About The Course
This course offers an integrative approach to hormone-related mood disorders across the female life cycle, focusing on menopause, perimenopausal depression, and PMDD. Learn to distinguish key clinical features, apply diagnostic precision, and implement evidence-based treatment strategies—including hormone therapy, contraception, and adjunctive options. Designed for psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists, and allied professionals, the curriculum enhances prescribing confidence and bridges the gap between hormonal health and psychiatric practice.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is suitable for:
- Psychiatrists
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (MHNPs)
- Psychologists
- Mental health professionals
- Clinicians working in or expanding into psychiatry and mental health care
Accreditation Information:
- Psychiatry Accreditation: This course is available for self-accreditation with the RANZCP and other relevant psychiatric and mental health organisations.
- GP Accreditation: The course is RACGP-accredited for general practitioners. Practical Prescribing of Hormone Therapy for Clinicians is available for self-accreditation with the RACGP for general practitioners.
What You'll Learn
- Define menopause and perimenopause and discuss their relationships to the development of depression.
- Explore the clinical features and pathogenesis of menopause and perimenopause.
- Identify how to correctly diagnose perimenopausal depression.
- Discuss treatment strategies in perimenopausal depression using antidepressants, hormone replacement therapies and menopausal hormonal treatment.
- Explore differential diagnoses as well as complex cPTSD and menopause through a Case Study: Jenny.
- Discuss emerging treatment approaches, and troubleshoot current challenges around using menopause hormonal therapy (MHT).
- Identify the symptoms and risk factors for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Determine how to correctly diagnose and assess for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Explore various management strategies for premenstrual dysphoric disorder including pharmacological, behavioural, psychological, nutritional, surgical and hormonal treatments.
- Why Hormones Matter for Mental Health – understanding the impact of reproductive hormones on mood regulation and psychiatric disorders.
- PMDD, Perinatal, and Menopausal Mood Disorders – recognising and differentiating hormone-related mood disorders across the life cycle.
- Hormonal Therapies in Psychiatry – practical guidance on prescribing hormonal contraception, HRT/MHT, and other hormone-based treatments.
- Navigating Myths, Risks, and Contraindications – addressing common concerns, evidence-based benefits, and when hormone therapy may not be appropriate.
- Bridging the Gap Between Psychiatry and Hormone Health – how clinicians can integrate hormonal considerations into mental health care for women.
Course Programme
19 Units | 71 Modules | 10.5 hours total length
- Physiology of Menopausal Transition
- Stages of Menopausal Transition
- Central Nervous System Changes in Menopause
- Epidemiology
- Understanding Perimenopausal Depression
- Symptoms of Perimenopausal Depression
- Comorbidities
- Steps to assess perimenopausal depression effectively
- Specific Symptoms
- Diagnosing Perimenopausal Depression
- Recognise Comorbidities and Differential Diagnoses
- Conduct Medical Evaluation
- Application Through a Case Study
- Managing Perimenopausal Depression
- Antidepressants
- Treatment Selection - Major Depressive Disorder in Menopause
- Symptoms of Depression
- Algorithm - Menopausal Hormonal Treatment (MHT)
- Recommendations - Menopausal Hormonal Treatment (MHT)
- Genetics - The APOE gene and the Brain
- Tibolone as an adjunctive treatment for perimenopausal depression
- Non-Pharmacological Strategies for Perimenopausal Depression
- The Current Treatment Landscape for Menopausal Depression
- Application Through Case Studies
- Relapse cPTSD and Perimenopause: Unraveling Hidden Psychopathology
- Diagnosing Perimenopausal Depression - Three key elements
- Questions and Answer Session on Perimenopausal Depression
- Gender differences and global social impacts on mental health - Prof Kulkarni
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Heterogeneity of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Pathophysiology of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Brain Changes in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Risk Factors for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Ruling Out Organic Causes
- Assessing and Treating Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders
- Assessing the Symptoms of PMDD and Establishing Timing
- Diagnostic Criteria for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Establishing Timing Of Symptoms
- Data Gathering Tools
- The Relationship Between Oestrogen And Mood - Prof Kulkarni
- Application Through a Case Study
- Neurobiology And Treatment Options In PMDD
- Hormonal Therapies
- Non-hormonal Therapies
- Dosing Strategies for SSRIs
- Non-Pharmacological Strategies
- Algorithm for Management of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Application Through a Case Study
- Sex Hormones and Brain Function
- Neurotransmitter Pathways and Hormonal Interactions
- Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone: Neurological Mechanisms
- Hormonal Contraceptive Options
- Mood Impacts of Different Contraceptive Formulations
- Prescribing Strategies for Mood Stability
- Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Presentation
- Management Approaches
- Cyclical SSRI Strategies
- Hormone Therapy Interventions
- Hormonal Changes in Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Screening and Assessment
- Treatment Options
- Hormone Therapy in Breastfeeding Mothers
- Hormonal Transitions and Mood Disorders
- Symptom Management
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Testosterone Supplementation
- Integrated Treatment Approaches
- Individualised Hormone Therapy Strategies
- Patient Management Across Life Stages
- Knowledge Check
Course Description
Women’s Mental Health: Advanced Training in Hormone-Related Mood Disorders Across the Lifespan.
