03/09/2026
Feeling “off” lately? Teary for no reason, more irritable than usual, exhausted even after rest, and suddenly the small stuff feels huge? If this doesn’t feel like you, it’s worth paying attention, especially if you’re in your late 30s to 50s.
Here’s something many women aren’t told: the perimenopause years can increase the risk of depression and anxiety, and mood changes can be tied to fluctuating hormones. Estrogen, progesterone, DHEA (and even thyroid hormones and cortisol) all play roles in how the brain regulates mood, sleep, and stress response. And because perimenopause and depression share so many overlapping symptoms (sleep disruption, brain fog, mood shifts, low energy), it can be easy to miss the hormonal piece.
If you suspect perimenopause may be contributing, you deserve a deeper conversation. Consider asking your provider about a more complete wellness workup that includes hormone testing.
For some women, customized hormone therapy may be part of an individualized care plan to support more stable hormone levels during this transition.