Mental Health, Perimenopause, and the Mind-Body Connection

Podcast with Integrative Women's Health Institute Podcast on Perimenopause and Mental Health

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I often work with women in midlife whose first signs of perimenopause are not physical, but emotional — increased anxiety, irritability, burnout, or brain fog. These experiences are real and valid, yet too often they’re addressed without considering the hormonal and physiological changes happening at the same time.

In my therapy practice, I also see how unresolved trauma can resurface during menopause transitions. Using approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and nervous system-informed care, I help clients address both the emotional and physical aspects of their experience.

In my recent conversation with Dr. Jessica Drummond on the Integrative Women’s Health Podcast, we explore:

• Why mental and physical health must be addressed together during menopause

• How trauma and unresolved health challenges can re-emerge in midlife

• The importance of listening without rushing to “fix”

• Framework for supporting midlife mental health and reducing burnout

• The value of interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive care

If you’re navigating menopause or burnout yourself, or supporting clients through this life stage, I invite you to listen to this episode for a deeper look at the intersection of hormonal health, trauma recovery, burnout prevention, and emotional well-being.

🎧 Listen to the episode here or watch episode below

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About the Author

Julie Cardoza, MS, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant, and a Polyvagal Theory Specialist. She specializes in trauma recovery, nervous system health, and midlife mental health, with a focus on perimenopause, menopause, and burnout. Julie integrates EMDR, somatic practices, and a mind-body approach to help clients navigate emotional and physical changes with compassion and clarity.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health provider, or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reading this content or listening to the linked podcast episode does not establish a therapist-client relationship.