1. Crying All the Time
Do you find yourself tearing up over the smallest things — a film, a song on the radio, or even dropping your keys when you’re in a rush? You might wonder, “What’s wrong with me?” or “Why am I crying like this?”
What’s actually happening is connected to oestrogen. This hormone helps regulate brain chemistry — particularly serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that affect mood, emotional balance and our ability to cope with stress.
As oestrogen levels fluctuate and drop during perimenopause and menopause, these feel-good chemicals become more unpredictable. Even when nothing major is happening, you can simply feel off.
That’s why small triggers, like dropping your keys, can suddenly spark a big emotional response. You might even find yourself crying out of nowhere, whether you’re shopping, driving, or at work. It can feel as though the whole world is on top of you.
For many women, including myself, this overwhelming feeling can come out of the blue. For me, it felt like the world was ending.
You may also find that it's much more difficult to bounce back from emotional stress.
I once heard from a lady who burst into tears in the supermarket because her favourite yoghurt was out of stock. Of course, it wasn’t really about the yoghurt — it was exhaustion, frustration, and emotional overload all coming to the surface. The yoghurt was simply the final straw.
If this sounds familiar, please know you’re not weak, not going mad, and not alone. This is a very real, physical response to hormonal changes — and it’s incredibly common. Almost every woman I’ve spoken to has gone through a phase like this at some point.
2. The Resurfacing of Old Emotional Wounds
This one can be even more unexpected — and sometimes unsettling. You might find yourself reliving emotional pain from years ago, even things you thought you’d buried or forgotten.
It could be unresolved childhood issues, grief, or old heartbreaks. You may have processed these emotions before, yet suddenly they resurface as if they happened yesterday.
I liken it to Pandora’s box. We all have a place in our brain where we lock away painful memories, but as oestrogen levels fall, that “lock” can break open. Suddenly, old emotions can escape, taking you by surprise.
When this happens, your emotional resilience, your inner “emotional buffer”, also weakens. In the past, you might have been able to brush off a sad thought or memory, but now it lingers. You might even experience vivid dreams or nightmares linked to old worries or unresolved feelings.
Sometimes, even a small event like a scene in a film can trigger a wave of sadness or a deep, inexplicable melancholy. It’s hard to explain, even to yourself. You might think you’re losing control, but again — you’re not. This is simply your brain reacting to hormonal changes.
How to Support Yourself
The most important thing you can do is talk about it. Sharing how you feel — whether with a friend, in a support group, or through talking therapy — helps to put everything into perspective.
If you’re struggling with bouts of crying, it can actually help to let it all out. Find a private space, have a really good cry, and allow yourself to feel everything. Many women find they feel so much lighter afterwards — I know I certainly did! I used to shut myself away in my bedroom and just let it out. And honestly, I always felt calmer and clearer afterwards.
Journaling can also be powerful. Writing down your thoughts helps to process emotions and bring clarity. If your feelings involve another person — perhaps an ex or someone you’ve lost — try writing a letter to them. You don’t need to send it; you could even burn it afterwards. The act of expressing how you feel can bring a real sense of release.
Rest is essential, too. Hormonal changes put pressure on your nervous system and can drain your energy, so give yourself permission to slow down.
Also, normalise what’s happening. Remind yourself: “I’m not going mad. This is normal. My hormones are changing, and it will pass.”
And finally, support your body with good self-care — eat well, stay hydrated (even mild dehydration can affect your mood), and consider nutrients like magnesium, which helps support your nervous system and calm stress and anxiety.
Because magnesium is so essential during this stage, it’s included in our Menopause Support supplement, which can be taken through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
A.Vogel Menopause Support | For Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause Symptoms
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So many women experience these emotional shifts — you are not alone. If you’ve been through this yourself, what did you notice? How did you help yourself cope?
Sharing your story can help countless other women feel understood and supported.
Remember — this is a phase. It will pass, and you will feel better again.
Take care and have a lovely week.
You may also be interested in these topics:
Menopause Self-Care: 3 Tips Every Woman Should Know
Emotional Menopause Symptoms: Why they can worsen or come back
