When the body changes, emotional balance does too

A woman’s life is marked by significant hormonal changes: the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, then perimenopause and menopause. These changes do not on their own determine what we feel, but they influence mood, sleep, energy and emotional sensitivity. They also often come at times when life itself is changing: becoming a mother, watching your children grow up, taking stock of your career or relationship.

Yet these periods are often lived in silence. We tell ourselves it is “normal”, that “it will pass”, or we fear not being taken seriously. But anxiety, sadness or exhaustion that sets in deserves to be heard, whatever its origin.

An informed view of the links between hormones and emotions

The links between hormonal life and mental health are at the heart of my research: my dissertation looks at hormonal awareness, emotional regulation and anxiety-depressive symptoms in adult women. This research informs my clinical practice. Better understanding your own rhythms, without reducing everything to hormones, often helps you feel less at a loss and take better care of yourself.

When physical symptoms or questions about treatment arise, I encourage you to also talk to your doctor, gynaecologist or midwife, in France or in your home country: psychological support complements medical care.

Pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period

The perinatal period, from pregnancy to the first months of a baby’s life, is a time of profound change. Beyond the expected joy, it can bring anxiety, doubts, sadness, a sense of isolation or exhaustion. A fertility treatment journey, a difficult pregnancy, a birth experienced as violent or a pregnancy loss can also leave deep marks.

I support women through these different stages, including postnatal depression. To find out more: perinatal mental health, pregnancy and postpartum.

Becoming a parent

Becoming a parent transforms your identity, your relationship and your family ties. Questions about parenting, fatigue, balancing family and work, or the feeling of not being “good enough” can weigh heavily, whatever the children’s ages, and even more so far from your own family. I offer a space to step back, individually, as a couple or as a family. To find out more: parenting support.

Perimenopause and menopause

In France, menopause occurs on average around the age of 51, but it is preceded by a transition, perimenopause, which can last several years. The hormonal fluctuations of this period can bring sleep problems, hot flushes, irritability, anxiety, low mood or difficulty concentrating. Many women do not immediately make the connection and worry that they no longer recognise themselves.

This stage often coincides with other upheavals: children leaving home, ageing parents, career questions, a changing relationship with one’s body. Psychological support makes it possible to take stock, get through the emotional symptoms and redefine what matters for what comes next.

The menstrual cycle

Some women notice significant mood changes over their cycle: irritability, sadness, anxiety or fatigue in the days before their period. When these changes are intense and disrupt daily life, it is worth talking to a doctor. Psychologically, recognising these rhythms and learning to regulate your emotions help you get through these times better.

How I can help

My approach is integrative (find out more): practical tools to get through anxiety or low mood, work on meaning and personal history, and attention to relationships, the couple and the family, whom I can see together when that helps. Sessions last about 50 minutes, at the Brotteaux practice, 134 rue de Sèze in Lyon 6th, or by video, which makes things easier during pregnancy or with a newborn. I work in English, French and Portuguese.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wait until things are serious to seek help?

No. You do not need to be in great difficulty to see a psychologist: a feeling of no longer recognising yourself, emotional fatigue or questions going round in circles are reason enough. The sooner you talk about it, the easier it is to find your balance again.

Can sessions be held as a couple?

Yes. Some difficulties linked to pregnancy, the arrival of a child or parenthood are best addressed together, or as a family. We discuss this according to what you are looking for.

Are my symptoms “just hormonal”?

Hormones play a role, but rarely on their own: life circumstances, fatigue, personal history and relationships matter too. Psychological support makes it possible to address all of these, alongside medical care.

Useful resources