Coping With Mood Swings, Anxiety, and Everything In Between

Women undergoing surgical menopause are at a 2 to 4 times higher risk of developing depression compared to those transitioning naturally.

You expected physical changes. Maybe some hot flashes, maybe poor sleep.

But what you didn’t expect? Feeling anxious all the time. Crying in the car. Snapping at your partner over nothing. Feeling numb or disconnected.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone—and you’re not “too sensitive.” Your brain is reacting to a sudden hormonal crash.

Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do to feel better again.

Natural menopause happens slowly. Your body has time to adjust.

Surgical menopause doesn’t give you that. Estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone drop drastically—sometimes within 24 hours. And these hormones help keep your brain balanced.

When they’re gone suddenly, your mood can swing without warning.

Here’s what’s common:

• • You feel sad and can’t explain why

  • You feel irritated more often—or emotionally flat

  • You’re anxious in situations that never bothered you before

  • You struggle to focus or remember things

  • You feel isolated, like no one understands what you’re going through

These aren’t “emotional weaknesses”—they’re chemical changes. And yes, they’re treatable.

Let’s break it into two buckets: support for your brain and support for your body.

🧠 Support for Your Mind

1. Talk to someone trained in this

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be incredibly helpful for menopausal mood shifts. It teaches you how to respond to spiraling thoughts and gives you tools that actually work when you’re overwhelmed.

2. Join a community that gets it

You don’t need to go through this alone.
Try:

• • The Surmeno Connection – peer support just for surgical menopause

  • Menopause-specific Facebook groups or subreddits

  • Virtual support circles through women’s clinics or therapists
    

Talking to others who say “me too” can take a huge weight off your shoulders.

💪 Support for Your Body

3. Consider HRT if it’s safe for you

Estrogen helps regulate serotonin—the feel-good brain chemical. No wonder your mood feels shaky.

If you’re eligible, Hormone Replacement Therapy can:

• • Stabilize mood swings

  • Ease anxiety

  • Support deeper sleep (which also helps with mood)

  • Reduce brain fog
    

Ask your provider what form of HRT (patch, cream, pill, pellet) might be best for you.

4. Move your body in ways that feel good

We’re not talking bootcamp workouts here—just consistent movement:

• • Walk 20 minutes a day

  • Do gentle yoga or stretching

  • Try a dance class or swimming
    

Movement releases endorphins, eases anxiety, and helps your brain recalibrate.

5. Look at what you’re eating

Not for weight—but for balance. Foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts, flax), leafy greens, and protein can all support mental function.

And cut back on alcohol or sugar if you’ve noticed they make your mood worse—they often do.

It’s totally normal to have a few rough days post-surgery. But if you’re feeling off more days than not, look out for:

• • Ongoing sadness or irritability

  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Trouble sleeping that lasts more than a few weeks

  • Thoughts of hopelessness or self-blame

  • Panic attacks or ongoing anxiety that disrupts your day

Please don’t wait. Talk to a healthcare provider. There’s help—and it works.

You may not hear many stories about women breaking down emotionally after surgery. But they’re out there.

• • Some women say they didn’t cry before menopause—but suddenly cry daily after surgery.

  • Others talk about feeling like they lost their “spark” and didn’t recognize themselves.

  • Many say that getting support—whether through HRT, therapy, or community—changed everything.

These aren’t dramatic stories. They’re honest ones. Just like yours might be right now.

Mental health is hormone health.

That’s why we support both.

• • ✅ We check your hormone levels—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and more

  • ✅ We help you build a care plan that includes mental wellness support

  • ✅ We listen, without judgment

  • ✅ We walk with you—step by step
    

We’re here when you’re ready to start feeling like yourself again—no pressure, just support.

👉 Schedule a private consult here.

You don’t need to “get over it.” You need real support—and you deserve it.

This phase is hard. But it’s not the end of who you are. You’re still in there—and we’re here to help you bring her back.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about surgical menopause and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized recommendations.