Services

Perimenopause, Menopause & PMDD Support

How can we help?

At Her Psychology, we understand that menopause is more than a biological milestone— it’s a complex life transition that can affect many aspects of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Our psychology practice offers compassionate, evidence-based support tailored specifically for women navigating the challenges of perimenopause, menopause, and PMDD.

Whether you are experiencing mood swings, new onset or exacerbation of depression and/or anxiety, sleep disturbances, identity shifts, body image concerns, and grief and loss, our clinical psychologists are here to validate and support you through this transition.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, typically occurring in women between their late 30s and early 50s. It can last anywhere from months to over a decade. During this time, hormone levels — especially estrogen and progesterone — fluctuate and decline, leading to a wide variety of psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms.

Common Symptons of Perimenopause

Mental & Psychological Symptoms

Mood swings:

Sudden changes in mood, irritability, or heightened emotional sensitivity.

Anxiety:

Onset of anxiety or panic symptoms, exacerbation of anxiety disorders sometimes without an obvious trigger.

Depression:

New or worsening symptoms of depression.

Brain fog:

Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or feeling ‘mentally cloudy’.

Irritability:

Short temper or frustration, being more easily triggered.

Sleep disturbance:

Difficulty falling or staying asleep, frequent waking, night sweats, hot flashes, and other physical and psychological symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

Irregular periods:

Changes in menstrual cycle, length, flow, or skipped periods.

Hot flashes

Sudden sensations of heat, often in the upper body, sometimes accompanied by sweating and flushing.

Night sweats:

Intense sweating during sleep, often disrupting sleep.

Fatigue:

Persistent tiredness or exhaustion, even after sleeping.

Weight gain:

Especially around the abdomen, often resistant to diet and exercise.

Headaches or migraines:

Often linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Breast tenderness

Vaginal dryness:

Leading to discomfort during sex or daily activities.

Urinary issues:

Increased frequency, urgency, or risk of urinary tract infections.

Joint and muscle aches:

General body discomfort, stiffness, or swelling.

Hair thinning or loss:

Especially on the scalp.

Changes in skin:

Dryness, itching, or acne due to shifting hormone levels.

Psychological Treatment for PMDD

(Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe condition marked by intense mood swings, irritability, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, and depression in the lead up to a woman's period. It affects a woman’s emotions, behaviour, cognitions and physical health in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (typically 1–2 weeks before menstruation starts).

While medical interventions such as hormonal therapy or antidepressants can be effective, psychological treatment also plays a vital role in managing PMDD. Approaches such as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) can be helpful in improving emotional regulation and developing healthy coping strategies. Mindfulness-based therapies and stress management techniques can also reduce symptom severity and enhance resilience. By addressing the emotional and cognitive aspects of PMDD, psychological treatment can help empower women to regain control of mental health and improve their quality of life.