Menopause is an important milestone in a woman's life, marked by the end of her reproductive years. During this time, women may experience a variety of physical and emotional changes due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, including mood swings. While these symptoms can be unpleasant and disruptive, there are steps that can be taken to help identify and treat them.
Mood swings during menopause are primarily caused by the hormonal shifts that occur as a result of reduced estrogen levels. Estrogen is important for regulating things such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and other hormones involved with mood regulation. As estrogen levels decline, these hormones become imbalanced resulting in unpredictable shifts in mood.