Women's Mental Health
Women are vulnerable to behavioral and mood changes during the various stages of their reproductive cycle: menstruation, pregnancy, post-partum, peri-menopause, and menopause. Dr. Theodore brings extensive experience to the diagnosis and treatment of the range of psychiatric symptoms that may emerge during these times.
Click on a topic:
Premenstrual Disorder
Pregnancy-related Mood Disorders
Infertility
Peri-menopause and Menopause
Female-specific
cancer
Premenstrual Disorder
Many women undergo mood changes around the time of their periods. Some will suffer from the more debilitating symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD). The treatment of PDD is essential to a woman’s long-term mental health. Dr. Theodore combines cognitive behavioral therapy with medication management, when indicated, for effective results.
Pregnancy Related Mood Disorders
Psychiatric disorders during pregnancy not only compromise the mother but may also increase the risk to the child. Women who intend to breast feed must understand the relative safety of various medications that may be indictaed. Women with pre-existing psychiatric histories can benefit from expert help in planning a pregnancy. Dr. Theodore offers expert knowledge that will help women make appropriate choices for themselves and their child.
Infertility
Infertility is characterized by the inability of a couple to conceive for at least one year of unprotected sexual intercourse. For many couples, infertility creates a significant life crisis. Should a couple choose fertility treatments, the financial burden can add to the stress. In multiple ways, infertility can strain a marriage.
Infertility can lead a woman to feel frustrated and less feminine. Decreased self-esteem, dysphoria, anxiety, and a decline in sexual experience are common reactions.
Dr. Theodore brings personal experience to her treatment for couples experiencing infertility. Her assessments are comprehensive and extensive, often including evaluation of both partners. Among the methods she may suggest are psychotherapy, group therapy, and medication management that is safe for both the woman and the fetus.
Peri-menopause and Menopause
Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and mood swings are familiar symptoms to women as they approach menopause. This period, known as peri-menopause, can precede menopause by up to a decade. To treat these symptoms, Dr. Theodore combines psychotherapy and medication management aimed at restoring a high quality of life for patients.
Female-specific Cancers
Gynecological and breast cancers can give rise to their own set of psychological issues, not only because they are life threatening, but also because they affect organs associated with reproduction, sexuality, and femininity.
From a diagnosis of cancer on through to completion of treatment, a woman's quality of life can be seriously affected. Sexual problems after treatment may result from the effects of surgery or irradiation. Fear of reoccurrence, the loss of reproductive organs, concerns about disfigurement or death—clearly, all of these can erode a woman's mental health.
For these reasons, women undergoing treatment for breast or gynecological cancer may benefit greatly from a psychiatric consultation. Dr. Theodore's assessment addresses depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, and common fears. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy and the short-term use of medications, when indicated.
Whatever the particular form of treatment Dr. Theodore recommends, her goal is to help each patient maintain a high quality of life through every stage of her life.