Monthly hormonal fluctuations can be debilitating for many women. Anywhere from a couple days to over a week each month prior to the onset of menses women may experience the following: mood swings, increased irritability, depression, feelings of low self worth, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, increased fatigue, and sleep disturbance. These symptoms may impact one’s ability to optimally function.

The good news is that most women have a monthly cycle that is somewhat predictable. We can pair predictability with insight about the impact of hormonal fluctuations to manage cognitions and behaviors. A practice of not engaging irrational thought patterns when aware that everything is distorted by a haze of hormones is a useful framework. In therapy I will help you to identify thoughts that lead to negative mood which may become more acute with hormonal fluctuations. You will learn skills to manage distorted thoughts, and how to adapt healthier alternatives. I will help identify behaviors that contribute to a decrease in symptoms and a more optimal mood. CBT has been found to be effective at treatment for premenstrual disorders.