Menopause Counselling

Menopause Counselling for Woman

07565 820713

The menopause is something that for generations women didn’t talk about. We called it “The Change” and that was it. A woman’s mood may have been put down to “the change” and that was about it. The assumption was that going through the menopause meant you were old and grey, frumpy and past it. But today, women are talking about the menopause, we are learning more and more. We are finding out that our bodies are going through a really hard time. Some women are lucky and sail through menopause but for others it can be a long hard slog that is lasting years. It doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom, if we share information and get the right support it can be a rewarding time. Change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.

Perimenopause – This is the part that starts the whole process off and can go on for several years. You may not even know you are in perimenopause but let me tell you about some of the symptoms:

Mood changes (trouble concentrating, anxiety, stress, depression, brain fog, memory loss): Often we think of being snappy or angry when we talk about mood changes but low mood, anxiety, depression and fear are all common when it comes to changes in mood during the perimenopause. A lot of the time you have no idea why you feel sad or anxious. You suddenly find driving your car stressful or you cannot concentrate on your job and you are forgetful. These can have an impact on your mood and take you down that rabbit hole of “but what am I depressed about?”. Brain fog is particularly nasty, I remember getting quite distressed as I couldn’t recall conversations or the names of my kids. I honestly thought I was going mad. Now I laugh about it and say “just my brain being foggy”.

Sleep disturbances and night sweats: Now I don’t know about you but without a good nights sleep I can be an absolute monster in the morning. I need my sleep, I love sleep. But when I started getting unexplained sleep disturbances I thought I was going mad. My mind would race at night, I was hot ( night sweats), I would wake up soaking wet (night sweats) and I would feel really grouchy, guess what, that was night sweats too. I’m no scientist and I am not going to pretend to understand night sweats but it has to do with hormones (guess what, the menopause is all about hormones).

Joint and muscle pain: This was a BIG one for me. I was in pain all the time and had no idea why. Literally everything hurt at some point. I was beginning to drive myself (and my partner) mad! I would see the GP about all of my pains and as I had not had an injury there was no explanation. I would use hot and cold, take ibuprofen and that was about it. Nothing worked. And then one day someone over the phone mentioned the menopause to me. I was shocked at first, how dare this person insinuate that I was old and grey. I was 43 at the time. I was having periods, I was not there yet! But I was. It took a lot of research for me to understand that I was suffering with a decreased amount of hormones (that word again). I had had one of my ovaries removed and therefore I had half of the production of oestrogen and progesterone. I was still told that I was too young for the menopause by my GP at the time. So with the help of my partner (he’s a menopause expert now) we researched what effects low oestrogen and progesterone has on the body. It was a revelation to me.

Counselling can be incredibly beneficial for women going through menopause. Here are some ways counselling can help:

  1. Emotional Support: Menopause can bring about a range of emotional challenges such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Counselling provides a safe space to express these feelings and receive support and validation.
  2. Education and Information: Many women may not fully understand the physical and emotional changes associated with menopause. Counselling sessions can provide education about the menopausal process, symptoms, and treatment options, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.
  3. Coping Strategies: Counsellors can teach coping strategies to manage symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood disturbances. These strategies may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioural strategies to reframe negative thoughts.
  4. Relationship Support: Menopause can impact relationships with partners, family members, and friends. Counselling can help women navigate these changes and improve communication skills to maintain healthy relationships during this transitional period.
  5. Hormonal and Medication Decisions: For women considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other medications to manage menopausal symptoms, counselling can provide guidance and support in weighing the risks and benefits, as well as exploring alternative therapies.
  6. Self-Exploration: Menopause often prompts reflection on identity, life goals, and aging. Counselling can facilitate self-exploration and help women navigate this phase of life with a sense of purpose and acceptance.
  7. Lifestyle Changes: Counsellors can work with women to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during menopause, including exercise routines, nutrition, stress management, and self-care practices.

When to consider counselling
It may be particularly worthwhile if:
• Your mood is persistently low or you’re feeling anxious.
• Menopause symptoms are affecting your work or relationships.
• You’re struggling with changes in your body or sense of self.
• You’re finding it difficult to cope with stress or sleep problems.
• You’ve experienced previous depression or anxiety that seems to be returning.


Finding a counsellor
Look for someone who:
• Has experience working with menopause or women’s health issues.
• Is accredited by a recognised professional body in your country.
• Offers an approach that fits your needs, such as CBT or integrative counselling.


If you’re experiencing symptoms such as persistent depression, severe anxiety, thoughts of harming yourself, or you’re unsure whether your symptoms are due to menopause or another medical condition, it’s important to speak with your GP promptly for an assessment.

Overall, counselling during menopause can provide a holistic approach to addressing physical, emotional, and relational aspects of this life transition, promoting overall well-being and quality of life.