Here’s what’s important: If you are experiencing mood swings during menopause, you have treatment options available.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy has been found to be an effective option for treating menopausal mood swings, particularly depression. It’s important to consider the risks associated with hormone therapy, however, including nausea, cramps, headache, increased appetite, unwanted bleeding, and — potentially, in some people, particularly those with genetic predispositions — an increased risk of breast cancer. You should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy when considering if it’s right for you.
Antidepressants
Just like depression and mood issues faced during other points of life, menopausal depression and mood swings could be helped with antidepressants, especially SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used to treat anxiety and depression and can be an effective way to manage mood swings and depression during perimenopause and menopause without the use of hormones or medication.