What happens to estrogen during perimenopause and how it affects your brain
When we think of perimenopause, we often picture hot flashes and irregular periods. But the conversation is finally shifting, and for good reason: perimenopause isn’t just a reproductive transition; it’s a neurological one. Many of the symptoms women notice first have nothing to do with their cycle. They show up in the mind: a word that won’t come, a mood that shifts without warning, the fog that seems to descend on the brain. That’s not coincidence; it’s biology.
Estrogen is commonly framed as a “sex hormone,” but that framing sells it short. Estrogen receptors are distributed throughout the brain, including in regions responsible for memory, emotional regulation, and executive function. For decades, estrogen has been quietly involved in many activities that the brain is responsible for.
During perimenopause, estrogen doesn’t simply decline — it fluctuates. Levels can swing dramatically from week to week, and sometimes day to day. This instability makes it harder for the brain to adapt. The brain is wired to work with predictable hormonal patterns, and when that predictability disappears, the effects ripple throughout the system. Many women describe this period as feeling “not quite themselves,” and neurologically speaking, there are major changes taking place.
This short video excerpt explores the hormonal shifts of perimenopause, focusing on estrogen’s fluctuation and decline. Learn how these changes impact the brain, influencing mood, memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
This segment is from a webinar included in our new yoga series.
The Embrace the Change: Yoga for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond yoga series includes 2 webinars, 28 yoga practice options, and an 83-page e-book.
It is currently available for the introductory price of $79 (regularly $95). This introductory offer expires on March 8, 2026.
