Overview

Women's health, and particularly the impact of hormones, menopause and contraception on mental health, has long been poorly understood and under-addressed in clinical practice. This pioneering guide offers mental health professionals a vital resource to assess, formulate and manage the psychological effects of gynaecological hormonal conditions. Drawing on current evidence, UK clinical guidelines and powerful testimony from experts by experience, the book explores the scientific foundations of hormonal influences on mental well-being. It highlights areas where research is lacking and reflects the realities of working within NHS services. Designed for professionals supporting women with menstrual disorders, hormonal contraception use or peri-/post-menopausal symptoms, this guide equips readers to deliver informed, compassionate care. It also addresses healthcare inequalities, particularly for women with severe mental illness who face barriers to accessing physical health care. Practical, evidence-based and deeply insightful, this is an essential reference for anyone committed to improving clinical outcomes in women's mental health.

Full Product Details

Author:   Sophie Behrman (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Weight:   0.356kg
ISBN:  

9781009689502

ISBN 10:   1009689509
Pages:   230
Publication Date:   11 June 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Introduction Sophie Behrman; 1. The history of women's mental health Emma Morgan and Jo Noblett; 2. Sex hormone changes through the female lifespan Sophie Behrman; 3. Taking a menstrual history Devika Patel; 4. Contraception: what mental health professionals need to know Nell Freeman-Romilly, Sophie Behrman, Ama Appiah, Caroline Kennedy and Neda Taghinejadi; 5. Premenstrual disorders, menstruation and mental health Sophie Behrman and Arianna Di Florio; 6. Psychological aspects of gynacological conditions Devika Patel and Bernice Knight; 7. The individual's experiences of menopause Ruta Kuzminskyte; 8. Management of menopausal symptoms Louisa James and Luke Solomons; 9. Cognitive function and menopause Emma Parry; 10. Menopause in the social sphere: relationships and societal impact Beth McHugh; 11. Mental illness in the perimenopause Sophie Behrman and Katie Marwick; 12. Mental health implications of hormones amongst trans and non-binary people Luke Parkes and Tara Suchak; 13. Menopause, periods and contraception in the intellectual disability population Bernice Knight and Kerem Ozdemir; 14. Neurodivergence, menstrual symptoms and menopause Rachel Moseley, Sarah House, Rose Matthews, Margaret Reed Roberts and Julie Gamble-Turner; Index.

Reviews

'Gonadal hormones play a crucial role in women's mental health, yet research and resources have been lacking, resulting in poor outcomes for conditions like premenstrual depression, menopause-related mental issues, mood reactions to contraceptives, perinatal mental health problems, and pain from endometriosis. This book offers a thorough overview of these hormone-related women's mental health conditions and provides clinically relevant information to bridge gaps between medical disciplines, aiming to improve outcomes for millions of women facing such challenges.' Jayashri Kulkarni AM, Clinical Psychiatry Researcher in Women's Mental Health and Founder and Director of HER Centre Australia, Monash University Australia 'This important book is essential reading for every healthcare professional and should be on the reading list for every medical student.' Diane Danzebrink, CEO of Menopause Support and author of Making Menopause Matter

Author Information

Sophie Behrman is a consultant general adult psychiatrist and Honorary Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. She specialises in women's mental health and leads an NHS clinic supporting patients in secondary care with menstrual- and menopause-related challenges. She is a member of the RCPsych Menopause Working Group, and has authored publications and educational events exploring the intersection of hormonal health and mental illness.

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