Feeling moodier or more irritable around the time of menopause is a very common experience that should be normalized. Scientists have theorized that some individuals enter a “window of vulnerability” during perimenopause, where their brain chemistry is more sensitive to the dramatic fluctuations in hormones, increasing their risk for significant mood disturbances. These hormonally driven shifts can be compounded by common midlife stressors, such as caring for aging parents or growing children, and by the physical symptoms of menopause itself, particularly poor sleep. Recognizing this period of heightened vulnerability is the first step toward seeking support and developing effective coping strategies.