Perimenopause and Menopause

Menopause specialist psychology to help with the psychological effects of menopause

At Affinity Psychology, we offer psychological support for women navigating the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Our compassionate therapy focuses on hormone-related issues, addressing the complex interplay between menopause symptoms, mental health and overall well-being.

The psychological effects of perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause and menopause can cause an array of physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, menopause nausea and joint pains, but it can also have an impact on mental health. Some of these issues may include:

Menopause Mood Changes: Mood changes are often reported during the menopause transition and include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Menopause Insomnia: Sleep disturbances are common during perimenopause and insomnia and can contribute to feelings of irritability, overwhelm and anxiety.
Menopause Depression: Anyone undergoing the menopause transition may be at an increased risk for a menopausal depression or a recurrence/escalation of depression, due to hormonal changes and other factors such as life stressors and changes in social roles. Others also experience grief associated with a loss of fertility and aging.
Menopause Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Hormonal changes can contribute to feelings of anxiety for the first time or a recurrence/escalation of anxiety and can even lead to panic attacks.
Menopause Cognitive Changes: Cognitive changes such as difficulty concentrating, remembering things or a reduction in verbal fluency are also commonly reported during the menopause transition.
Menopause Decreased Sex Drive: Changes during this time can also lead to a decreased sex drive, which can have an impact on self-esteem and intimate relationships.

How can we help?

We provide evidence-based specialist menopause therapies that offer a holistic approach to managing the menopausal transition by addressing not only the physical but also the psychological effects of perimenopause and menopause.

Our mission is to provide compassionate and effective therapy tailored to the unique needs of women navigating the menopausal transition.

Services we offer

Providing psychoeducation, validation and advocacy to women about the biological and psychological changes they may be negotiating.
Navigating emotional challenges such as menopause anxiety, menopausal depression, and feelings of loss or identity change.
Managing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Coping with changes in sexual health and libido.
Addressing relationship dynamics and communication with partners, family members, and friends.
Exploring challenges and feelings of grief and loss related to aging, mortality, and life transitions.
Developing stress reduction, mindfulness and self-compassion practices as well as psychological flexibility and resilience in coping with the various challenges and changes that come with this life stage.