Question: I am about to turn 44 and fit and healthy. Also, I think I’m a very happy and positive person, but lately, I’ve noticed myself getting such vicious moods every now and again (maybe one every two weeks). I will feel an intense mood overcome me, I feel very angry or irritated (usually triggered by something which shouldn’t cause such a strong reaction) and it’s sometimes quite hard to shake the mood.
I wondered if it’s hormonal. I take the pill without a break as I suffer from heavy periods — could that be it? I also wanted to ask if there is anything I might take to help with this? A friend recommended Lion’s Mane, but I don’t really know who or where to go for help. My fear is it might get worse, and I might turn into an irrational moody person! Dr Grant replies: If you are taking the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP) continuously, you should not be low in oestrogen and your mood swings are unlikely to be related to the perimenopause.
If you are taking the Progesterone-Only Pill (POP) then you may have low oestrogen levels that may be causing your cyclical mood swings. One thing to consider trying is switching from the POP pill to the COCP as the oestrogen part is said to help reduce the symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). One of the most common symptoms of the perimenopause is mood changes due to many hormone imbalances but mostly oestrogen decline as oestrogen has a positive effect on mood.
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