A mood swing is a sudden or intense change in emotional state. During a mood swing, a person may quickly switch from feeling happy and upbeat to feeling sad, irritable, or angry.
During the transition into menopause, a decline in estrogen hormone levels occurs, triggering a cascade of changes throughout the body. Many of these changes are directly associated with fluctuations in mood that commonly occur during menopause.
For instance, the reduction in estrogen can influence the regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, both of which are substances possibly linked to depression. However, the research exploring this correlation is currently inconclusive.
Diminished estrogen levels are correlated with heightened irritability, fatigue, stress, memory lapses, anxiety, and challenges with concentration.
The influence of these shifting hormonal levels might not solely establish a straightforward cause-and-effect connection with feelings of depression, anger, and anxiety. Instead, these hormonal changes could potentially amplify the intensity of these emotions.
Estrogen hormone levels begin to decline during the transition into menopause, which can influence the regulation of serotonin and norepinephrine, both linked to possible depression. The lower estrogen levels are correlated with heightened irritability, fatigue, stress, memory lapses, anxiety, and challenges with concentration.
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Researchers have found higher levels of a brain protein known as monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) in people entering perimenopause—this protein has links to depressive symptoms.