings happen because your body is going through lots of changes, especially with hormones shifting around, which can affect how you feel emotionally. It’s important to know this isn’t just in your head or a personal failing—it’s a real experience many women go through.
Talking about these feelings with friends, family, or someone you trust can really help. Some women find that small changes—like moving a bit more, practising mindfulness, or trying to get better sleep—can make a difference, but everyone’s experience is different. And if it all feels too much, reaching out for support from someone who understands can be a good step. The key is remembering you’re not alone and that these feelings don’t define you.
What might help?
Everyone’s different, but here are some ways to ease the emotional rollercoaster:
- Track your symptoms to spot patterns — visit our Symptom trackes page
- Move your body (even gentle walks help regulate mood)
- Prioritise sleep, even if it’s elusive—rest matters
- Talk to someone, whether a friend or a professional
- Ask an expert: talk to your doctor or submit a question anonymously here
And if your symptoms feel unmanageable, please speak with a healthcare provider.
You’re not alone.
It’s easy to feel like you’re “too much,” or not coping the way you should. But the truth is: many women are going through the same things—and no one’s really talking about it.
This isn’t weakness. It’s biology, and it’s a season of change. You deserve support, not silence.
Sources
NHS (UK) – Mood changes during the menopause
Women’s Health Concern (UK) – Mood changes and the menopause and Emotional wellness in menopause
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (AU) – Mental health during perimenopause and menopause
RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) – Menopause