Perimenopause, menopause and women's mental health, Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling, Nambour

Amanda Baker
Dec 31, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

By Amanda Baker | Psychotherapist & Counsellor – Teens, Individuals & Couples| Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling, Nambour QLD

womens mental health psychotherapy counselling Nambour

Perimenopause and menopause are life transitions many of us experience, yet they still fly under the radar when it comes to talking about women's mental health.

This journey isn’t just about hot flushes or irregular periods — it’s also about how our minds feel, think, and respond during a time of deep hormonal change.

This blog gently explores perimenopause and menopause, including how it may impact mental health for women. Healing Connections Psychotherapy & Counselling offers women's mental health support in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast or Telehealth Australia wide for Psychotherapy & Counselling.

What Is Happening to Our Bodies and Minds?

Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause — when our bodies start shifting hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone.

This phase can begin in our early 40s (sometimes earlier) and last for several years, intertwining with midlife stressors like work, family, and ageing parents.

During this transition, it’s normal for our mental and emotional wellbeing to be affected — and it’s not something to ignore or dismiss.

Common Symptoms may include

Many women report that emotional and cognitive symptoms show up just as strongly — if not more so — than physical ones like hot flushes and night sweats.

Here are some experiences people may share:

Irritability and mood swings
Feeling sad, low, or depressed
Anxiety or worrying more than usual
Brain fog — trouble concentrating or forgetfulness
Low energy and motivation
Panic attacks or overwhelming emotions
Reduced self-esteem or sense of self

You might also find that sleep gets disrupted — night sweats or insomnia can drain your mood and make concentration even harder. These emotional shifts are valid and real, rooted in both the hormonal changes happening inside your body and the life stresses that tend to peak in midlife.

Some lesser known symptoms (Some women may experience)

Hip Pain
Digestive issues
Dry itchy skin
Brittle nails
Body odor changes
Gum Problems
Electric shock sensations
UTI’s

You’re Not Alone — Support Is Available

One of the most powerful steps you can take is to reach out early.

If you’re noticing changes in your mood, focus, or emotional resilience, it doesn’t mean you’re “weak” or “overreacting.” It means your nervous system is responding to real biological and life changes — and that’s a signal, not a failure.

Here are some ways to support yourself:

Talk to a trusted GP or health professional — someone who listens without dismissing your experience.
Find a supportive community — friends, support groups, or online forums where people share and listen.
Reach out for mental health support early if things feel too heavy to handle alone.

A Gentle Reminder

This period of life isn’t a problem to be “fixed” — it’s a transition to be understood, validated, and supported.

If your mind feels foggy, your emotions feel intense, or your energy feels depleted, that’s your body and mind speaking — and your experience matters.

Healing isn’t just about treatments or therapies — it’s about connection, awareness, compassion, and community.

You are not alone.

If you feel ready, counselling can be a gentle place to begin.

Womens Mental Health & Wellbeing

Individual Psychotherapy & Counselling

If you would like some extra support I am here to help you,