Embark on a comprehensive curriculum addressing the critical aspects of women’s mental health: Depression and Menopause, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and Practical Prescribing of Hormone Therapy for Clinicians. Dive into the correlation between menopause and depression, exploring diagnosis, treatment strategies, and emerging treatment approaches. Gain insights into PMDD, differentiating it from PMS, identifying key symptoms, and examining a range of treatment options.
Enhance your clinical practice to provide optimal care for individuals experiencing menopause-related depression and PMDD, while deepening your understanding of hormone-based interventions. Learn to identify and manage hormone-related mood disorders across key reproductive stages with practical, evidence-based guidance on prescribing HRT, hormonal contraception, and other therapies. This integrated approach strengthens prescribing confidence and bridges the gap between psychiatry and hormonal health.
This comprehensive curriculum is designed for psychiatrists, psychologists, GPs, and allied health professionals seeking advanced, practical training in women’s mental health. Upon completion of this Women’s Mental Health Curriculum, learners will receive a course completion certificate for each of the individual courses.
This Comprehensive Curriculum Consists of 3 courses:
1. Depression and Menopause: A Practical Guide – 5 CPD hours | Online Interactive Course
This course delves in to the intricate relationship between menopause and depression. Women undergoing menopause face an increased risk of depression, with symptoms often overlapping psychiatric manifestations, posing challenges in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Through this course, participants will attain a deep understanding of menopause and perimenopause, exploring their clinical features, pathogenesis, and their correlation with depressive disorders.
The course is designed to guide participants in correctly diagnosing perimenopausal depression, and discussing various treatment modalities such as antidepressants, hormone replacement therapies, and menopausal hormonal treatment. Case studies, including the compelling story of Jenny, provide invaluable insights into complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) intertwined with menopause.
Depression and Menopause: A Practical Guide is enriched with excerpts from a recent webinar by Professor Kulkarni, enhancing comprehension and aiding in the formulation and diagnosis of patients with suspected menopause-related depression. Engage with expert-led modules, informative videos, and interactive activities spanning from understanding the physiology of menopausal transition to assessing and managing perimenopausal depression effectively.
Moreover, participants will delve into emerging treatment approaches and navigate current challenges surrounding menopause hormonal therapy (MHT). Through in-depth discussions, Q&A sessions, and knowledge checks, learners will emerge equipped with practical skills to provide comprehensive care to women navigating the complexities of perimenopausal depression.
2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A Practical Guide – 4 CPD hours | Online Interactive Course
PMDD is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), often under diagnosed, impacting about 3–9% of women and significantly impairing their functioning and quality of life. This course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to detect and manage this often misunderstood condition effectively.
Participants will delve into symptoms, risk factors, and diagnostic criteria for both PMS and PMDD, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and differentiation between the two conditions. Through a range of tools and criteria, participants will learn to make accurate PMDD diagnoses and distinguish PMDD from similar conditions.
The course extensively covers various management strategies for PMDD, including pharmacological, behavioural, psychological, nutritional, surgical, and hormonal treatments. Participants will explore the latest advancements in PMDD therapy, including medication options and hormone treatment strategies, as well as non-pharmacological approaches such as dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and psychological therapies.
