Why Am I Feeling Like This? The Mental Health Impacts of Perimenopause & menopause

You’re not losing your mind. You’re going through a profound change—and it’s absolutely okay to get support. In fact, it’s essential. Women supporting women through this transition—by sharing what we’ve learned, seeking our own healing, and speaking up—creates a ripple effect. When we care for ourselves, we build the energy and clarity to help others understand this life stage too. No one should go through it quietly or alone.

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just about hot flashes and fluctuating periods. For many women, they mark the beginning of emotional upheaval that can feel disorienting, exhausting, and deeply personal. Anxiety that never used to be there. Mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. Brain fog, insomnia, irritability, and moments of sadness that stick around longer than they should. If you’re between 35ish' and 55ish' and feeling “off,” it’s not in your head—and you’re far from alone.

The hormonal shifts that define this stage of life are powerful. Estrogen and progesterone don’t just regulate reproductive health—they’re closely tied to mood, memory, and emotional stability. As these hormones decline or fluctuate, the emotional balance many women relied on can start to wobble. Things that once felt manageable may suddenly feel overwhelming. Confidence can give way to self-doubt. And perhaps most frustrating of all, this isn’t widely talked about—certainly not in the doctor’s office, and rarely around the dinner table.

A while back, The Independent published findings from a survey of 2,000 women in the UK, aged 46 to 60. Nine out of ten women said they experienced mental health issues during menopause. One in ten had thoughts of suicide. More than a third had never sought help. And eight out of ten hadn’t even spoken to their partner about it. This silence—compounded by stigma and a lack of understanding—can make the experience feel even more isolating.

That’s why support matters. At Women's Therapy Centre our virtual therapy clinic is designed specifically for women’s mental health—especially during life stages that shake your sense of self. Our therapists bring not only clinical insight but lived experience. Clinicians like Sheena and Sarah know firsthand how unpredictable and overwhelming this time can be. They’re not just talking from textbooks—they’re speaking from life.

When you work with someone who’s been there, the experience shifts. It’s no longer about explaining or justifying your feelings—it becomes about healing, growing, and finding steady ground again. You deserve that kind of care. The kind that doesn’t dismiss your symptoms, but sees you fully and helps you feel whole again.

Reaching out for support doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re finally prioritizing yourself, in a world that rarely encourages women to do so. Therapy isn’t indulgence—it’s self-preservation.

If you're ready to feel like yourself again—or even discover who you are now—we’re here.

Reference: 

Oppenheim, M. (2021, October 6). 1 in 10 women experience suicidal thoughts due to perimenopause. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/perimenopause-suicidal-thoughts-menopause-mental-health-b1933346.html