Menopause is a natural event for every woman. Also known as the 'change of life' or simply 'the change', it marks the end of a woman’s ability to conceive.
Menopause is defined by a woman’s last menstrual period. A woman is said to be ‘post-menopausal’ if there has been no period for 12 months in a row. Menopause can happen naturally or as a result of some health conditions, medication or surgical procedures.
When periods stop permanently before the age of 40 women are said to have premature menopause.
The average age at menopause is 50, but it can occur earlier or later. The most common symptoms are changes in menstrual patterns, vaginal dryness, hot flushes and night sweats.
Understanding what symptoms to expect, realising that most women are able to deal with their symptoms without treatment, and having a more positive outlook on menopause are helpful in managing this normal life stage.
Health issues treated
The most common menopause symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats, which affect around 80 per cent of women. Hot flushes can last a few seconds or can be a sudden feeling of intense heat spreading over the upper body and face. Some women have chills instead of hot flushes. Night sweats are hot flushes with heavy perspiration that may wake you from sleep.
Mood changes affect many women and these can include mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks and feeling depressed. Women who have a history of depression are more likely to experience depression at menopause.
Some women find that they experience changes in sexual desire during menopause. Symptoms of menopause, such as mood changes, sleep disruption and genital discomfort, may negatively affect some women’s desire for and enjoyment of sexual activity. Reduced ovarian production or oestrogen and testosterone may also affect sex drive.
Memory changes, genital symptoms (where a decrease in oestrogen can cause the tissues of the vulva and vagina to become thin, dry and inelastic) and incontinence are health issues treated at the Menopause clinic.
What we do
Symptoms of menopause may be very distressing for some women, and in some cases may persist for a long time after a woman's last menstrual period. Some women have symptoms that don't respond well to the treatments their GPs can offer. Others may have medical conditions that prevent the safe or effective use of standard treatments.
At the Women's Menopause clinic you will see a gynaecologist and clinical nurse specialists expert in menopause and treatment of its symptoms, and in consultation with our multidisciplinary team, they will work to provide the menopause care you need, safely and effectively.
The clinic offers advice on medical therapies to help alleviate menopausal symptoms, information on lifestyle factors such as exercise and nutrition and sexual counselling.
There is also expert information specific to women’s unique health needs on mental health, heart and bone health.
Information for patients
Your first appointment
After you have been referred to the Menopause clinic by a doctor or treating team of health care providers, you will receive a letter from the Women’s with an appointment time and date.
We understand that women are sometimes unable to attend appointments, for a variety of reasons.
If you are unable to attend your appointment, or need to change the time, please call Rebooking & cancellations.
Treatment options
There are a range of options for treating menopausal symptoms. Our multidisciplinary team can advise on the most appropriate treatment options for you. The team works together with women to develop individualised care plans which take into consideration each woman’s circumstances and menopausal symptoms.
Clinic services
- medical therapies to alleviate menopausal symptoms;
- lifestyle factors such as exercise and nutrition;
- sexual counselling;
- cardiovascular health
- bone health
Referrals |
Your doctor/GP will need to fax a referral before you can come to this clinic. For more information, see: Referrals. A referral is valid for 12 months. |
What to bring |
We have a copy of your referral already. |