New specialist psychology service launches to support women with menopause and PMDD
21 October 2026
Women across the Tywi/Taf area can now access a specialist psychology service designed to support the emotional impact of menopause and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The service has been commissioned by the Tywi Taf Cluster until April 2027.
The enhanced menopause and PMDD psychology service provides specialist psychological assessment and evidence-based support for women experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties linked to menopause and PMDD.
Women living with menopause or PMDD often experience challenges that affect every aspect of daily life. These may include anxiety, depression, stress, brain fog, fatigue, hot flushes, night sweat, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and feelings of not being heard.
Dr Madeleine Rees, Clinical Psychologist at Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) and Service Lead, said: “Many women tell us they feel overwhelmed by the emotional impact of menopause or PMDD. These difficulties can affect relationships, work, confidence and overall wellbeing.
“Women’s health conditions are often discussed in terms of physical symptoms. The psychological impact can be equally significant and deserves specialist support.”
Funded by the Tywi/Taf cluster for 12 months, the service was developed in response to an identified need for dedicated psychological support within women's health services.
Healthcare professionals working across women's health pathways highlighted the emotional distress experienced by many patients and the limited availability of specialist support.
Research and clinical experience also indicate that women often benefit from support tailored to their specific condition and circumstances. The new service aims to bridge that gap within primary care settings, helping women access care closer to home.
As part of the service, support is delivered through Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) programmes. Patients attend an initial assessment before joining either a menopause group or a PMDD group.
The menopause programme consists of seven weekly sessions, while the PMDD programme consists of eight weekly sessions. Each session lasts 90 minutes and is delivered remotely through Microsoft Teams.
Dr Rees said: “Our CBT groups provide practical strategies, evidence-based information and a supportive environment. Women can learn skills that help them manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
“Delivering sessions online helps make the service accessible to more women. It reduces travel barriers and allows people to join from home.”
Patients are also asked to complete questionnaires before and after treatment. This helps the team evaluate outcomes and continually improve the service.
The service accepts both self-referrals and referrals from healthcare professionals.
Andrew Carruthers, Chief Operating Officer at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “This 12-month cluster project will enable improved access to expert care helping women to receive the support they need closer to home.
“Many women experience significant emotional distress associated with menopause and PMDD. Access to specialist psychological support can help women better manage the challenges they face.”
Important note: The service is available to women registered with the following Tywi/Taf Cluster GP practices only:
- Coach & Horses Surgery
- Furnace House Surgery
- Llanfair Surgery, Llandovery
- Meddygfa Taf
- Meddygfa Teilo
- Meddygfa Tywi
- Morfa Lane Surgery
- St Peter's Surgery
Women can refer themselves to the service by calling 01267 239714, emailing ClinicalHealth.Psychology.HDD@wales.nhs.uk, or speaking to a healthcare professional about a referral.
End