E116: The Emotional Domain of Perimenopause

About 20 percent of women experience depression during the menopausal transition, and many more report increased anxiety, irritability, mood swings, or changes in sexual desire. Yet these symptoms are rarely caused by hormones alone. Genetics, life experiences, relationships, health conditions, aging, and the demands of midlife all intersect during this period, making the psychological and behavioral effects of perimenopause far more complex than fluctuating estrogen levels.

In the emotional domain of perimenopause, Anna Nash, PhD, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, to examine the mood, mental health, and relationship changes that often accompany the transition to menopause. The conversation explores perimenopause within the broader context of a woman’s life—offering a thoughtful look at how women’s sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being evolve with age, experience, and changing priorities.