Perimenopause & Mental Health: Navigating the “Hot Flashes” and “Cool-Downs” with Therapy

We sat down with Dr. Kelly Holes-Lewis to get the scoop on perimenopause and its impact on mental health.

Alright, ladies, let’s talk perimenopause! It’s that sizzling chapter in every woman’s life that no one really warns you about—until now. Often starting in your 40’s, perimenopause isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings; it’s a transformative phase that can seriously shake up your mental health game. From night sweats to brain fog, we get it, perimenopause can be a rollercoaster. So, buckle up as we dive into how therapy can be your BFF during this wild ride and when it might be time to see a professional.

What is “Normal” During Perimenopause?

First off, let’s clear the air—menopause is like a snowflake; no two experiences are alike. Sure, some women breeze through this time like a summer’s day, while others feel like they’re in a never-ending heatwave. Common “guest stars” of the menopause show include:

• Hot flashes (Cue the fan!)
• Night sweats (Goodbye, silk sheets.)
• Sleep disturbances (Hello, 3 a.m. Netflix binges.)
• Mood swings (Happy? Sad? Who knows!)
• Anxiety (Why did I come into this room again?)
• Memory problems (What’s that word…you know, the thing?)
• Reduced libido (Let’s Netflix and…actually, just Netflix.)
• Fatigue (Nap time is all the time.)
• Weight gain (How is this possible, I haven’t changed anything?!?!)

Experiencing these symptoms to some degree is your body’s natural way of saying, “Hey, things are changing!” But if these symptoms are crashing your party, it might be time to call in the professionals.

When to Consider Therapy

So, when should you consider therapy as your plus-one during menopause? Therapy can be a game-changer if you’re:

• Feeling like your symptoms are stealing your spotlight
• Drowning in stress, anxiety, or the occasional meltdown
• Navigating rocky relationship seas due to menopausal waves and changes in sex and intimacy
• Battling body image blues or a “who am I?” identity crisis
• Feeling like you can’t find your balance again
• Struggling with sadness and changes in mood that you can’t pull yourself out of

How Therapy Can Help

A therapist can offer:

• Emotional support and validation
• Tools to manage stress and anxiety
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques for those “take me away” moments
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 101 and decision-making support
• Referrals to medical specialists for a comprehensive treatment approach

A psychiatrist can offer:

• A holistic review of your symptoms to see if medications may be helpful for mood symptoms
• A detailed review of (peri) or menopausal symptoms to see if medications may be helpful for other symptoms such as hot flashes or sleep, and being cognizant of weight issues which may be present
• Guidance on nutrients that can help support your journey
• Another perspective on how to view these changes as an opportunity to lean into the new you that you are becoming. It can be empowering to embrace a new chapter in your life.
• Help you learn the tools of self-love that are necessary to move through this phase with grace, love and compassion for yourself

Menopause is a natural part of life that can bring about some serious changes—physically and emotionally. While a bit of moodiness and memory lapses are par for the course, persistent or severe symptoms may require a little extra TLC. The team at Modern Minds can offer you the support and strategies you need to rock this transitional phase like the queen you are.