Perimenopause is a natural process when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, which can affect your hormonal balance. During this transition, it's common to experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
Literature suggests that perimenopause may be associated with a higher risk for psychological changes in women compared to pre-and post-menopause
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Why Does Perimenopause Rage Happen?
There are many different reasons why mood changes may occur in perimenopause. (4) Among them are:
- Hormonal changes
- Inflammation
- Structural brain changes
- Lifestyle factors
- Predisposing conditions
- Socioeconomic factors
Hormonal Changes
Much of the research has suggested hormonal shifts may play a role in the changes in emotions that occur during perimenopause and the menstrual cycle.
One main focus on mood changes associated with the menopausal transition is the fluctuations in the sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone. (8-13)
Estrogen helps produce serotonin and has many other effects on the brain, including modifying the production of endorphins. (10-18)
Estrogen levels normally range from 5 ng/dL to 35 ng/dL pre-menopause and can dip below to 1.3 ng/dL postmenopause.(4) These shifts can result in what some describe as "estrogen withdrawal," which may be associated with mood symptoms like feelings of sadness and worry.
Along with the perimenopausal estrogen decrease, a variance in menstrual regularity and ovulation occurs. These changes are related to fluctuations in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteal progesterone. (4)
Allopregnanolone, a downstream progesterone metabolite, has been said to modulate GABAa (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors, which may have calming effects. (19-21). When progesterone decreases, this also lowers the activation of the calming neurotransmitter GABA.
Brain Changes
Estrogen has many different effects on the brain, making it a possible factor in these emotional changes. These include: (10-18)
- Raising serotonin and serotonin receptors.
- Modifying endorphin levels, the "feel-good" chemicals
- Neuroprotection and potential nerve growth stimulation. Specifically, estrogen levels have been linked to brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) in animal studies.4 BDNF is responsible for the growth and health of nerves. It is expressed in the hippocampus, an area in the brain related to memory and emotion. (14)
- The modulation of prolactin and dopamine. (15)
Neuroscientist Lisa Mosconi explains how changes in estrogen levels may affect the brain and further influence the symptoms experienced by perimenopausal women:
"When estrogen doesn't activate the hypothalamus correctly, the brain may not regulate body temperature correctly. So those hot flashes that women get - that's the hypothalamus. Then there's the brainstem in charge of sleep and wake. When estrogen doesn't activate the brainstem correctly, we may have trouble sleeping. Or it's the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain, close to the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain. When estrogen levels ebb in these regions, we might start getting mood swings and perhaps forget things."
Luckily for us, many of these changes are only temporary.
Predisposing Condition
It has been suggested that those who already experience pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS) may be more likely to experience mood swings in perimenopause. In a study published in the journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, investigators found that PMS sufferers were twice as likely to experience hot flashes and mood swings as they approached "the change" as women who did not have PMS.
How to Recognize Perimenopause Transition
The perimenopause transition can lead to a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include: (2)
Hot flashes and Night Sweats
It is estimated that 35-50% of perimenopausal women experience sweating and flushing from body heat waves. Hot flashes can occur during the day or night (night sweats) and usually last 5-10 minutes. For most women, hot flashes continue for 1-2 years after menopause, although 10% of women have persistent hot flashes beyond two years. (2)
Vaginal Dryness
Due to falling estrogen levels, vaginal tissue can become drier and thinner in perimenopause. This can cause irritation, itching, and discomfort during intercourse, which can interfere with sex drive. (2)
Uterine Bleeding Problems
Progesterone, which helps regulate the growth of the endometrium (the inner epithelial layer of the uterus), declines in perimenopause. This can result in heavier periods. Although estrogen and progesterone fluctuations occur with perimenopause, the ratio tends to favor higher estrogen. This can contribute to an increased risk for fibroids and endometriosis. (2,4)
Sleep Disturbances
Approximately 40% of perimenopausal women have been said to experience sleep problems. Though some studies show a relationship between night sweats and sleep disturbances, the literature is mixed. (2,24-3)6
Memory and Focus
Memory issues tend to be higher in women than men. Estradiol has been shown in several studies to have a direct impact on the memory center. (27) Due to the interactions between hormonal variations and brain function, women may report difficulty focusing and memory issues. (2, 4, 27, 28)
Mood Symptoms
Mood swings are significant with perimenopause. Women with irritability have reported finding themselves less tolerant and more easily annoyed. (27, 28) Some women experience intense emotions, which is a higher level of emotional upheaval than irritability. It is defined as violent and uncontrolled anger or a fit of violent wrath. (30)
If one is experiencing irritability and intense emotions, along with these perimenopausal transition symptoms, it may be related to "perimenopausal rage."
Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Root Cause of Perimenopausal Rage
Hormonal Panels
Obtaining a baseline measurement of sex hormones and adrenal function can be helpful in understanding how one's hormonal fluctuations may impact mood changes. These tests can be used to personalize nutritional and hormonal supplemental support.
Each type of hormonal test, blood, saliva, and urine, has been said to have unique advantages and disadvantages, and they are often chosen based on practitioner preference.
Popular hormonal panels include:
- The DUTCH Complete (Dried Urine Test) is an extensive sex and adrenal hormone profile. It evaluates free cortisol patterns, organic acids, melatonin, and 8-OhdG, along with androgen, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol, and cortisone metabolites. This test is an excellent comprehensive analysis of a patient's hormone levels, providing information for a baseline hormone assessment or monitoring hormone-replacement therapy.
- ZRT Saliva Panel III (Saliva Test) Saliva Profile III provides a baseline assessment of four sex and adrenal hormones, plus cortisol.
