CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ) for women in perimenopause and menopause

Many women notice increased anxiety during perimenopause and menopause, even if they've never struggled with anxiety before, This has been my personal experience. 

This isn't "just stress" it's closely connected to hormonal, neurological, and life-stage changes happening at the same time.

Here's what's going on- 

Hormone Fluctuations Affect the Brain During perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably.

Estrogen and Anxiety 

Estrogen helps regulate serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter)When estrogen drops or swings rapidly, the brain can become more reactive to stress.

This can lead to-

Sudden waves of anxiety

Heart palpitations

Feeling on edge for no clear reason

Panic attacks (sometimes for the first time)

Your Nervous System Becomes More Sensitive-

Estrogen also helps regulate the body's stress response system When levels shift-Cortisol (stress hormone) may spike more easily

The body stays in "fight or flight" longer

Small stressors feel overwhelming

Women often describe it as:

"I don't feel like myself anymore."

"Everything feels harder than it used to."

Menopause anxiety overlaps with -

Career pressures

Caring for aging parents

Teens leaving home 

Health changes

Relationship shifts

Body image changes

Hormonal 

Hormonal vulnerability + life stress = amplified anxiety. 

The Good News

This is common and treatable-

Options that help many women are - 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (if appropriate) Personally not a route I am taking or will take but many do, this is a personal choice, you can talk to your GP about this. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - ( I can help with this ) 

Magnesium or other supplements (with medical guidance)

Strength training & regular movement

Sleep support ( I recommend the sleep charity , have a look on their website https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/

Breathwork or nervous system regulation practices ( these will be included in your therapy journey with me ) 

 Important Reassurance

You are not "going crazy."

It is not a personality flaw.

It is biologically understandable.

It can improve with support.

From March 2026 I am holding space for women experiencing these changes and looking for a empowering way to manage this time of life.

 Cognitive behavioural therapy is very helpful for managing anxiety. I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation ( just a friendly chat ) you can ask any questions about talking therapy and find out how it can help you. 

You might want to book one session or a block of sessions , there are NO rules , your journey is unique to you and it is your chose how many sessions you book. The great news is these sessions can be accommodated on a Saturday or Sunday so you can fit them around your life and commitments. 

To book your session a £10 non refundable deposit is required per session you would like to book , the remaining £40 is paid 24 hours before the session.

 These sessions are on a one to one basis in St Helens Town centre ( by St Helens train station ) your talking therapy session is for 1 hour in a comfortable therapy room and the kettle will be on. 

To arrange your free chat you can email me - mrskalmkoach@gmail.com or drop me a text message or what's app ( 07842682679 )  just quote Meno for the reduced offer. 

You don't have to suffer on your own , my therapy service is warm , welcoming , friendly yet professional.

You are in safe hands.

 Big Hug - Lisa

 #counsellor #menopause #menopausesupport #menopauseawareness #cbttherapy #sthelens