Highlights
- The Reality of Perimenopause: Mood instability and cognitive lapses are distinct biological perimenopause symptoms, not character flaws.
- Hormonal Impact: Fluctuating estrogen levels directly disrupt neurotransmitters, causing anxiety, irritability, and memory issues.
- Recognising the Signs: Brain fog and “rage” are often the early symptoms of menopause that appear before hot flashes.
- Management Strategies: Utilising HRT, nutrition, and stress reduction can effectively treat these psychological signs of menopause.
If you have ever found yourself standing in the middle of the kitchen, unable to remember why you walked in, or felt a sudden surge of inexplicable rage over a minor annoyance, you are not alone.
For many women, the physical signs of menopause, like hot flashes and irregular periods are expected. But the emotional and cognitive shifts can feel far more destabilising. It is common to hear women in their 40s say, “I feel like I’m going crazy,” or “I just don’t feel like myself anymore.”
At Menovivre, we want you to know: You are not going crazy. You are going through a hormonal transition that deeply affects the brain. Here is the science behind these perimenopause symptoms and how to take back control.
The Science: How Perimenopause Changes Your Brain
The brain is packed with estrogen receptors. For decades, your brain has relied on estrogen to regulate energy production, protect neurons, and manage chemicals like serotonin (the “happy hormone”) and dopamine (linked to focus and reward).
During perimenopause, hormone levels do not just drop; they fluctuate wildly. According to the Center for Women’s Mental Health at MGH, these fluctuations can directly disrupt neurotransmitters, leaving your brain struggling to recalibrate. This “energy crisis” in the brain is often the root cause of the emotional changes women experience.
1. Mood Swings and Anxiety: Emotional Signs of Menopause
Perimenopause is often called “puberty in reverse,” and the emotional volatility can feel similar. However, the stressors of midlife—career pressure, aging parents, and raising children—often compound the physiological changes.
Common emotional signs of menopause include:
- Irritability and Rage: Sudden onsets of anger that feel disproportionate to the situation.
- Anxiety: Feelings of dread, physical jitteriness, or waking up with a racing heart (often linked to night sweats).
- Depression: Low mood or a lack of motivation, even in women with no history of clinical depression.
What the Experts Say:
Research highlighted by The North American Menopause Society indicates that women are particularly vulnerable to mood disorders during the menopausal transition due to these hormonal shifts.
2. Memory Lapses: Identifying Cognitive Perimenopause Symptoms
“Brain fog” is frequently cited as one of the most frustrating perimenopause symptoms. It can manifest as:
- Forgetting names or words (verbal retrieval issues).
- Difficulty focusing on tasks.
- Walking into rooms and forgetting your purpose.
- Feeling “fuzzy” or less sharp than usual.
While terrifying, this does not mean you are developing dementia. It is a temporary result of your brain adapting to lower estrogen levels. A study cited by Mayo Clinic confirms that while memory issues are common during this time, they typically improve once hormones stabilise.
3. Mindset: Coping with Early Symptoms of Menopause
Beyond the biology, there is the mindset component. In a culture that often values youth over wisdom, noticing the early symptoms of menopause can trigger feelings of invisibility or loss of identity.
However, your mindset plays a crucial role in symptom management. Viewing this transition as a “medical failure” increases stress, which in turn spikes cortisol—a hormone that makes mood swings worse. Viewing it as a signal to prioritise self-care can actually reduce symptom severity
How to Treat Your Perimenopause Symptoms
You do not have to “white knuckle” your way through this. Treating these signs of menopause often requires a multi-pronged approach.
Medical Support
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For many women, replenishing estrogen and progesterone via Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most effective way to stabilise mood and clear brain fog associated with perimenopause.
- Non-Hormonal Options: If HRT isn’t for you, speak to a specialist about other medications and nutrition options that can support neurotransmitter balance.
Lifestyle & Nutrition
- Stabilise Blood Sugar: Brain fog is often worsened by glucose spikes. Prioritising protein and healthy fats, as guided by our functional nutrition specialists, can prevent these energy crashes.
- Prioritise Sleep: Sleep deprivation exacerbates every single cognitive symptom. The Sleep Foundation recommends strict sleep hygiene practices when dealing with early symptoms of menopause.
- Move Your Body: Exercise isn’t just for weight loss; it boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports neuron health and memory.
Mindset Shifts
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Reduces cortisol and helps manage the “fight or flight” anxiety response.
- Cognitive Reframing: Acknowledge the symptoms without judgement. Remind yourself: This is biology, not a character flaw.
Take Control of Your Perimenopause Journey
If your mood, memory, or mindset are impacting your quality of life, it is time to seek support. Perimenopause should not require you to pause your life or lower your ambitions.
At Menovivre, we specialise in helping women navigate these changes with evidence-based care. You are not losing your mind—you are simply noticing the signs of menopause and are ready for a new level of support. You can book your consultation today to reclaim your clarity and calm, or message us on WhatsApp to speak with our team directly.
