There is strong research and building evidence to support that the biological impacts of hormonal fluctuations in women during menstruation, pregnancy (during and post-birth), peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause can contribute to significant cognitive, emotional and psychological distress and difficulties (yes, ladies,...it was obvious to us, right?).
There are also indications that for women who have either been identified as being ADHDers (or suspect they may be), that some of the associated difficulties of ADHD (think memory problems, and agitation to name but two), may be exacerbated when hormones are out of kilter or are substantially reduced during menopause.
At the Luna Clinic, we are concerned that many incredible women we know both personally and professionally in their 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond who are often at the peak of their lives raising families, completing studies or kicking proverbial butt in their workplaces and careers; begin to struggle when there are possibly (and often likely) hormonal imbalances at play. A multitude of seemingly random 'symptoms' begin to accrue and may seriously diminish a woman's well-being, including emotionally and psychologically.
At times we have seen (and heard) well-meaning health professionals (including psychologists) suggest that medications (e.g., antidepressants, benzodiazepines , sleeping sedatives), exercise, stress reduction, make 'better' dietary choices, or counselling will assist during this 'natural transition' to 'older age'. The alarming thing is that women will report feeling dismissed, unheard, or invalidated and begin to doubt and second-guess themselves. They will report that they feel they are 'going crazy', developing early onset-dementia, or wondering if they have developed late-onset ADHD. At the extreme end of distress, some women will begin to consider suicide as an option to end their suffering.
Well we say a resounding, 'Hell no!'.
Whilst each of those well-intentioned recommendations may offer some relief, none of those options alone are likely to address the underlying issue, being the physiological and hormonal changes in a woman's body. These changes have significant and absolutely 'real' impacts on women's cognitive, psychological, and emotional experiences; and can have detrimental impacts on a woman's relationships, capacity to work or study, financial status, quality of life, and physical health (including increased risk of cardiac disease, stroke, osteoporosis, certain cancers and dementia!). Additionally, changes to hormones, in particular oestrogen, effects the production of neurotransmitters in our brains and nervous systems, including those essential for:
Similarly, a reduction in the testosterone hormone (yes ladies, we have a component of it too), can lead to reductions in energy production and in libido with potential resulting reductions in the desire to move/exercise or to seek out sexual intimacy. Psychologically and emotionally 'speaking', the impacts of reduced testosterone can lead to lowered self-esteem, a loss of a sense of 'self', and relationship breakdowns.
A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who is an expert in mental health and wellness. As the resident Clinical Psychologist at the Luna Clinic, Dee has undertaken highly specialised APAC-accredited training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan. A core component of this training is in understanding, and considering, the impact of biological/physiological factors upon psychological and emotional wellness, including the impact of hormonal fluctuations upon women.
Your first 'port of call' should be your lovely local GP (particularly if they specialise in women's health and menopause). However, if you are unsure, there is a long wait for an appointment, or if women's health is not your doctor's area of interest, you may like to consider speaking with a Clinical Psychologist that has an interest in women's health.
Talking it through, being heard, and being provided with the current research evidence as to best-practice holistic treatment options can go a long-way toward understanding (and being understood). It is also a helpful step in commencing your journey toward coming back to 'yourself', in clearly establishing your preferred treatment plan goals, and in developing greater confidence in advocating for the evidence-based treatment (medical and psychological) that you are seeking.
Some of the recommendations that a consultation with a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in hormonal fluctuations may include are: a consultation with a menopause/hormone specialist; speaking to your GP about trialling hormone replacement therapy,; considering engaging with an exercise physiologist with an interest in women's health; lifestyle modifications; and, of course, engaging with psychological strategies and support to reduce the impact of hormonal fluctuations on your quality of life.
Remember...you are a unique human with your own personal strengths and challenges...
There is no 'one size fits all' as far as treatment for experiences that impact every part of you intrinsically as a woman.
Dee offers a brief series of consultations for women wishing to discuss the impact of hormonal fluctuations upon their mental health, emotional well-being and quality of life. Dee will comprehensively assess your personal and family health history, your 'symptoms'/experiences leading to distress, and then will collaborate WITH you in identifying your preferred treatment direction/plan.
Where appropriate, Dee will provide you with greater understanding around the physiological and psychological impacts of hormonal fluctuations and, if appropriate, may recommend psychological strategies to reduce the impact of physiological symptoms, e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, hot flushes etc.
This service is best-suited to girls (over 16 years) and women experiencing hormonal fluctuations due to suspected or diagnosed:
Generally, you can expect a treatment plan recommendation within two appointments, however if you are considering psychological treatment or intervention as a component of your treatment plan (e.g., for panic attacks or severe anxiety), further sessions may be required and Dee may recommend that you seek a Mental Health Treatment Plan (if eligible) from your treating GP in order to access the Medicare rebate.
Dee is pleased to offer a reduced rate of $205 per 60 minute appointment for up to two initial private appointments for girls/women seeking treatment plan recommendations where a Mental Health Care Plan is not utilised and no Medicare or private health refund is being claimed. If forming part of assessment and treatment for an eligible condition under Medicare or for which a private health fund claim is being claimed (and being for a diagnosed condition that Dee offers treatment), the full fee of $250 per 50 minute appointment is applicable.
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