Mental Health in Perimenopause—Insights from Estrogen Matters

drtera
Sep 8
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Perimenopause represents more than menstrual cycle changes—it’s a multidimensional shift affecting emotional and cognitive well-being. Women commonly report anxiety, depression, irritability, and “brain fog.” Estrogen Matters by Bluming and Tavris is a landmark book that illuminates estrogen’s role in supporting brain health, while dismantling commonly held misconceptions about hormone therapy. Complementing this medical insight, Dr. Tera’s expertise brings personalized, evidence-based therapeutic support to women navigating this phase.

The Role of Estrogen in Mental Health

Estrogen does more than regulate reproduction—it’s essential for mental balance and brain function

Mood Stabilization: Estrogen influences neurotransmitters like serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Its decline may lead to emotional volatility, irritability and depression.
Cognitive Focus: Many women report “brain fog” during perimenopause. Estrogen Matters emphasizes estrogen’s importance in memory and executive function.
Sleep & Stress Resilience: Reduced estrogen can compromise sleep, escalating fatigue and mental strain.

These shifts aren’t imagined, they’re biologically grounded. Recognizing that is key to compassionate, effective care. You aren't losing your mind, and it's not forever.

Debunking Myths via Estrogen Matters

Following the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study, hormone therapy (HRT) became stigmatized. Estrogen Matters reassesses the evidence, showing:

The risks were often misinterpreted.
Proper, individualized estrogen use can lower risks of heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis.
Mental wellness, including mood stability and cognitive clarity, can benefit from early HRT when appropriately prescribed.

Expert Mental Health Support with Dr. Tera

To navigate these emotional transitions, mental health care with an experienced clinician like Dr. Tera offers insight, validation, skill-building and a place to find community.

About Dr. Tera

Licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience treating anxiety, burnout, women’s issues, OCD, grief, and parenting stress
Educated at Utah State University (PhD in Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology, 2006)
Nationally credentialed via PSYPACT to offer teletherapy across 43 states

Therapeutic Philosophy & Approach

Dr. Tera fosters a warm, inclusive, and personalized therapeutic environment for all women, including clients in the LGBTQIA+ community. Therapeutic success often stems from "common factors" include a strong therapist/client alliance, empathy, cultural fit, and client engagement coupled with 20+ years of technical expertise. Dr. Tera understands this struggle as it is personal for her too, being in perimenopause as well.

Teletherapy Access & Formats

Offers individual therapy, perimenopause support groups, and family therapy via HIPAA-compliant telemedicine
Free 10–15 minute discovery call to make sure it’s a good fit
Perimenopause-focused group therapy is currently enrolling across 43 states
📩 DM or email to connect🌐 www.mindfulpathpsy.org📱 435=610-1015

Integrating Hormonal Insight & Therapy

Insight	Application
Estrogen supports mood, cognition, and resilience	Declines can drive anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue
Estrogen Matters reframes HRT as viable and beneficial	Informed HRT may enhance emotional well-being
Therapy supports identity shifts and emotional responses	Dr. Tera provides both individual and group therapy support via telemedicine
Inclusive, multimodal therapy fosters deep change	Modalities include ACT, DBT, somatic work, and more tailored to women’s unique needs

Perimenopause marks a time of transformation—not decline. When informed by science (including the landmark book Estrogen Matters) and guided with empathy (Dr. Tera), this phase can become a springboard into renewed mental strength and clarity. You don't navigate it alone—there's a path toward resilience, community, and healing.

References

Bluming, A. Z., & Tavris, C. (2018). Estrogen matters: Why taking hormones in menopause can improve women's well-being and lengthen their lives without raising the risk of breast cancer. Little, Brown Spark.