Is there a link between Seasonal Affective Disorder and Peri/menopause?

Hand on heart, I've been digging around and I can't find anything definitive. But I'm having an increasing number of conversations with peri/menopausal women who are finding it tricky to manage their mood in the winter.

It's very possible. There may be a link with melatonin or serotonin which can be affected by our hormone levels. It may be that it's always been there but our hormones have tended to smooth over some bumps. It may be that now we're a bit tired and sore we're spending less time outdoors.

And it's all feeling a little worse not having had a great summer! So, I think if you're finding yourself looking towards the winter with dread, or remembering last year being emotionally tough then maybe it's worth considering.

What should we do?

The first line treatment for all perimenopausal mood issues should really be HRT, but you may want to consider anti-depressants. They're complicated things and I'm not an expert so you'd need to discuss pros and cons with your doctor.

Getting outside as much as possible might help. You could even try some forest bathing, which can do great things for your mood.

I don't know about you, but I find I reach for the stodge when I'm low in mood, and that probably doesn't help, so I might stick to my summer salads a bit longer. It's been shaved fennel and orange this week!

The NHS website tells me that there's limited evidence for SAD lamps but I'm going to try one anyway. I'm getting a second hand one from Vinted to find out if it works! I can always get a nicer one if I decide it's for me.

All our troubles build in our minds when we keep them to ourselves. Whether you go for a talking therapy or just bend a friend's ear, please don't suffer in silence.

Good luck and do let me know what works for you!