The psychiatrists and therapists at Women’s Behavioral Health Specialists help women manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders that develop as a result of perimenopause.
Treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, perceived cognitive decline and other perimenopause-related mental health concerns depends on the specific cause, your symptoms, and the severity of your condition. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more treatments, including:
Perimenopause refers to the transition period that occurs a few years before menopause, when your monthly menstruation stops. It usually occurs in a woman’s late 40s and early 50s.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect your mood and cause a variety of physical symptoms. Concerns about aging can also develop or become worse during perimenopause. As a result of these symptoms and changes, some women develop feelings of depression and anxiety that are severe and don’t go away.
Perimenopause-related mental health issues that may require treatment include:
If you are experiencing perimenopause, you should get help if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety that last for more than a few days. Symptoms may include:
During perimenopause, some women feel that they experience cognitive changes, which may include symptoms such as forgetfulness, slower thinking, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
Any woman who is experiencing perimenopause can develop related emotional, behavioral, and cognitive issues. However, if you have a personal or family history of mental health conditions, you may be at a higher risk of developing a mental health problem related to perimenopause.
You may also be at a higher risk for mental health problems related to perimenopause if you have:
The best way to prevent mental health issues is to be proactive about your mental and emotional condition and get help at the first signs of problems.
It may help to eat well, exercise, give yourself time during the day to relax, and spend time doing activities you enjoy. Deep breathing, yoga, massage, and guided imagery may help you relax.
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