For a number of years now, I have noticed an influx of clients who have been referred to me for “recent onset of depression, anxiety, stress and dissatisfaction with long-term employment situation, and relationship difficulties, recent parent bereavement”… or some variation on this theme.
The mental health symptoms seem to just start out of the blue or get worse one day and seem totally uncontrollable and impervious to typical psychological treatments. When I see this kind of referral, I immediately look at the age and gender of the person. Typically, they were assigned female at birth and are in their late-30’s to early 50’s. I am then complete suss on perimenopause symptoms.
“But I’m only in my (insert random decade) and my periods are regular and I don’t get hot flushes!” you say. Sure, I hear ya. Let’s consider the following:
- The average age of menopause (final period) is 51 years, but of course it can happen earlier or later
- Hormonal changes are what causes menopausal symptoms but the hormonal changes are difficult to detect via blood tests
- Perimenopausal symptoms can often last from 5 to 10 years, so you might start feeling symptoms in your late 30’s or early 40’s.
While menopause is when you have your final period, perimenopause is the stage before menopause. You might start experiencing symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings. Or you might not. So it’s really important that when you come to me, we explore thoroughly what’s going on.
Have a look at this link for general peri/meno information:
You may experience one or more early signs of perimenopause
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
For more specific information on the link between peri/meno and mental health, please see the following:
Menopause depression: Under recognised and poorly treated
I provide these links for your self-education. While the information is evidenced by medical science, and comes from reputable and reliable resources, it does not constitute personal or medical advice.
I suggest you read these links, and find a specialist GP or similar medical practitioner (gyno, endo etc) to further discuss and explore the implications of this material.
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