Hot flushes, night sweats, broken sleep, low mood, brain fog, aching joints, a body that suddenly feels unfamiliar. Menopause can touch almost every part of life, and so can the years before it (perimenopause). No two women go through it the same way, and many of these symptoms can be helped.
Our Menopause Assessment is a dedicated one-hour consultation with Dr Ellie, a Specialist General Practitioner with a special interest in women’s health and menopause. An hour gives us time to look at the whole picture, rather than one symptom at a time.
What we cover
We start by listening. Then we look at:
- your symptoms, your periods and how things have changed
- your medical and family history, including heart, bone and breast health
- mood, sleep, stress and how you are coping day to day
- lifestyle: activity, food, alcohol, smoking and weight
- vaginal, bladder and sexual symptoms, if you would like to talk about them
- any questions or worries you bring with you
Most women over 45 don’t need a blood test to confirm perimenopause or menopause. The diagnosis is usually made from your symptoms and your periods. Tests can still be useful in some situations, such as symptoms that start earlier, and we will arrange them if they are needed.
Your treatment options
We talk the options through openly, so you can make an informed choice that suits your health and your life.
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
For many women, MHT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats, and it can help with sleep, mood and vaginal dryness. We look at whether it is suitable for you, the different types and doses, and the benefits and risks for your own health history.
Non-hormonal treatments
Some women can’t use hormones, and some would rather not. There are prescription medicines that can ease hot flushes and other symptoms without hormones. We go through these too.
Practical strategies
Sleep, exercise, food, managing flushes at work, and simple changes that can make the day easier.
Looking after your future health
After menopause, the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease rises. We use the assessment to check your blood pressure, look at your cholesterol and diabetes risk, talk about bone health, and make sure your cervical and breast screening are up to date.
If it would help, we can arrange further tests or refer you to a dietitian, physiotherapist, psychologist or specialist.
Before your visit
It helps to bring a list of your medicines and supplements, and a note of your symptoms and periods over the last few months. When you book a Menopause Assessment, we’ll send you a short set of questionnaires to fill in beforehand, so the hour can be spent on you rather than on forms.
Trusted resources
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (jeanhailes.org.au): clear information on perimenopause, menopause and MHT
- Australasian Menopause Society (menopause.org.au): fact sheets on symptoms and treatments
- Healthdirect (healthdirect.gov.au) or 1800 022 222 for health advice any time
Our Women’s Health Checks cover screening and prevention at every age.