Perimenopause and menopause are significant life transitions that nearly half of the world’s population experience, yet they are often misunderstood. It is a period of time that can last a number of years in which hormonal changes take place in a woman’s body. These changes can impact on physical and mental functioning. Perimenopause and menopause affect individuals assigned female at birth, as well as some transgender women who undergo certain hormonal treatments.
Medicalised View of Menopause
The medicalised view of menopause may have been the more dominant approach in its management, however, many women can attest to the emotional, occupational (financial), social and cultural impact of this natural phase of their lives. Viewing menopause solely as a medical issue can lead to unnecessary treatments, overshadowing potential positive outcomes, such as improved mental health and freedom from menstruation (Hickey, et al., 2024).
Other Approaches
While the medical approach can address some aspects of menopause, empowering women with knowledge and preparation offers a more holistic way of managing this natural transition. Recent studies have shown promising results on the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Menopausal Symptoms (CBT-Meno) in improving menopause related symptoms such as vasomotor symptoms (eg. hot flushes), depressive mood, and sleep difficulties. (Green et al., 2019; Donegan et al., 2022).
CBT-Meno consists of the following key components (Hunter & Smith, 2015; British Menopause Society):
• Cognitive strategies that target worries about symptoms and secondary anxiety-provoking thoughts about the symptoms
• Maintain healthy behavioural habits for sleep and stress management
• Relaxation practices
• Education on the expected menopausal process and symptoms to reduce fear and uncertainty
• Problem solving
Besides women making individual efforts in managing this life transition, cultural and systemic shifts would be conducive to address the implications on stigma, productivity and financial equity. It is promising to see that APS advocacy on the matter made it into a senate inquiry released in September 2024 (APS Insights, 2024; Australian Parliament House, 2024).
Through education, evidence-based strategies, and progressive discussions, we can shift the narrative from menopause as a source of distress and decline to one of empowerment and growth, and foster a more supportive, inclusive culture for all individuals undergoing this natural transition.
Seeking help
If life transitions are leading you to struggle with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. The Centre for Clinical Psychology provides a range of psychological services that can help you manage your mental health and improve your overall well-being. Book an appointment today by calling 03 9077 0122 or visiting https://ccp.net.au/booking/. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is essential for living a happy and fulfilling life at any stage of life.
References
APS Insights. (2024). For women experiencing (peri)menopause, psychological support can make all the difference. Australian Psychological Society. https://psychology.org.au/insights/for-women-experiencing-(peri)menopause,-psychologi#msdynttrid=WToMuuqO6N6ro4A5Imo_r-jEIFQaOF3MOapJuu5A0pY
Australian Parliament House. (2024). Senate Community Affairs Committee: Menopause report. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report
Donegan E, Frey BN, McCabe RE, Streiner DL, Fedorkow DM, Furtado M, Green SM. Menopause. 2022 Aug 1;29(8):963-972.
Green, Sheryl M.; Donegan, Eleanor; Frey, Benicio N.; Fedorkow, Donna M.; Key, Brenda L.; Streiner, David L.; McCabe, Randi E. Menopause, September 2019,26(9):972-980
Hickey, M et al. (2024). An Empowerment Model for Managing Menopause. The Lancet, 403 (pp.947-957).
Hunter, M. S., & Smith, M. (2015). Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Menopause. Routledge.
