Menopause & Perimenopause Care at Brunswick Doctors

Menopause is often misunderstood and rarely spoken about, leaving many women to feel alone in their experience. The transition can bring with it a range of symptoms and challenges that affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Many women feel unsupported as they deal with symptoms that affect their wellbeing at home, at work, and within their relationships. The emotional and mental health impact can be significant.

Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, often starting in a woman’s 40s, though it can begin earlier. Hormone levels fluctuate, and symptoms may come and go.

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Post-menopause follows this stage, with ongoing changes in health risks and needs.

Common Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms

Many women experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Hot flushes and night sweats

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

• Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy

• Irregular or heavy periods (in perimenopause)

• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

• Changes in weight, skin, or hair

• Reduced bone density or joint pain

  
  

While these symptoms are common, their severity and impact vary widely.

Some women find them mild, while others find their daily lives significantly affected.

First Step: Menopause & Perimenopause Assessment

If you’re unsure whether the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to perimenopause, menopause, or another health condition, book an appointment with one of our doctors.

This Medicare-funded health assessment offers clarity, support, and practical strategies to help you understand and manage your symptoms with confidence.

Treatment Options

There is no “one size fits all” approach to managing menopause. Treatment is guided by symptoms, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Options may include:

Lifestyle strategies

Regular exercise, healthy eating, reducing alcohol and caffeine, and stress management can improve both short-term symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

Non-hormonal therapies:

These include certain medications that can help with hot flushes, mood symptoms, or sleep issues, as well as vaginal moisturisers or lubricants for dryness.

Hormone therapy (MHT / HRT):

For many women, hormone replacement therapy can be a safe and effective option to relieve symptoms and protect against osteoporosis. Our doctors will discuss the benefits, risks, and whether this treatment is right for you.

Preventative health screening

This may include bone density scans, mammograms, cervical screening, and cardiovascular risk assessments, which are especially important during this stage of life.

How We Can Help

Our GPs provide Medicare-funded Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessments at Brunswick Doctors. These comprehensive consultations cover:

• Detailed history and assessment of symptoms

• Blood pressure, height, and weight checks

• Screening and preventative health investigations as appropriate

• Personalised management planning

• Education on lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity

• Referrals to specialists if needed