Perimenopause Support

in Washington DC

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is not a singular event; rather, it describes the hormonal shifts and body changes leading up to menopause (defined as one year without a menstrual cycle). Estrogen and progesterone levels decline erratically, and testosterone decreases, producing a variety of symptoms that impact the whole body.

  • The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause can affect the whole body, causing a variety of symptoms including:

    •  Irregular Menstrual Cycles

    •  Hot Flashes or Night Sweats

    •  Digestive Concerns

    •  Joint Pain

    •  Dry Eyes

    •  Hair Loss

    •  Itchiness

    •  Weight changes

    •  Bleeding gums

    •  Muscle pain

    •  Vaginal dryness or pain

    •  Urinary urgency or incontinence

    •  Insomnia

    •  Decreased Libido

    • Anxiety and panic

    • Irritability and mood swings

    • Depression or low mood

    • Emotional sensitivity or feeling easily overwhelmed

    • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

Common Physical & Psychological Symptoms of Perimenopause

These symptoms are often intensified by other midlife stressors such as parenting, career changes, or caring for aging parents.

Perimenopause and Mental Health Concerns

The menopause transition is a vulnerable time for women’s mental health. The hormonal fluctuations can lead to the first onset of mental health concerns such as episodes of anxiety or depression. For those with pre-existing mental health concerns, perimenopause can exacerbate symptoms.

Perimenopause and ADHD

There is evidence that women with ADHD experience a worsening of symptoms during perimenopause and during times of great hormonal fluctuation. As many women are not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, the hormonal change of perimenopause is also a time where pre-existing symptoms of ADHD can become unmasked.

Perimenopause and Parenting

The onset of perimenopause often intersects with a decade in which many women are parenting. Parenting is demanding, whether navigating the physical needs of young children, or the emotional or logistical demands of older children, parenting through perimenopause symptoms can be a challenge. For example, symptoms such as fatigue or sleep disturbance can make any parenting task more difficult. Mood swings and irritability can impact parent-child interactions and parental patience, and cognitive changes such as brain fog or poor concentration can impact the organization required to navigate parenting logistics.

Perimenopause and Relationships

The symptoms of perimenopause have an impact on intimate relationships. Changes in libido, emotional lability, low energy and shifts in self-concept often impact feelings of desire and attractiveness. Additionally, many women describe feeling misunderstood and unsupported during the menopause transition, which impacts relationship satisfaction.

How Therapy Supports Women in Perimenopause

Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to manage the emotional experience of perimenopause. A therapist can help you:

  • Understand how hormonal changes impact mood

  •  Develop tools to manage anxiety, irritability, and depression

  •  Improve your sleep

  •  Process life transitions and identity changes

  •  Strengthen communication and relationships

  •  Reconnect with your values, purpose, and sense of self

  •  Address body image concerns

  •  Help you advocate for yourself with your medical provider and connect you with trusted prescribers who can help

Expert Support for Perimenopause

in Washington, DC + Beyond

Our team specializes in supporting women through perimenopause. We have advanced post- graduate training in the physical, hormonal, and psychological aspects of the menopause transition, and are here. To help. Reach out today to learn more about how therapy can help.