3. Practical Prescribing of Hormone Therapy for Clinicians: Managing Mood Disorders Across the Female Life Cycle (with Dr. Ceri Cashell) – 1.5 CPD hours | On-Demand Webinar
This on-demand course led by Dr. Ceri Cashell explores the clinical relationship between sex hormones and mental health across the female life cycle. Participants will examine the neurobiological effects of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone on mood regulation and psychiatric presentations. The course also addresses the impact of hormonal contraceptives, offering strategies for managing adverse effects and selecting suitable options.
Clinicians will gain practical tools to assess and manage hormone-related mood disorders across key reproductive stages, including premenstrual, perinatal, and menopausal transitions. Case-based discussions help integrate these strategies into clinical practice. This course bridges the gap between psychiatry and hormone health, offering evidence-based guidance for real-world application.
This course offers valuable insights into the medical and psychological aspects of hormone-related mood disorders. Designed for mental health and primary care professionals, it empowers practitioners to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care across the female reproductive life cycle.
While Academy members enjoy exclusive access to a range of courses and webinars (including this course) with their annual membership, we’re pleased to offer you the option to purchase the ‘Women’s Mental Health: Advanced Training in Hormone-Related Mood Disorders Across the Lifespan’ as an individual curriculum. Please scroll down to the purchase section to take advantage of this offer.
Gain an integrative understanding of hormone-related mood disorders across the female life cycle, with practical, evidence-based strategies for diagnosis and treatment, including hormone therapy and adjunctive interventions.
Course Information
- 10.5 hours
- 10.5 CPD
Inclusions
- 10.5 Hours of Interactive Course Materials
- 2.5 Hours of Video
- Case Studies
- Self-assessment
- Certificate of Completion
Material Downloads
- certificate
Instructors
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM Guest Speaker and Reviewer | MBBS MPM FRANZCP PhD FAHMS
Professor Jayashri Kulkarni is the founder and director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc). She is also Head of Women's Mental Health at Cabrini Health. Jayashri has won prestigious awards for her research & she chairs several advisory boards for both industry & government.
Professor Kulkarni has dedicated over 25 years to women's health improvement. She has researched and developed evidence-based treatments, that are tailored specifically to women's biological, social & psychological needs.
Professor Kulkarni delivers an engaging webinar for clinicians who want to provide personalised, holistic care to women with PMDD.
Dr Ceri Cashell Guest Speaker - GP, Educator, and Women’s Hormonal Health Advocate
Dr Ceri Cashell is a leading voice in women’s hormonal health, specialising in menopause, perimenopause, and hormone-related mental health issues. She has 20 years of experience as a practising GP and co-founded Healthy Hormones, Australia’s largest online menopause community for healthcare professionals. She is passionate about raising awareness of how sex hormones influence physical and mental health across the female life cycle. She advocates for a holistic, personalised approach to menopause care, integrating nutrition, exercise, and hormone therapy to improve quality of life and reduce the future risk of disease.
Beyond clinical education, Dr Ceri is a medical writer, public speaker, and women’s health advocate, challenging outdated medical norms to ensure women receive the support they need with confidence and clarity during perimenopause and beyond. Through Healthy Hormones, she helped organise the groundbreaking “So Hot Right Now” event series, which brought international thought leaders to Australia. This included a public event for 2,500 women at the Sydney Opera House and an independent, GP-led medical conference on menopause.
Dr. Sanil Rege MBBS, MRCPsych, FRANZCP
With extensive teaching experience through various psychiatry education initiatives, Sanil is renowned as a motivational training facilitator who promotes fruitful discussion and collaboration.
As the Academic Lead of Psych Scene and Chief Editor at Psych Scene Hub, he aspires to make a difference in mental health by empowering healthcare professionals to advance their skills and careers through the provision of specialised training and education
Sanil is also founder of Vita Healthcare, a private clinic in Mount Eliza specialising in adult mental healthcare. He has 20 years of clinical experience and 13 years of private practice experience, treating disorders across the full spectrum. He currently works in the community, across in-patient, consultation-liaison and addiction psychiatry spaces.
