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Feeling short-tempered, tearful or just not like yourself lately? You're not imagining it, and you're not alone. We'll listen first, look at your hormones, thyroid and sleep, and help you find the real reasons behind the change.
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Medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director · Updated October 2026
Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C
Medical director
The short answer
Yes. Shifting hormones in perimenopause, the days before your period and the months after having a baby can all affect mood, and low testosterone, thyroid problems and poor sleep can too. The first step is finding the cause with a good conversation and comprehensive labs. From there, options may include perimenopause hormone therapy, postpartum hormone support or testosterone therapy for men, plus better sleep. If your mood feels heavy most days, that deserves care too, and we'll help you get it.
Understanding your mood
Mood changes usually have more than one cause. Hormones, thyroid, sleep and stress all talk to each other, so we look at the whole picture.
Big swings in estrogen during perimenopause may drive mood symptoms, and hot flashes and poor sleep can add to them (The Menopause Society).
Cyclic hormone changes and shifts in serotonin are thought to trigger PMS. PMDD is a more severe form that can bring depression, anger and irritability (Mayo Clinic).
Estrogen and progesterone drop sharply after childbirth, and thyroid hormones may drop too. Baby blues often bring mood swings and irritability for a week or two (Mayo Clinic).
Men with low testosterone may have less energy, motivation and confidence, and some feel depressed or have trouble focusing (Mayo Clinic).
An overactive thyroid can cause nervousness, anxiety and irritability (Mayo Clinic), while an underactive thyroid can cause tiredness and depression (Mayo Clinic).
Sleep deficiency can make you feel frustrated, cranky or worried in social situations, and it has been linked to depression (NHLBI). See poor sleep.
Know the difference
Hormone shifts can make you more irritable or tearful, but depression is a real illness, not "just hormones." NIMH advises talking to a health care provider if symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks (NIMH). The two can overlap, and both are treatable.
Hormone-linked mood swings
Depression that needs more care
Pattern
Comes and goes, often with your cycle, poor sleep, hot flashes or after a baby
Present most of the day, nearly every day, for 2 weeks or more
How it feels
Short fuse, tearful, overwhelmed, then back to yourself
Lasting sad, anxious or "empty" mood, loss of interest in things you enjoy
Common causes
Perimenopause, PMS, postpartum changes, low testosterone, thyroid, sleep
Many causes, including hormone shifts, life stress and a past history of depression
What helps
Hormone therapy, thyroid care, better sleep, exercise
Your doctor or a mental health professional: therapy, medication or both (NIMH)
You don't have to figure out which one it is on your own. If you're not sure, tell us how you've been feeling and we'll help you get to the right care.
Your options
We start with how you feel, then test instead of guess. Here's what each option can help with, and where another provider may be the better fit.
Best for: finding the cause
We check hormones and thyroid through LabCorp, then walk through the results with you. Symptoms like these aren't specific to one hormone, so testing matters (Mayo Clinic).
Best for: mood swings with hot flashes, night sweats or cycle changes
Hormone therapy can ease hot flashes and night sweats and the poor sleep, irritability and brain fog that go with them (The Menopause Society).
Best for: menopause symptoms that affect mood and sleep
Bioidentical hormone therapy, adjusted over time with follow-up labs. It isn't right for everyone, so we review your health history first (The Menopause Society).
Best for: new moms who feel depleted, wired or not like themselves
We check hormones and thyroid after pregnancy, since both can drop sharply after birth (Mayo Clinic). Postpartum depression needs its own care, and we'll help you get it.
Best for: men with confirmed low testosterone
After two morning blood tests confirm low testosterone, treatment may improve sex drive, erectile function and depressive symptoms (American Urological Association).
Best for: depression, anxiety, PMDD or thoughts of self-harm
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for severe PMS or PMDD (Mayo Clinic), and talk therapy helps many people. We're happy to work alongside your doctor or counselor.
When it's not just hormones
Talk to your doctor if you feel sad, anxious, empty or irritable most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. Depression is a real illness, and even severe depression can be treated (NIMH). If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please don't wait. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is free, confidential and available 24/7 (988 Lifeline). If you're in immediate danger, call 911. New moms can also call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (CDC).
Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Hormone care can be one part of feeling like yourself again, but it isn't a replacement for mental health care. If we think you need more support than we can give, we'll tell you honestly and help you find it.
Everyday support
Write down your moods, sleep and cycle for at least two cycles. It helps you and your provider spot patterns (Mayo Clinic).
Short sleep makes almost everything feel harder, including staying patient (NHLBI). If hot flashes or night sweats wake you up, tell us.
About 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling or swimming most days can ease PMS symptoms (Mayo Clinic) and is good for mood at any age.
Tell someone you trust how you've been feeling. Stressful life circumstances affect mood in midlife too (The Menopause Society), and support makes a real difference.
Your care team
Medical director
Oversees every treatment and leads hormone therapy. Master's in Nursing, University of Cincinnati; Chair, Aesthetic Safety Network (Utah).
Real reviews
★★★★★
“I have been helped through hormone therapy, and the difference it has made in my overall well-being is incredible. From the start, I felt listened to and supported. My energy, mood, and balance have all improved, and I am feeling more like myself again.”
Cindy D. · Google review
★★★★★
“If you are going through menopause, you need Stephany! She took time to listen, explain what is going on internally and what to look for… If you are suffering through raging hormones, this is the place to soothe that quickly- so you can get back to life!”
Amy R. · Google review
★★★★★
“I have struggled with my mental health, sleep, and energy having 3 kids ages 4 and under and wanted to be able to be a present energetic mom. It’s incredible the help they have given me…”
Brooke B. · Google review
Your questions, answered
Can perimenopause cause irritability and rage?
It can. Mood swings and irritability are common in perimenopause, and the risk of depression goes up, especially if you've had PMS, postpartum depression or depression before (Mayo Clinic). Many women notice it before their periods change much, so it's easy to miss.
Can low testosterone make men irritable?
Low testosterone can bring less energy, motivation and confidence, and some men feel depressed (Mayo Clinic). Those same symptoms can come from sleep apnea, medications or other conditions, so we confirm low testosterone with morning labs before recommending TRT.
Is it hormones or depression?
Sometimes it's one, sometimes both. If low mood, emptiness or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for 2 weeks or more, please talk to your doctor (NIMH). If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 any time.
Can my thyroid affect my mood?
Yes. An overactive thyroid can cause nervousness and irritability, and an underactive thyroid can cause tiredness and depression (Mayo Clinic). Thyroid testing and support are part of our hormone care.
Is postpartum irritability normal?
Baby blues, including mood swings and irritability, are common and usually fade within a week or two (Mayo Clinic). If it lasts longer or feels heavy, talk to your provider. Our postpartum hormone support can check hormones and thyroid alongside that care.
How much does help for mood swings cost in American Fork?
Your first consultation is complimentary. Comprehensive labs through LabCorp are $400, and we'll go over results and any treatment costs before you decide. We don't bill insurance, but we can give you a superbill. See our price guide.
Where can I get help for hormone-related mood swings near American Fork?
Epiphany Clinic is at 119 S Pacific Dr, Suite 102, American Fork, UT 84003, a short drive from Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills, Saratoga Springs and Orem. Call or text (801) 477-7294.
This page was medically reviewed by Stephany Reese, APRN, FNP-C, medical director of Epiphany Clinic, in October 2026. It's for education and isn't a substitute for a personal consultation.
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