Navigating Perimenopause: Understanding the Impact on Mental Health
Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, can lead to hormonal fluctuations that affect mental health, causing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Hormone levels vary widely during perimenopause, leading to physical symptoms such as irregular periods, insomnia, and hot flashes, as well as mental symptoms like mood swings and brain fog. The impact of perimenopause on trans and gender-diverse individuals is not well understood. Managing mental health symptoms during perimenopause involves tracking symptoms, adjusting diet and exercise, avoiding triggers, ensuring adequate sleep, and considering medication options. It's important to seek evaluation by a doctor to rule out other conditions and to find gender-affirming care if needed.
