Perimenopause — the years leading up to menopause — is often more destabilizing than menopause itself. Cycles become unpredictable, ovulation becomes irregular, and hormone levels fluctuate wildly.
These ups and downs can affect not just the body but also the brain — triggering anxiety, depression, irritability, and cognitive fog. Many women describe it as “not feeling like myself” like their usual resilience has vanished.
But what’s really happening isn’t aging or burnout — it’s hormonal unreliability.
During perimenopause, the brain and ovaries stop communicating as smoothly as they once did. The HPO axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian loop) starts to misfire, producing cycles that are too short, too long, or skipped altogether.
These “loop cycles” cause estrogen and progesterone to spike and crash unpredictably. Some months, estrogen soars without progesterone’s balance; others, both hormones drop too soon. The result? A biochemical rollercoaster that can wreak havoc on mood, cognition, and sleep.
Here’s the tricky part — a single blood test might show “normal” hormone levels even when symptoms are severe.
That’s because hormones fluctuate daily, sometimes hourly. A normal-looking result doesn’t reflect what your brain is experiencing.
This disconnect often leads women to feel dismissed or told “everything looks fine,” even as they struggle with symptoms that profoundly affect their quality of life.
Estrogen and progesterone regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, which shape mood and cognition. When these hormones fluctuate:
It’s a neurochemical storm — and one that can mimic depression or ADHD if the hormonal context is missed.
Treatment during perimenopause focuses on stabilizing, not suppressing, hormone activity. Options may include:
At Conscious Psychiatry, we address both the neurotransmitter and hormonal sides of the equation — because balance isn’t just emotional, it’s biological.
Schedule an appointment with our Denver-based women’s mental health clinic to explore hormone-informed treatment options.
Key Takeaways:
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Conscious Psychiatry is a specialized mental health practice that takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to women's mental wellness throughout all life stages. Founded by Jordan Gough, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in critical care, our practice combines traditional and alternative treatment options to provide comprehensive, personalized care.
Our Philosophy: We believe that every individual deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered on their journey to better mental health. Our approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and evidence-based practices, ensuring that you feel validated and understood throughout your treatment.
Specialized Services:
Our Approach: We treat the whole person, not just symptoms. By integrating mental health support, hormone therapy when appropriate, and lifestyle medicine, we help women navigate life's transitions with confidence and optimal well-being.
Insurance and Accessibility: We accept insurance for psychiatric evaluations and follow-ups, making mental health care accessible. Our hormone therapy services are offered on a transparent, self-pay basis to ensure the comprehensive time and attention this specialized care requires.
Located in Denver, Colorado, Conscious Psychiatry serves women throughout the region who are seeking compassionate, expert care during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We're here to help you reclaim your mental wellness and thrive through life's changes.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey to optimal mental and hormonal health.
In-Person in Denver | Virtually Throughout Colorado
Located in: Cherry Tower
Address: 950 S Cherry St Suite 1675, Denver, CO 80246
