Aurora Podcast - Episode 4

Mood in Transition – Understanding Perimenopausal Depression

About this episode

Perimenopause is a time of significant hormonal change that can deeply affect women’s mood and mental health. It’s more than just hot flushes, it’s a hormonal rollercoaster that can last for several years, bringing about everything from mood swings and anxiety to depression.  In this podcast we dive deep into this often-misunderstood phase of life, how it presents, who’s most at risk, why it often goes under-recognised and why it’s often harder to navigate than people realise.

Join South Coast Private Hospital Psychiatrist Dr Lucia Porta-Cubas and Psychologist Gabrielle Sivertsen as they talk about why it’s so important to recognise this stage for what it is. They explain how the hormonal fluctuations during this time can deeply affect your mental health, and why seeking professional help is crucial. They also explore the available treatment options, like hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, that can help you manage the symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself.

So, whether you're going through perimenopause, supporting someone who is or you're a GP, nurse, or allied health professional or just want to learn more about women’s health, this episode is for you.

Learning outcomes

• Perimenopause Awareness
  Understand the hormonal transition before menopause and its wide-ranging physical and emotional effects.
• Mental Health Impacts
  Recognise how fluctuating hormones can trigger or worsen depression, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms.
• Diagnosis Challenges
  Learn why perimenopausal depression is often missed and how symptom tracking can support clinical diagnosis.
• Treatment Options
  Explore the role of antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and holistic care strategies.
• Preventative Health & Self-Care
  Emphasise early intervention, lifestyle changes, and prioritising personal health to improve long-term wellbeing.
• Breaking Stigma & Supporting Women
  Encourage open conversations, education, and community support to normalise and address perimenopausal experiences

Presented by

• Dr Lucia Porta Cubas B.Psych (Hon), MBBS, DCH, M.Psych, FRANZCP
• Gabrielle Sivertsen BPsy

Support at South Coast Private Hospital

Located in Wollongong, South Coast Private Hospital is a leading provider of specialised mental health care, offering both inpatient and day therapy programs tailored to support individuals through life’s most challenging transitions—including perimenopausal depression.

With a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and allied health professionals, the hospital delivers evidence-based treatment for mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and hormonal-related mental health conditions. Services include:

• Mood & Anxiety Programs
• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
• Creative Therapies & CBT-based Day Programs
• Addiction and Dual Diagnosis Support
• Veteran-specific mental health care (Tier 1 DVA provider)

Their holistic, patient-centred approach ensures women navigating midlife changes receive compassionate, expert care in a safe and supportive environment.

Disclaimer

The content shared in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified health professional regarding any medical or mental health concerns.

While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, healthcare is complex and constantly evolving. What we discuss may not apply to your individual circumstances, and Aurora Healthcare does not endorse any specific treatments, clinicians, or products mentioned.

By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Aurora Healthcare is not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.