Taming the Emotional Rollercoaster: Easing Mood Swings During Peri-Menopause
Peri-menopause is often accompanied by emotional shifts that can feel like a rollercoaster ride. Many women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiousness, or even unexpected and overwhelming bursts of sadness or anger.
The primary reason for these erratic emotions is fluctuating levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone. Oestrogen helps regulate serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, while progesterone has a calming effect on the brain. As these hormones rise and fall unpredictably, so too can our mood, making it challenging to maintain emotional stability.
Thankfully, there are some simple habits we can integrate into our daily lives to ease the experience:
Physical activity, particularly in nature, boosts endorphins, the brain's natural mood elevators.
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants supports brain health and stabilises blood sugar, which can influence mood.
Mindfulness practices, meditation, and deep breathing can calm the nervous system and improve emotional regulation.
Prioritising good sleep habits, such as creating a bedtime routine and reducing screen time, helps to maintain both mood and hormonal balance.
By understanding the hormonal basis of these emotional shifts and adopting supportive lifestyle habits, you can ease the emotional rollercoaster of peri-menopause and regain a sense of emotional balance and well-being.
Written by
Louise Calvert
from Live a Luminous Life
