This episode unpacks one of the most frustrating — and misunderstood — symptoms women describe in perimenopause: the intense wave of anxiety, irritability, or dread that shows up like clockwork the week or so before their period. Dr. Greg explains the real physiology behind these emotional spikes, why they have little to do with “being dramatic,” and everything to do with progesterone dips, cortisol surges, neurotransmitter changes, and a nervous system that’s been running in overdrive for years. Listeners will walk away understanding the exact hormonal pattern causing their pre-period anxiety — and what they can start doing today to calm the storm.

Key Takeaways• Pre-period anxiety is driven by falling progesterone and rising cortisol• Progesterone supports calm, sleep, and emotional regulation through GABA• Chronic stress steals pregnenolone away from progesterone and DHEA (“pregnenolone steal”)• Cortisol dysregulation amplifies anxiety, irritability, and emotional volatility• Blood sugar crashes can worsen nervous system activation• Emotional symptoms in perimenopause are physiological, not personality changes• Healing begins by restoring safety to the nervous system before optimizing hormones

What Can Help Support Emotional Balance Before Your Period• Nervous system regulation (breathwork, prayer, quiet time, grounding)• Stabilizing blood sugar with adequate protein and balanced meals• Supporting progesterone naturally• Reducing caffeine and alcohol during the luteal phase• Improving sleep hygiene and evening routines• Morning sunlight exposure• Gentle movement and stress recovery practices

Resources & Next Steps

Initial Evaluation: https://drgreg.practicebetter.io/#/5e8a349a2a982306d08c1c14/bookings?s=62290cf8c925874c9b56b394&step=date

Hormone Symptom Tracker: https://drgreg.practicebetter.io/#/5e8a349a2a982306d08c1c14/forms?f=6807f2f8c009a18d7c98e558
Functional Testing & Care Options: https://www.vitaefm.com
Ask Dr. Greg a Question: [email protected]

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Keywordsperimenopause anxiety, PMS anxiety, progesterone drop, luteal phase symptoms, cortisol imbalance, hormone mood swings, women’s hormone health, functional medicine, Dr Greg Mongeon, women’s health podcast