Peri-menopausal Brain Changes :What's to blame for irritability , sleeplessness , and anxiety?

Starting around 39-years-old and extending to the early 50’s the gonadotropic hormones undergo a shift in women (as well as men).

In the women this phase is dubbed the perimenopausal transition; marking the shift from reproductive aged to postmenopausal age.

It can be gradual and graceful in some yet abrupt and difficult in others. One of the hallmarks of this time is irritability, sleeplessness, and anxiety!

Not the type that is temporary, but more of a chronic daily thing.

Why?! Seems unfair right? Shouldn’t life get easier as we age?! After all do humans ever get the golden watch that was promised after paying their dues!!!

Easier in some ways but as far as physical health it seems we have to continue to up our game every decade or so we are alive.

Well, since life is so interesting and meaningful when we feel healthy; I guess we should vent the frustration and then get focused on taking action.

So what’s to blame for this sudden acquisition of unstable moods and sleep?

Look no further then blaming this on decreasing estrogen and progesterone (and possibly lower testosterone).

Since, estrogen is a natural antidepressant and progesterone is a natural anti-anxiety hormone we can see how changes in the these levels can affect sleep.

Referring to the image below; estrogen is a major modifier of the serotonin pathway. Not only is this important in moods but also in pain management.

source reference https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/22/5729https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00141/full

There are many things one can do that is experiencing this; beyond the obvious of bio-identical hormone replacement:

First, I encourage you to refer to these experts Dr. Stacy Sims, Dr. Lara Briden, and Dr. Ginger Nash, and Dr. Carrie Jones and listen to what they state on these episodes; .

Secondly, there are natural herbal medicines that act like Selective Estrogen Receptor modulators (SERMs). These herbals can act on estrogen receptors to manage how estrogen works in the body. SERMs act like estrogen in some tissues while blocking estrogen's effects in others . They have been called phytoestrogens in some circles.

They don’t increase estrogen they just help with receptor response of the estrogen you already have.

Here are some to consider:

• Black Cohosh:  that consists of 1mg triterpene glycosides. Traditionally used for for joint pain, doom and gloom depression, used with tamoxifen.

• Siberian Rhubarb: SERM like activities especially ERr731 extract. Rhubarb binds with Estrogen Receptor Beta. Does not over stimulate Uterus (which are ER-alpha. Beta receptors are in the brain and vagina. 

• Sage (Salvia officianalis); action is from flavonoids, has anti-dopaminergic activities (which may help some), and used for vasomotor symptoms.

• Soy and Red Clover due to isoflavones. Soy isoflavones are not truly phytoestrogens. Phyto SERMS act as selective estrogen receptors modifiers (SERMS). Also helps with bones. Safe with breast cancer patients (consult with oncologist however).

  
  

I have put together a protocol of hormone related supplements here:

The consideration of bio-identical hormone replacement should be done early in this process. Don’t wait until the wheels come completely off to get started. A good provider will review the pro’s, con’s, and risks of all these options.

Related resources:

Stacy Sims, PhD was on my podcast last year listen to what she has to say: