Mood Swings, Menopause, and the Myth of the Madwoman

By Yara

Meno Mood Swings

If you’ve ever snapped at your partner for breathing too loudly or felt tears prick your eyes during an advert for dishwasher tablets, you are in good company. Menopause can feel like an emotional storm moving in without notice. Family and friends sometimes see the flashes of anger or sudden shifts in mood and wonder what happened to the calm, measured woman they know. The truth is, there is nothing irrational about it. It is biology with a loud voice.

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate wildly. These hormones do far more than regulate the cycle. Oestrogen, for example, interacts with serotonin and dopamine in the brain, the very chemicals that keep mood steady. When oestrogen dips, serotonin levels fall, which can trigger irritability, low patience, or sadness. Progesterone, often called the “calming hormone,” also declines, removing another buffer against stress. In short, the chemistry of the brain is under renovation, and that means emotions can feel unpredictable.

It is important to remember that these swings are not signs of weakness or instability. They are a natural response to shifting hormone levels and the body adapting to a new stage of life. Studies published in The Journal of Women’s Health show that up to 70 per cent of women report noticeable mood changes during menopause. You are not an outlier. You are in the statistical majority.

So what can help? There is no single fix, but a combination of small strategies adds up. Regular exercise, especially brisk walking or resistance training, supports both mood and bone health. Diet makes a difference too; keeping blood sugar steady with protein and fibre helps avoid crashes that mimic irritability. Sleep is a quiet hero. Creating a cool, dark environment and keeping devices out of the bedroom gives the brain a chance to reset. Mindfulness practices such as simple breathing exercises have also been shown in clinical trials to reduce stress responses. For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be transformative and is worth discussing with a GP.

Just as important is communication. Let those around you know what is happening. A sharp word or unexpected tear is not the full story of who you are. It is a passing symptom, no more defining than a hot flush.

Menopause mood swings are part of the landscape, not a personal failing. With awareness, support, and a few practical tools, the storm passes, and the woman remains firmly at the helm of her own ship.