Perimenopause and Menopause

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What are Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause and menopause are both biological phases in a female’s life in which there are changes regarding her female sex organs and hormonal production. Perimenopause is the natural transitional phase before menopause, during which a woman’s ovaries gradually begin to make less estrogen. This process usually lasts approximately one year. Menopause, on the other hand, is the phase when a female’s menstrual periods stop permanently, marking the end of her reproductive years and ability to conceive. 

Both perimenopause and menopause bring many physical and emotional changes, and these can affect female mental health. You might notice your mood or memory shifting, or just not feel like yourself. If you’ve experienced mental health difficulties in the past such as anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional dysregulation or adjustment difficulties you could be more sensitive to these changes too. While some women do not have mental health issues during the menopausal transition, unstable oestrogen levels can have an impact on the brain, predisposing some women to feelings of irritability or mood changes. It’s important to note that everyone experiences perimenopause and menopause differently. 

Compounding these natural changes can be other stressors of life, such as juggling work and caring duties, caring for ageing parents. Sometimes, managing the impact of the changes on your physical and mental wellbeing can feel like a job all in itself. Support is available. We offer counselling in Footscray and our psychologists service the Western suburbs of Melbourne. If you’re feeling, stuck, scared or overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Please contact us to learn about our psychologists in Footscray or to find out more. We understand the impact of these life stages, and can help you to manage the psychosocial impacts of them with evidence-based treatments.

Support for Perimenopause and Menopause

Support for perimenopause and menopause often includes seeing a psychologist as well as your GP, who can assist pharmacologically with things like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). If you have a history of anxiety, depression or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), you might be more likely to feel low during perimenopause and menopause. Therapy may include things such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). There are specialist women’s clinics and psychiatrists who specialise in woman’s mental health, such as Jean Hailes. Your GP would be able to facilitate a referral if needed.

Other resources that are available include The Australian Menopause Society, which offers fat sheets, resources and a directory of services. Both Menopause Alliance Australia (MAA) and Menopause Friendly Australia are Australian national organisations empowering individuals, families, and workplaces with advocacy and resources to normalise and support menopause, as well as support businesses to implement Menopause-friendly policies.

Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Mood shifts: Low or anxious moods, heightened irritability, or intense emotional swings
  • Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, focusing, or recalling details
  • Fatigue: Feeling chronically tired, drained, or lacking your usual motivation
  • Weight changes
  • Hot flushes or night sweats
  • Difficulties with sleep
  • Reduced libido

So, what can I do?

You don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Our psychologists provide a warm, supportive environment and offer evidence-based therapies tailored to help you through these life transitions, manage stress, and improve wellbeing. A psychologist in Melbourne can help by offering tools to manage these feelings, improve coping skills, and support lifestyle changes that promote long‑term wellbeing.

Please contact us to find out more, so we can chat about matching you with a psychologist who’s a good fit. We service the Western suburbs of Melbourne.

We have Medicare rebate psychologists available, and we offer telehealth psychologists, Workcover psychologists and TAC psychologists.

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Psychology FAQs

Have a question? Take a look below… these are some of the common questions we get.

No referral is needed to book a session, but if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you might be eligible for Medicare rebates.

Yep, life happens! Just give us at least 48 hours’ notice so we can offer that spot to someone else. Cancellations within 48 hours will incur a fee.

We don’t usually offer instalment plans, but if money’s tight, chat with us privately – we’re happy to see how we can find a solution.

The Medicare rebates are listed above, but if you on WorkCover, TAC or VOCAT the gap fees tend to be lower. With private insurance, we find they tend to be on-par with Medicare rebates. We can help you understand what’s covered and what your gap fee will be – just ask us when booking.

No worries! You can book on their behalf, just make sure you have their consent and relevant details to help our intake process.

Ready to talk?

Please get in touch today to have a chat to our friendly team so we can match you with an appropriate psychologist. If you are an existing client, you can book online.

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