Ep 12 | Your Brain on Peri: Mood

Perimenopause: the magical time of life when your emotions decide to go on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride, leaving you laughing, crying, and irrationally furious—all within the span of a single coffee break.

This is the first in a three-part series about your brain during perimenopause. In part one, OvaryActive hosts Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch dive deep into the murky waters of hormones, mood swings, and cognitive hiccups that make perimenopause feel like an elaborate prank. Good (?) news: you're definitely not alone in feeling like your brain is working against you.

The Docs are getting into the science behind perimenopause's mind games. They discuss how neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine get caught in the hormonal crossfire, making mood change an unfortunate reality.

In more good news (and this really is good), the Docs also highlight the importance of understanding brain chemistry, recognizing symptoms, and—most importantly—knowing that treatment options exist. Hear about treatment avenues, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-care strategies, and the importance of seeking help for intrusive thoughts.

If you've ever found yourself inexplicably rage-cleaning the kitchen or crying over a commercial, listen and share.

What you'll hear in this episode:

[:44] Understanding mood changes in perimenopause

[3:08] Impact of external stressors

[8:04] Depression as a risk

[13:15] Brain chemistry and hormones

[19:24] Understanding hormones and mood

[21:41] Navigating treatment options

[26:10] Cognitive behavioral therapy

[28:36] Prioritizing self-care

[34:50] Addressing mental health concerns

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Meet the Docs:

More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:

Gennev: www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su

LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su

More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch:

Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html