Written by Clare Widzgowski
In perimenopause, the fluctuation of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can cause a myriad of mental health symptoms such as depression, low mood, irritability, and mood swings. There is no medication that will completely stop perimenopausal mood swings, however, there are some that can offer symptom relief. However, your doctor may recommend a pharmaceutical treatment for your symptoms. It is important to know what medicines are available for you. Here are some common medications used to treat perimenopausal mood swings:
Hormone replacement therapy
HRT involves taking estrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to increase circulating levels of the hormones in the body. Increasing estrogen levels during perimenopause can alleviate multiple symptoms of perimenopause, including mood swings. Treatment is done in tandem with therapy and/or another medication. Discuss with your doctor if HRT is right for you as it may not be effective for long-term use.
Antidepressants
Your doctor may recommend antidepressant medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) to help with reducing anxiety, depression, and stabilize your mood overall.
Mood stabilizers
In extreme cases, medication used to treat bipolar disease or mood disorders, such as lithium or anticonvulsant medicines, can be used to treat perimenopausal mood swings. These medications are often highly regulated and prescribed with caution. It is important to discuss with your doctor if this is the right medication for you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The goal of CBT is to identify troubling or worrying situations in your life, acknowledge your thoughts and feelings about them, identify which thoughts are negative or harmful, and finally train yourself to reframe those negative thoughts into positive ones. Your doctor may suggest that a combination of medication and CBT be used. Cognitive behavior therapy is done by psychotherapists like psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals with psychiatric training.
Remember, the best treatment plan will depend on your medical history and specific symptoms, and may require a combination of multiple treatments. Disclaimer: At It’sFetch.co we strive to provide valuable and reliable health information through our blog. We believe in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. However, it is important to understand that the content on our blog is not intended to replace the advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified medical professional.
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