Find a CBT Therapist
Search through our directory of local clinicians.
CBT Effective in Treating Nonphysical Aspects of Perimenopause’s Effects
Perimenopause can have deleterious effects on both physical and mental health. According to a new study conducted by the University College of London, women are 40% more likely to experience depression during the stage of perimenopause compared to those who are not experiencing menopausal symptoms. One of the study researchers stated “findings show just how significantly the mental health of premenopausal women can suffer during this time.”
Perimenopause is the natural progression of the ovaries no longer working. This is the stage of menopause that continues until about one year after a person’s last period. This stage can last anywhere up to 4-8 years. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate resulting in potential mental health effects, such as mood swings and depressive symptoms. Findings indicate that variability in hormone levels can trigger symptoms.
Two different programs, quoting different studies, both included a recommendation that “mindfulness and cognitive and behavioral therapy could be an effective treatment” for the emotional and mental health aspects. For more, see “Perimenopause may raise risk of one mental health condition by 40%, study finds” and “Perimenopausal women face elevated depression risk, study finds.“
Written by: Erinne Benedict
Edited by: Nicholas Crimarco