Mood swings are a hallmark of the menopause transition. They’re driven by fluctuating hormones as the body navigates surges in oestrogen alongside declining progesterone. In many ways, this is a magnified version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Progesterone is often referred to as our calming hormone. As levels fall, it’s completely natural to feel more reactive and triggered by people or situations that may never have bothered you before. One moment you’re joyful and energised, the next you’re tearful, irritable, or outright furious… often with no obvious explanation.

This can feel like uncomfortable new territory. But before rushing to medicate away your newly discovered inner moody bitch, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect.

What if higher hormone levels were previously masking people, patterns, or situations that genuinely aren’t OK?

With the comfort blanket of progesterone removed, perhaps this phase is offering an opportunity to look more closely at what’s really triggering you.

Maybe you’re not being unreasonable.

Maybe there is something you’re genuinely unhappy, frustrated, or irritated by.

And maybe - just maybe - it’s something that needs addressing rather than suppressing.

As the hormones of accommodation wane, behaviours or circumstances that were once tolerable may no longer be. And that is important.

Hormonal fluctuation and cyclical change are part of our biology. We are not designed to be on “constant mode” indefinitely - it's not how we evolved.

So let’s not be too quick to medicate away this newly emerging voice. What-ever is triggering you deserves attention.

It may be a gentle nudge towards meaningful change - and ultimately, a happier, more aligned, and more fulfilling future.

Take a moment to reflect on your triggers.

Is there one thing in your life that you would truly love to change?