Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual Disorders
Common Menstrual Concerns
- Amenorrhea – Absence of menstruation, often linked to stress, low body weight, or hormonal imbalances
- Dysmenorrhea – Painful periods that may interfere with daily activities
- Irregular cycles – Unpredictable or inconsistent menstrual patterns
- Heavy menstrual bleeding – Excessive bleeding that can lead to fatigue and low iron levels
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – Symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and irritability before menstruation
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) – Severe mood disturbances that impact daily functioning
Mental Health and Your Menstrual Cycle
Stress, anxiety, and eating patterns (amongst other things) can play a significant role in helping to regulate the menstrual cycle. High levels of stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, potentially disrupting ovulation and causing irregular periods. Additionally, restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercise, or inadequate nutrition can contribute to conditions such as hypothalamic amenorrhea (where menstruation stops due to energy deficiency).
Psychological distress can also exacerbate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), leading to heightened mood swings, fatigue, and irritability. Addressing these underlying mental health concerns can support hormonal balance and improve menstrual regularity.
Conversely, menstrual health concerns may also cause emotional distress and contribute to low mood, irritability, or increased anxiety, due to the impact on lifestyle and relationships.
Nutrition’s Role in Menstrual Health
Regular and adequate nutrition is important for a healthy menstrual cycle. Key nutrients such as iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins can help regulate hormone production. Insufficient food intake or nutrient deficiencies can disrupt ovulation and cause irregular or absent periods. A Dietitian can help assess dietary habits and create a nutritional plan to support menstrual health.
How Mind Body Well Can Help
At Mind Body Well, our team of Psychologists and Dietitians work collaboratively to address the physical and psychological aspects of menstrual disorders:
- Psychologists provide strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and food and body image issues that may be affecting your cycle. They can also help individuals manage the emotional and psychological impact of menstrual disorders, improving psychological coping and general wellbeing
- Dietitians guide you in establishing regular and adequate eating patterns to support hormonal balance and menstrual health
If you’re experiencing menstrual health concerns, seeking professional support can make a significant difference. Complete our New Clients form if you would like to book an appointment with a Psychologist or Dietitian at Mind Body Well.
MEDICARE AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLAIMS FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY
You may be eligible to claim Medicare OR Private Health Insurance rebates for part of your session fees at Mind Body Well.
In order to claim a Medicare rebate you will need:
- A current Medicare card, details of which you will have the opportunity to provide us in your initial client forms
- A valid written referral and treatment plan from your Doctor (which needs to be provided to our administrative team prior to your appointment). These treatment plans can include the following types: Mental Health Care Plan, Eating Disorder
- Management Plan, and Chronic Disease Management Plan
We will process Medicare claims on your behalf, providing the above two have been provided to us prior to your appointment - Please note – this is a partial rebate only, we are not a bulk billing service.
In order to claim a rebate from your Private Health Insurance you will need:
- An appropriate level of cover (check with your fund)
- A receipt from us which you issue yourself to your private health insurance provider (we are unable to process these on your behalf)
- Please note – you are unable to claim from both Medicare and Private Health insurance for the same session
Please contact our administrative team if you need any further information about claiming rebates.
Our Melbourne Practice
Clinic address: 103 / 34 Queens Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004.
