Feeling off but not sure why? Mood swings, low energy, and brain fog are often brushed off as “just stress” or “getting older,” but they could actually be signs of perimenopause. In this episode, Dr. Sarah unpacks the complex relationship between hormone shifts, mental health, and fatigue—so you can stop wondering What’s wrong with me? And start feeling like yourself again.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Mood Shift in Perimenopause

• Nearly 45-70% of women experience mood changes or depression during this phase.
• Hormonal fluctuations play a huge role, but they’re not the whole story.

🔹 More Than Just Hormones: The Biopsychosocial Model

Dr. Sarah breaks down the three key areas affecting mood:

• Biological: Nutrient deficiencies (Vitamin D, B12, Iron), thyroid health, blood sugar, inflammation, and sleep apnea.
• Psychological: Past struggles with depression, thought patterns, and coping mechanisms.
• Social: Relationships, support systems, and the pressure to “keep it together.”

🔹 Getting the Right Diagnosis

• Fatigue isn’t always depression—nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances can mimic mental health conditions.
• Testing is crucial before jumping to medications or dismissing symptoms.

🔹 Treatment Options That Work

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): A game-changer if mood issues are hormone-related.
• Antidepressants: More effective when paired with estrogen therapy (for some women).
• Exercise: One of the most powerful natural antidepressants.

🔹 The Power of Community & Self-Compassion

• Your mental health isn’t just about your biology—stress, relationships, and support systems matter.
• Therapy, boundary-setting, and leaning on your community can be just as important as supplements and prescriptions.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Understanding what’s really going on with your mood gives you the power to take action. If you’re struggling, start by getting the right tests, exploring treatment options, and surrounding yourself with support.

✨ Other episodes you may enjoy:

• The One Where You’re A Raging Bitch is all about women’s anger, irritability and PMS 
• The One Where Perimenopause Comes Sooner Than You Think will help you understand exactly what’s happening to your hormones and why it affects so much more than just your period
• The One Where You’re Tired Of Carrying The Mental Load explores mental, emotional and sensory fatigue (aka when everything feels too loud and too bright)

Dr. Sarah Vadeboncoeur is a Naturopathic Doctor, mom, and fatigue fixer who’s on a mission to help women fix their fatigue and get the health care they deserve. You can find her talking about all things fatigue on Instagram and learn more about her services at drsarahv.ca.

The Fatigue Fixer is produced by Story Studio Network.