10/30/2025
Did you know that for many women in perimenopause and menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a first-line treatment for mood changes, even before antidepressants like SSRIs are considered?
That doesn’t mean there’s no role for SSRIs.
But if your doctor recommends one and you’re in the perimenopausal transition (often between the ages of 35-50), it’s worth asking about your hormones first.
Here’s why 👇
🧠 Estradiol has profound effects on the brain.
It helps regulate neurotransmitters and also enhances blood flow, glucose metabolism, and synaptic plasticity in the brain. When estradiol declines, women often experience brain fog, forgetfulness, decreased multitasking ability, and emotional flatness.
😴 Progesterone has a calming effect through its metabolite allopregnanolone, which acts on GABA receptors.
Low progesterone is associated with more anxiety, irritability, and poor sleep (and often heavier periods, too).
⚡️ Testosterone supports dopamine production, cognitive speed, and confidence.
It enhances focus, motivation, and resilience. Low testosterone is linked with apathy, reduced stress tolerance, and a greater tendency toward irritability, anxiety, and depression.
When these hormones fluctuate or decline, many women develop mood symptoms or a sense of disconnection from themselves.
Sadly, because of outdated fears around HRT, hormone therapy still isn’t always part of the conversation, even though the science supports its benefits for mood, memory, and overall brain health.
If an SSRI works for you, that’s great. Every woman deserves a personalized plan that fits her needs.
But too often, women are prescribed medication for symptoms that are actually rooted in hormonal imbalance.
Feeling anxious, foggy, or “not like yourself” isn’t just part of getting older. You deserve to feel clear, strong, and connected again. 💕
If this resonates, share it with a friend or loved one who might be struggling. It could change her life! 👯
