Menopause and Perimenopause Care in Point Cook
Night sweats that wreck your sleep, periods that no longer follow any pattern, a temper you do not recognise: the years around menopause can unsettle work, sleep and relationships. If you are looking for a menopause doctor in Point Cook, any of our GPs can help you sort out what is happening and what can be done about it.
Most Australian women reach menopause between 45 and 55, at an average age of 51, according to healthdirect. Perimenopause, the lead-up stage, usually lasts four to eight years.
How menopause is worked out
Menopause is confirmed once you have gone 12 months without a period. There is usually no single test: your GP works it out from your age, your symptoms and how your cycle has changed. Blood tests are mainly used when menopause may be arriving early, or after a hysterectomy, when there are no periods left to track.
Menopause before 40 is called premature menopause, and between 40 and 45 early menopause. Both deserve a closer look, because the longer-term effects on bones and heart health start sooner.
What to bring to your appointment
A little preparation makes the visit far more useful:
- the dates of your last few periods, or your period-tracking app
- a list of symptoms and when they happen, including sleep, mood, joint aches and vaginal dryness
- every medicine and supplement you take, including herbal products
- any family history of breast cancer, blood clots, heart disease or osteoporosis
- the questions you most want answered
If a topic feels awkward, start with the symptom that bothers you most and let the conversation build from there.
Treatment options a GP can discuss
The right approach depends on how much your symptoms affect daily life and on your own health history. Options include:
- menopause hormone therapy (MHT), once called HRT, which can ease hot flushes, night sweats and sleep problems
- non-hormonal prescription medicines, if MHT is not suitable or you would rather not use it
- lubricants and moisturisers for vaginal dryness
- regular exercise, good sleep habits, healthy eating and stress management
Plenty of supplements are marketed for menopause, but there is no strong evidence that they work. Your GP will weigh the benefits and risks of each option against your history, and the decision stays yours.
Seeing a menopause doctor in Point Cook
Dr Nasibeh Hasanijabali, Dr Mahshid Roohravan Benis and Dr Maria Sahira all list menopause care among their interests. If you would like one of them, or any female doctor, mention it when you book. Standard consultations are bulk billed for patients with a valid Medicare card. You can book online or call (03) 7300 7780.
Contraception, screening and unexpected bleeding
Pregnancy is still possible until menopause is confirmed, so keep using contraception until your GP says it is safe to stop. Midlife is also the time to keep cervical screening and mammograms up to date.
Vaginal bleeding after a full year without periods needs prompt review. So does bleeding between periods or after sex during perimenopause.
Mood, sleep and follow-up
Low mood, anxiety and broken sleep are common at this stage and often feed into each other. If mood changes feel heavier than you expected, our mental health page explains the support on offer. Jean Hailes has a free menopause symptom checklist you can fill in before your visit, and a follow-up appointment lets your GP see how any treatment is working.
Common questions
Can I start treatment while I am still having periods?
Yes. Treatment does not have to wait until periods stop. The perimenopause options run from MHT to lifestyle changes, much as they do after menopause.
Is menopause care bulk billed?
Standard consultations are bulk billed with a valid Medicare card. Any medicines prescribed are paid for at the pharmacy.
When does bleeding need urgent care?
If bleeding is very heavy and you feel faint, dizzy or short of breath, go to a hospital emergency department or call 000.
Can my partner come along?
Yes, if you would like them there. Some people find it helps to have someone who has noticed the changes too.
Good to know
Before your appointment
If you are a new patient, please arrive at least five minutes before your consultation and bring:
- Photo ID
- A valid Medicare card
Fees and billing
We offer bulk billing to all patients with a valid Medicare card for standard consultations. All procedures are subject to fees.