Thyroid Panel
Because estrogen interacts with thyroid levels, thyroid hormone function should be assessed. It is also important to monitor thyroid function with any hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because of estrogen's impact on thyroid binding globulin (TBG) and free thyroid hormone. (33)
Neurotransmitters
Due to the interaction between sex hormones and neurotransmitters, a practitioner may choose to assess neurotransmitters during this transition.
Gut Function
The gut microbiome also plays a significant role in hormonal and mood changes. Comprehensive stool tests offer a complete look at gut health by measuring pathogens and analyzing digestion, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
Functional Medicine Approaches for Perimenopause Rage
Approaches for perimenopause rage will depend on the clinical history of menstrual symptoms, testing results, and mood correlations. Below are several options that are commonly considered.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Conventional approaches for menopausal systems often use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The available evidence suggests that the benefits may outweigh the risks in otherwise healthy women during perimenopause or early postmenopause who are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. (35-37)
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is another FDA-approved option. These include estradiol, estrone, and MP (micronized progesterone). (38) BHRT is generally viewed as a safer alternative to conventional HRT, though controversies do exist between various experts. (35-38)
HRT and BHRT can come with side effects and risks and must be personalized based on the individual.35-38
Lifestyle Support
Due to their system-wide impact and the many influences hormones have, our body has complex feedback mechanisms to regulate them. (39) For these reasons, functional medicine practitioners will often focus on lifestyle, behavioral, and foundational support before assessing the need to incorporate HRT or BHRT. This starts with the less invasive and lowest risk interventions first.
Stress Reduction
Reducing stress is essential for the overall hormonal balance to help manage cortisol and support mood. The mind-body practices outlined below are good options for this.
A regular exercise or movement program can also enhance mood, help cope with stress, and has been shown to support health outcomes. (40)
Sleep
Proper sleep and rest are also important for mood regulation and overall health. Since many women report sleep problems in perimenopause, it's wise to teach sleep hygiene and provide additional support for interfering factors, such as hot flashes. (41)
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) practices develop awareness and evoke becoming aware of the present moment. They include various tools, including acceptance, mindfulness meditation, and yoga. (42)
Aromatherapy
Lavender: Lavender oil was associated with reduced hot flashes in one double-blinded 12-week clinical crossover trial of 100 women. (42)
By reducing hot flashes, some women may see improvements in sleep which could positively impact mood. Lavender, when combined with other oils, was also shown to improve psychological symptoms.
Clary Sage: In one small trial with 22 women, clary sage oil was associated with decreased cortisol levels and increased 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). It also improved depression ratings. (43)
Geranium and Rose: In one trial, salivary estrogen concentration was elevated upon inhalation exposure to geranium and rose oil. Together with previous studies, this study supports the notion that olfactory exposure to some essential oils can influence the salivary concentration of estrogen.
Neroli (Bitter Orange): In one study with 63 healthy postmenopausal women, inhalation of neroli oil for five days for five minutes twice daily was associated with improved serum estrogen and cortisol concentrations. It also enhanced sexual desire, blood pressure, and heart rate. (45)
Herbs
Various herbals have been found to be supportive of menopausal symptoms through a variety of mechanisms. (46)
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, (modified Xiao Yao San) a Traditional Chinese Herbal formula, is commonly used to help support mood during hormonal changes. This formula is one of the most commonly studied Chinese formulas due to its positive effects on mood. The Chinese Medicine mechanism of Xiao Yao San (XYS), is that it soothes the liver, invigorates the spleen, nourishes the blood to support normal menstruation, and clears away the liver fire due to blood deficiency.
Biochemically, the XYS decoction also reversed CIS-induced decreases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increases in tyroxine hydroxylase (TrkB), and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) in the frontal cortex, and the hippocampal CA subregion. This helped to decrease depression symptoms.
In an RCT comparing isopropanolic black cohosh extract and ethanolic St John's wort among 301 women, scores on the Menopause Rating Scale decreased by 50% in the treatment group and depression symptoms significantly reduced.
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds commonly sourced from soy and red clover (isoflavones)) flaxseed (lignans), and hops (Humulus lupulus). They are frequently used to help manage hot flashes in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Reducing hot flashes improved perimenopausal women's quality of life and mood.
Nutrition
What you eat can directly influence your mood by providing micronutrients needed to make neurotransmitters, regulating hormone levels, and providing energy throughout the day.
Various studies have supported a link between plant foods and Phytoestrogens and mood enhancement. Increasing phytoestrogens has been shown to significantly promote positive mood in menopausal women with feelings of sadness and worry.
Thyroid- Gut Axis Support
Other interventions based on the functional medicine matrix, such as supporting the thyroid-gut axis and other systems, should also be considered. The interaction between estrogen and progesterone can be positively influenced by addressing gut and thyroid function.
Many practitioners support patients during perimenopause by suggesting a Mediterranean-based diet to help patients increase their plant and micronutrient intake while lowering systemic inflammation and supporting mood.
Summary
The transition to menopause encompasses changes in hormones, mood, and social and physiological effects. These shifts can impact many aspects of the mind-body, and those with underlying mood changes and who have experienced hormonal issues throughout their lifespan may be more vulnerable.
The variations in sex hormones that occur with perimenopause can affect the brain and mood. Estrogen and progesterone impact neurotransmitters, neurosteroid signaling, and overall brain functioning. This can result in irritability and lead to intense emotions.
Understanding the underlying mechanisms and using a functional medicine approach that focuses on lifestyle, including balancing stress, mind-body approaches, aromatherapy, nutrition, and herbal support, can help support hormone balance and improve brain health and overall mood.
Hormone replacement is also an option; however, personalizing dosages specifically to an individual's symptoms and lab results is important for monitoring safety and avoiding side effects.
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