Midlife is often a multifaceted transition marked by hormonal changes, evolving family and caregiving roles, career shifts, relationship adjustments, and a broader reassessment of identity, purpose, and future direction. All of which can converge to create a uniquely complex and demanding phase of life for many women. Perimenopause and menopause are significant hormonal transitions that can affect mood, sleep, anxiety levels, concentration, confidence, and sense of self. Many women describe feeling:

• More emotionally reactive or flat

• Anxious or low in ways that feel unfamiliar

• Frustrated by brain fog or fatigue

• Disconnected from their body

• Uncertainty around identity 

 

How We Can help

At Drummoyne Psychology, our approach is validating, practical and informed by current research on women’s midlife mental health. We provide space to:

• Understand the interaction between hormones and mental health

• Develop practical strategies for anxiety, mood changes and sleep difficulties

• Rebuild confidence and self-trust

• Navigate identity shifts and life transitions

• Strengthen communication in relationships during this stage

Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are not only physically painful, they can be emotionally exhausting. Chronic pain can alter mood, self-image, and daily functioning. 

Women often describe:

• Feeling dismissed or not believed

• Frustration with long diagnostic journeys

• Anxiety around pain flares

• Impact on work, relationships and intimacy

• Grief about fertility challenges

 

How We Can Help

At Drummoyne Psychology we work respectfully alongside medical care, acknowledging that the pain is real and deserving of validation and care. 

Psychological support can:

• Reduce the stress–pain cycle

• Build coping strategies for flare-ups

• Address medical trauma or feelings of invalidation

• Address intimacy and relationship concerns

• Strengthen resilience and self-advocacy

Weight stigma is the experience of being judged, dismissed or treated differently because of body size. Many women carry years of harmful messaging about how their body “should” look. It can lead to:

• Internalised shame

• Avoidance of medical care

• Disordered eating patterns

• Low self-worth

• Anxiety in social or healthcare settings

 

How We Can Help

At Drummoyne Psychology our work is grounded in respect and dignity for all bodies. 

We support women to:

• Unpack internalised stigma

• Rebuild self-worth independent of body size

• Develop body neutrality or body compassion

• Advocate for themselves in healthcare and relationships

• Reduce shame-driven behaviours

Living with chronic illness can affect every area of life and can feel isolating. Women may experience:

• Grief for their previous health

• Fatigue and cognitive difficulties

• Anxiety about the future

• Identity shifts

• Increased dependence on others

• Frustration with medical systems
   

How We Can Help

At Drummoyne Psychology, we understand that psychological care is not about suggesting symptoms are “in your head,” it is about strengthening wellbeing alongside physical treatment.

We provide:

• Emotional processing of diagnosis and loss

• Support with identity and role adjustment

• Strategies for pacing and energy management

• Help navigating medical anxiety

• Relationship and communication support

The perinatal period, spanning pregnancy through the first year after birth, is a time of significant biological, psychological and relational change. Rapid hormonal shifts, physical recovery, sleep deprivation, and the adjustment to caring for a newborn can all affect emotional wellbeing. At the same time, women are often navigating changes in identity, couple dynamics, work roles, and expectations of themselves as mothers.

The transition to motherhood can be joyful and also overwhelming, with many women feeling pressured to be coping, even when they’re not. Women may experience:

• Antenatal or postnatal anxiety and depression

• Birth trauma

• Panic about baby’s health or safety

• Intrusive thoughts

• Grief following miscarriage or fertility challenges

• Loss of identity or relationship strain
   

How We Can Help

We support women to:

• Process birth experiences and reproductive loss

• Manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts

• Adjust to identity shifts into motherhood

• Strengthen couple communication during this transition

• Build emotional regulation skills and self-compassion

We work collaboratively and can liaise with GPs, obstetricians or other treating professionals where helpful.

Eating disorders and disordered eating can affect women at any stage of life. Concerns may include:

• Restrictive eating, bingeing or purging behaviours

• Preoccupation with weight, shape or food

• Rigid food rules

• Exercise compulsion

• Shame about eating behaviours

Even without a diagnosable eating disorder, many women struggle with body dissatisfaction and chronic dieting.

 

How We Can Help

At Drummoyne Psychology, we aim to move beyond symptom management to long-term recovery and self-acceptance.

Our psychologists:

• Use evidence-based approaches for eating disorders (visit our eating disorders page for more information)

• Address underlying perfectionism, control and emotional triggers

• Challenge unhelpful body beliefs

• Support development of a more flexible, compassionate relationship with food

• Work collaboratively with dietitians or GPs where appropriate

Some women experience significant emotional changes linked to their menstrual cycle, including:

• Irritability or rage

• Tearfulness

• Depressive symptoms

• Heightened anxiety

• Relationship conflict during specific cycle phases

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe, cyclical mood disorder linked to the hormonal changes that occur in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (the one to two weeks before a period begins).

While many women experience some premenstrual symptoms, PMDD is characterised by intense emotional and behavioural changes that significantly interfere with daily functioning, work, and relationships.

 

How We Can Help

We assist women to:

• Track and understand their mood patterns

• Develop coping plans for vulnerable cycle phases

• Improve communication with partners or family

• Reduce shame and self-blame

• Integrate psychological and medical management strategies