Perimenopause and Menopause
Women face significant emotional, physical and hormonal changes as they progress through the life span. In particular, perimenopause and menopause can be very difficult for women’s mental health. Taking note of how you are feeling throughout this period is critical so that you can get the best support when required. Periods of uncertainty throughout these hormonal changes are normal.
What are the common symptoms?​
Perimenopause and menopause are two distinct stages in a woman’s reproductive life, often confused due to their overlapping symptoms. Perimenopause refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where hormonal fluctuations begin and menstrual cycles become irregular. This stage can last several years and is marked by symptoms such as hot flushes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.
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Menopause, on the other hand, is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, signalling the end of fertility. While perimenopause is a gradual process, menopause is a specific milestone.
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Understanding the difference between these stages is essential for managing symptoms effectively and maintaining overall health. Below are eight key points highlighting the distinctions between perimenopause and menopause.
- Timing of onset
- Duration of phase
- Hormonal changes
- Menstrual cycle patterns
- Symptom severity
- Fertility status
- Diagnostic criteria
- Age range
Why do I feel like this?
Awareness and proactive care can help you navigate this transition with confidence and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. How menopause and perimenopause may be affecting your wellbeing are outlined below:
Hormonal Changes
Emotional Impact
Hormonal changes influence neurotransmitters, affecting mood and emotional stability. Feelings of irritability, sadness, or anxiety are common during this stage.
Physical Symptoms
How does therapy help?
By addressing emotional challenges and fostering resilience, therapy helps individuals navigate this life stage with confidence and clarity. It also promotes self-awareness, improves communication in relationships, and supports lifestyle adjustments. Further benefits to therapy are discussed below:
Emotional Support
Therapy offers a compassionate environment to process feelings of anxiety, sadness, or irritability, helping individuals manage emotional fluctuations and maintain mental stability during hormonal changes.
Stress Management
Psychologists can introduce relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and coping strategies to reduce stress, improving overall well-being and preventing burnout during the challenging transition of perimenopause and menopause.
Identity and Self-Esteem
Therapy helps individuals explore evolving identity and self-worth, fostering confidence and acceptance while addressing concerns about ageing, body image, and life changes.
Relationship Communication
Therapists guide clients in improving communication with partners and family, reducing misunderstandings and strengthening relationships during this transitional phase.
Sleep and Lifestyle Guidance
Therapy supports behavioural changes to improve sleep hygiene, manage fatigue, and encourage healthy routines that enhance physical and emotional resilience.
Managing Anxiety and Depression
Therapists provide tools to identify triggers, challenge negative thoughts, and build coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of prolonged anxiety or depressive episodes.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
Meet Our Team​​
Meet our friendly and experienced team, here to help you with confidence and care.
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We are here to support you​
Please contact us or click on this link if you would like to see one of our experienced psychologistsÂ
FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.