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I’m 47 and still have a fairly regular cycle. I think I’m in perimenopause, though honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I’ve had the occasional hot flash, noticed mood changes creeping in more than before, and I get more cramping than I used to. There’s no hard line in the sand that says, “You’re officially in perimenopause”—it’s more like a slow, shifting tide. So far, I feel lucky that my symptoms have been fairly minimal.
But this cycle was different. I had a huge mood drop for about 24 hours. I found myself saying (okay, yelling), “I am in SHIT mood!” I even had my 11-year-old read the last few paragraphs of Lessons in Chemistry because I couldn’t stop crying while trying to read to him. And of course, it all coincided with the back-to-school weekend—“I need a new backpack!” (Nope, his old one works perfectly.)
It was clear that the stress of the summer-to-school transition amplified everything. Stress hormones like cortisol don’t exist in a vacuum—they interact with reproductive hormones, often making mood shifts feel even more intense. It made me wonder: how can I better support myself during these monthly swings that sometimes—often—feel completely overwhelming?
Self-Compassion, First
When you’re not yourself, it’s hard not to feel guilty about how it affects your closest relationships. I found myself texting, “Sorry, I’m just not feeling like myself today” to my husband for the many demands and the “you’re not doing it right” tone. But what helped the most wasn’t just apologizing outwardly—it was turning inward with self-compassion.
When I placed my hand on my heart and reminded myself: “This is hard. It won’t last. You’re not alone”—I sincerely felt a release. A weight lifted. True self-compassion can shift how we carry difficult moments. #shitworks
If your week ahead feels a little unpredictable too, here’s one of the 5 menu ideas I’m sharing with subscribers this week—designed to nourish mood and lighten dinnertime stress.
Sheet Pan Salmon with Vegetables: Fish is the fastest cooking protein, and I’m grateful that all my boys will actually eat salmon. Since today’s post is about mood, it’s also a fitting choice—omega-3 fats are the nutrient most strongly linked to supporting mental health from a food-based perspective. Pair it with potatoes, pasta, or rice to make it a complete, comforting meal.
