Finding the right type of care
There are many qualified health professionals across Australia who can support you during the menopause transition.
Your doctor (General Practitioner or GP) is best placed to provide ongoing care and advice. This includes preventative health screening, diagnosis of illness and injury, prescriptions for medicines and treatments, and referral to other specialists.
Your doctor might refer you to a specialist, such as a gynaecologist, endocrinologist or psychiatrist, who can provide more specialised medical care.
You can also talk to a pharmacist about general health concerns, medicines, vitamins and complementary treatment options you might be considering.
A range of allied health professionals can support your physical and mental health, and advise on things like diet, exercise and emotional wellbeing. This includes physiotherapists, dietitians, exercise physiologists, counsellors and psychologists.
Nurses, midwives and women’s health specialists operate across a range of services and can provide information and care for women at various stages of life.
Find out more about choosing the right health professional on the HealthDirect website.
When to talk to your doctor
It’s a good idea to see your doctor if:
- your periods become so heavy or irregular that they are interfering with your quality of life or ability to work
- your period stops and/or you could be pregnant
- you have symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, joint pain or vaginal dryness that affect your daily life
- you want to discuss treatment options to manage your menopause-related symptoms
- you are unsure about contraception or fertility during perimenopause
- you would like advice about your long‑term bone, heart and general health during midlife and beyond. Her Health Check by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a free online tool that tells you which health checks you might need. This information can be helpful when talking with your doctor.
You should see your doctor if:
- you notice a strong heartbeat or have any heart concerns
- you have any vaginal bleeding after you have not had a period for 12 months. Bleeding after menopause always needs to be checked
- you are younger than 45 and your period stops or becomes irregular
- you experience bleeding after sexual intercourse
- you experience significant unexplained changes in weight
- you experience severe or unusual headaches or migraines that are new or worsening
- you experience unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding.
You should seek urgent medical attention if:
- your mental health changes severely or suddenly. While some changes during perimenopause and menopause are common, severe or sudden symptoms should be assessed urgently
- you are experiencing severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain or a persistent swelling in your leg.
Menopause-related symptoms can overlap with those of other health conditions. It is important to seek advice from a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate care.
Your doctor can help confirm whether your symptoms are related to menopause, rule out other causes, and work with you to find the most appropriate support and treatment options.
How to talk to your doctor
Talking with your doctor about the menopause transition can sometimes feel overwhelming. It can be hard to remember everything you want to ask.
Preparing beforehand can help you advocate for your health and get the most out of your visit.
The Jean Hailes for Women’s Health perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist can help you identify menopause-related symptoms and guide a conversation with your doctor. Print it out and take it with you to your next appointment.
You can also prepare a list of questions, such as:
- Do my symptoms fit with perimenopause or menopause?
- Could these symptoms be caused by something else?
- What treatment options are available and what are the benefits and risks for me?
- If I start a type of treatment, how will we review and adjust it over time?
- Do I need any tests or a referral to a specialist?
- How might menopause affect my heart, bones and overall health?
Other things you can do to help make your appointment as meaningful as possible, include:
- keeping a symptom diary for 2 to 4 weeks and taking it to your appointment
- Keeping a list of the names and doses of your current medications and relevant medical history and taking it to your appointment
- booking a longer appointment and mentioning menopause when you book
- asking about Medicare rebates or referrals to women’s health, menopause or pelvic health services if needed.
Don’t have a regular doctor? You can find a doctor close to you.
More information
The Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has more information for women about speaking up and talking to your doctor about a range of women’s health issues.