Anger is a common and often distressing symptom of perimenopause. Many women tell me it feels unfamiliar and unsettling—especially those who have always considered themselves calm, patient, or easy-going. Irritation can arise quickly, and reactions may feel intense or out of proportion to the situation.
It’s important to know that anger and rage can be a normal part of the menopause transition. Shifting hormones affect the nervous system, emotional regulation, and stress response, making strong emotions more likely.
Several factors contribute to increased anger and irritability during this stage of life:
Hormone fluctuations – changing estrogen levels and declining progesterone affect mood stability, emotional resilience, and how we perceive boundaries
Sleep disruption – poor or broken sleep reduces tolerance and emotional regulation
Heightened stress response – the adrenal glands work harder during perimenopause, increasing reactivity to triggers
Cognitive overload and brain fog – confusing and confronting symptoms that create stress
Psychological pressure – feeling unable to speak openly or needing to “carry on as normal”
Liver qi stagnation – a Traditional Chinese Medicine concept linking emotional stagnation, particularly anger, to liver function
From a Chinese medicine perspective, unresolved stress and emotional suppression can lead to liver qi stagnation. Signs may include:
Blurred vision or floaters
Hormonal imbalance or PMS
Waking between 1–3 am
Poor digestion or bloating
Pain or tension under the ribs
Frequent sighing
Anxiety or low mood
Mood swings
Gall bladder issues
Breast tenderness
A sensation of a lump in the throat
Stress-related headaches
Dark red menstrual blood, especially with clots
If these symptoms resonate, a helpful first step is supporting liver function through diet and lifestyle. Caffeine, alcohol, and highly processed foods can destabilise blood sugar, worsen mood swings, and place additional strain on the liver.
There are also many herbs and nutrients that can support liver health and emotional regulation. St Mary’s thistle is a widely available and gentle option that supports liver function and detoxification. Choosing the right herbs, however, is best done with professional guidance.
Anger during perimenopause is not a personal failing—it’s a physiological and emotional response to profound change. A comprehensive consultation that includes a full case history, nutrition review, and assessment of medications and supplements ensures support that is tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re experiencing anger, irritability, or emotional overwhelm during perimenopause or menopause, support is available. You don’t have to navigate this transition alone.
Contact me if you would like to know more, and keep an eye out for our workshops on Perimenopause rage & other symptoms throughout the year via my newsletter and social media!
