A method for controlling a wind turbine, and an associated wind turbine, includes receiving a wind direction signal indicative of an instantaneous wind direction at the wind turbine and receiving a signal indicative of an instantaneous wind speed at the wind turbine. A rate of change of the wind direction at the wind turbine and a rate of change of wind speed at the wind turbine are determined. A control signal for a pitch system for blades of the wind turbine is determined based on the rate of change of the wind direction and the rate of change of wind speed. The pitch of the blades is then changed with the pitch system based on the control signal to reduce loads on the wind turbine from changes in the wind direction simultaneous with changes in the wind speed.