As I entered perimenopause, I found myself getting more and more irritated with things, things that have never ever bothered me before. My temper was shorter, I was snappy, I was emotional tearing up at nothing in particular and felt like I had this festering rage building up inside ready to explode.

It was unsettling. I didn’t feel like myself.

When I finally spoke to a doctor, their response was to offer me antidepressants.

My Journey With Mental Health

A little background for those that don’t know me too well. I’ve lived with clinical depression since I was a teenager. I attempted suicide three times during those years and later suffered post-natal depression after having children. I’ve spent decades managing my mental health through therapy and other supports.

I know what depression feels like — and this wasn’t that.

What I was experiencing felt different. As if something deeper was happening in my body.

And it was.

As for the antidepressants, I once had a severe reaction to antidepressants, going into convulsions, so I can’t take them. Antidepressants are vital for many and can be life-changing when prescribed appropriately. This was just not the right path for me. Possibly not others either, especially if what a woman is feeling is as a result of her perimenopausal hormones.

So, I walked out and started researching. That’s when I discovered it: the emotional chaos was from fluctuating oestrogen.

I wasn’t crazy. I didn’t need meds. I needed understanding — and strategy.

Understanding the Real Cause: Hormonal Shifts

Instead, I turned to research. I put on my Health Coach hat and began diving deep into the science.

That’s when I discovered the truth: my emotional storm was being driven by fluctuating oestrogen levels, a natural (but disruptive) part of perimenopause. It was creating hormonal chaos. 

Finding Calm in the Chaos

I developed a personalised strategy using the same principles I now teach my clients. With time, patience, and consistency, I went from feeling like I was at a 10/10 on the emotional overwhelm scale, to a calm and grounded 2/10.

And I’ve stayed there since.

That’s why I’m sharing these strategies with you, because if you’re feeling this way too, you are not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence. 

My Perimenopause Mood Strategies

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry, anxious or out of control — try these approaches:

• Nourish your body with anti-inflammatory foods

Processed foods and those high in sugar create inflammation in the body and can worsen mood swings. Focus on whole foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, good fats such as nuts, seeds, and complex carbs such as sweet potato and fruit, to support hormone balance and reduce emotional reactivity.

• Eat enough calories

Many women unknowingly under-eat, especially when trying to lose weight. But a constantly under-fuelled body is a stressed body. If you’re moody, irritable, or foggy, you might just need more fuel. If you’re trying to drop body fat so in a calorie deficit, keep the deficit small (around 10%) to avoid over-stressing your system.

• Stay active

Movement is medicine. Exercise helps your body release endorphins, your natural feel-good hormones. Whether it’s a walk, strength training, dance, or yoga, just move. It doesn’t have to be intense; it just has to be consistent.

• Get quality sleep

Lack of sleep magnifies every emotion. You’re not your best self when you’re exhausted. Set a consistent bedtime, reduce screen time before bed, and prioritise rest wherever possible. Even a little more sleep makes a big difference.

• Set boundaries

Stop saying yes to everything. People-pleasing often leads to emotional burnout. Practice saying “no” without guilt. Honour your time, your space, and your energy.

Final Thoughts

You’re not going mad. You’re not failing. And there’s nothing wrong with you.

You’re going through one of the biggest transitions your body will ever face, and you deserve support, not shame.

There are ways forward, backed by science, shaped with compassion, and rooted in your body’s wisdom.

You’re not meant to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to.

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Coach Terri
Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist
Freedom Fitness for Women