The hormonal changes associated with menopause can trigger strong emotions and mood swings in some women. Fluctuating estrogen levels during the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years are known to affect hormone balance and influence serotonin production, which may contribute to weepiness and crying spells.
Crying more often or intensely is a common symptom that many women report experiencing in the years surrounding their final menstrual period. Recent studies indicate that between 20-30% of perimenopausal and menopausal women struggle with increased tearfulness and crying episodes.
There are several key reasons why hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition seem to promote crying:
- Declining estrogen causes changes in brain chemistry that can make some women more prone to sadness, anxiety, irritability and feeling emotionally overwhelmed
- Lower estrogen amplifies the effects of stress hormones like cortisol, contributing to mood instability
- The changing ratio of estrogen to testosterone appears to influence neurotransmitter balance, including serotonin levels, altering emotional responses and control
Hot flashes and night sweats - common menopausal symptoms resulting from fluctuating estrogens and the body's thermostat becoming dysregulated - are also associated with increased crying spells in some women. Sleep deprivation and the overall discomfort of severe hot flashes seems to magnify moodiness.
Other factors, like life stressors, history of anxiety/depression, and hormonal conditions (e.g. thyroid dysfunction), can make certain women more vulnerable to developing symptoms like more frequent crying during the menopausal years.
Perimenopause marks the end of fertility for women, which can also heighten emotions.
Coping strategies - making positive lifestyle changes, finding emotional support, and considering whether MHT/HRT might help stabilize hormones - enable many women to manage menopausal mood symptoms like increased crying episodes/tearfulness. Key tips include:
- Prioritize self-care - sleep, nutrition, exercise
- Try stress-reduction techniques - therapy, meditation, yoga
- Treat underlying issues - anxiety, depression, thyroid problems
- Ask your doctor about short-term, low-dose hormone therapy to rebalance estrogen/progesterone and stabilize moods
- Join a menopause support group in your area or online for solidarity
In summary: Yes, fluctuating reproductive hormones during the menopause transition mean many women do report struggling with more frequent and intense crying episodes. But this challenging symptom can often be eased with lifestyle changes and emotional support - and for some, short-term hormone therapy may help moderate mood stability. Focus on self-care during this period of change and don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about treatment options.
Balance Health Clinic offers specialized care from top
menopause specialists to help identify the root hormonal imbalances behind symptoms like increased emotionality/crying during perimenopause & menopause, and to develop personalized treatment plans that may include:
- Hormone testing & risk assessments
- Bioidentical/compounded HRT testosterone thyroid hormone therapies
- Nutraceuticals, supplements & diet/nutrition optimization
- Evidence-based symptom management protocols
With advanced hormone balancing and monitoring, our
Balance Health Clinic clinics achieve high patient satisfaction rates by effectively addressing the hormonal triggers of menopausal mood swings and promoting emotional regulation during this transition.
Schedule a telehealth consult today to speak with one of our physicians about whether prescription
MHT/HRT therapy might help stabilize your moods and minimize bothersome crying spells.
