Understanding and Supporting Your Perimenopause Journey with Therapy

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Editor’s Note: The following post is by Sarah Callender, Clinical Director and Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy. Read her full bio here.

Perimenopause has gotten increased attention in the last few years, and there is more support available for this major life change. However, we are still continuing to learn about the wide-ranging impacts the endocrine system has on the body, including a menstruating person’s long term mental and physical health.

What is perimenopause?*

A natural part of aging, the menopausal transition marks the end of a menstruating person’s reproductive years. Usually, this phase of life begins in the mid to late 40s or early 50s. The ovaries start making less of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, which causes changes in menstruation until eventually, cycles stop entirely. Although “menopause” is often used as a blanket term, the transition can be divided into three phases. Perimenopause can occur three to seven years before menopause.

  • Perimenopause is the first stage of this transition, during which the reproductive hormone levels rise and fall unevenly. While the body adapts, people may experience unpleasant side effects, such as hot flashes, brain fog, or anxiety. 

  • Menopause is confirmed after a person has 12 months without a period. The ovaries stop releasing eggs, and a person can no longer become pregnant. Surgical menopause occurs after surgery to remove the ovaries (an oophorectomy), which triggers a sudden end to menstruation.  

  • Postmenopause is the menopausal transition’s final phase, from 12 months after an individual’s last period to the end of their life. Some people have less intense or fewer symptoms in postmenopause while others continue to experience them.

*A Guide to Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause; Georgetown University

Why does it matter?

Six women smile while raising their wine glasses around a dinner table. This could represent the support that a depression therapist in Los Angeles, CA can offer with perimenopause therapy in Los Angeles, CA

Hormone shifts experienced during perimenopause can leave people fatigued, uncomfortable in their bodies, and isolated.There is a connection between perimenopause and increased mood swings, PMS-like symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

How does it impact you and your relationships?

This period of transition can cause conflict in relationships as libido and energy levels may be impacted, and irritability can increase. These symptoms can be ignored or dismissed by healthcare professionals who are not trained to recognize perimenopause, and can leave people feeling misdiagnosed, frustrated, and confused about what is happening to them.

How can therapy help?

Working with a therapist and/or a support group can help you feel validated in your unique perimenopause experience and get support with the myriad physical and mental health changes. Because HPHP is a holistic psychotherapy practice, we always take cultural factors and physical health into account when working with clients.

A woman takes notes in a journal while listening to a person sitting across from them. This could represent the support that a fertility therapist in Los Angeles, CA can offer with perimenopause therapy in Los Angeles, CA

Start getting the support you need during this transition with Individual Therapy in Los Angeles, CA with Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy

At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, we offer individual therapy to support you through the challenges of perimenopause. This phase of life can bring physical, emotional, and psychological changes that may feel overwhelming or isolating. Our therapists are here to provide compassionate guidance and help you navigate this transition with greater ease and resilience. You can start your therapy journey with our team of caring therapists by following these simple steps:

  1. Contact Highland Park Therapy to schedule an appointment

  2. Meet with a caring therapist

  3. Feel supported through this phase of life.

Other Services Offered with Highland Park Therapy

At Highland Park Therapy, we provide a wide range of mental health services through online therapy statewide in California as well as in-person at our Los Angeles, CA office. Other services we offer include anxiety treatment, depression treatment, teen therapy, grief counseling, stress management therapy, and trauma therapy. We also offer IFS, EMDR, and counseling for HSPs/empaths. We also offer support for adult children of immature parents, eating disorder therapy, fertility counseling, LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, LGBTQ couples therapy, and religious trauma therapy. You can also read more by visiting our blog, FAQ, about us, or groups page.

Sarah Callender, Clinical Director, LCSW