Menopause, often called the ‘change of life,’ is an important time for women. This natural process happens when the ovaries release their last eggs, marking the end of the of the reproductive stage of their life and a decrease in estrogen levels. Most women become menopausal between the ages of 45 and 60 with the average age for Australian and New Zealand women being 51 years.
Menopause is diagnosed by the absence of menstrual periods and the presence of menopausal symptoms – in general you have reached menopause when you have gone 12 months without having your period.
While many women go through menopause with minimal physical and mental changes, others may experience symptoms in the years leading up to or following their last menstrual period.
Many women associate menopause with periods stopping completely, however symptoms often begin years earlier during perimenopause.
Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin fluctuating. During this time, women may experience irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, brain fog, reduced concentration, and changes in energy levels.
For some women, symptoms develop gradually and are initially attributed to stress, ageing, work demands, or lifestyle factors. Others experience significant changes despite still having menstrual periods.
At Bloom Women’s Health, assessment considers the full hormonal picture, helping women better understand whether symptoms may be related to perimenopause, menopause, or another underlying condition.
Women searching for a menopause specialist Brisbane provider are often seeking clarity about symptoms that have been affecting quality of life for months or years before menopause is formally diagnosed.
Because early symptoms often resemble everyday stress or burnout, many women also find it helpful to read our guide, Perimenopause or Just Stress? Understanding Early Symptoms, which explains why hormonal changes can be difficult to recognise.
Your monthly periods may become either less frequent or more frequent in the lead up to menopause (perimenopause).
Sudden warmth, often with redness of the face and neck.
Excessive sweating during sleep.
Sleep disruptions, including difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia).
Emotional fluctuations, like irritability, sadness, anxiety or mood swings.
Discomfort in muscles and joints.
As the vaginal lining becomes thinner and dryer, you may experience discomfort during sex and/or need to urinate more often.
Menopause symptoms often begin before your periods stop. Symptoms may be more severe if menopause is triggered by surgery or cancer treatment. Women from different cultures may also experience symptoms differently. For some women, menopause symptoms are mild and easily tolerated, while others may find relief through hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Menopause symptoms can vary considerably between individuals.
Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others find symptoms significantly affect work performance, relationships, sleep quality, exercise, and overall wellbeing.
Common reasons women seek menopause treatment Brisbane services include:
Understanding which symptoms are hormone-related can help guide appropriate treatment discussions and management options.
Menopause is an important time for a thorough health review. Dr McLaren and her team provide a comprehensive health appraisal, including necessary investigations, and engage in discussions about improving long-term health. Common health issues that may arise after menopause are addressed to create a personalised management plan, optimising overall health as women age.
Menopause is primarily diagnosed through a combination of age, symptoms, menstrual history, and clinical assessment.
Assessment may involve:
Because several medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to menopause, careful evaluation is important before treatment decisions are made.
Women experiencing abnormal bleeding patterns may also benefit from assessment through our menstrual disorders services to investigate other possible causes.
We offer a range of menopause treatment options tailored to individual needs. From lifestyle management to hormone replacement therapy, we work with you to alleviate symptoms and enhance your overall well-being during and after menopause.
For more detailed information about menopause, download this helpful pamplet provided by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Menopause management is highly individual and depends on symptom severity, health history, and treatment preferences.
Treatment approaches may include:
Treatment plans are tailored to individual circumstances rather than applying a single approach to all women experiencing menopause.
What age does menopause usually occur?
Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55 years of age, although timing varies considerably.
Can perimenopause start in your 40s?
Yes. Many women begin experiencing perimenopausal symptoms several years before menopause occurs.
Do all women need hormone replacement therapy?
No. Treatment decisions depend on symptoms, medical history, individual preferences, and suitability for hormone therapy.
Can menopause affect sleep?
Yes. Hot flushes, night sweats, hormonal changes, and mood changes can all contribute to sleep disturbance.
When should I see a menopause specialist?
Women may consider specialist assessment if symptoms are affecting daily life, work, sleep, relationships, or overall wellbeing.
To make the most of your menopause consultation, consider the following:
Document Your Symptoms:
Take note of any menopausal symptoms you’re experiencing, including their frequency and intensity.
Medical History:
Prepare a brief medical history, including any existing conditions or medications you’re currently taking.
Questions and Concerns:
Jot down any questions or concerns you may have about menopause or hormone replacement therapy.
Lifestyle Factors:
Be ready to discuss your lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and stress management, as these can impact menopausal symptoms.
Taking these steps will help your Gynaecologist tailor her recommendations to your specific situation, ensuring a productive and informative consultation.
Our menopause services are designed to support women through this transformative phase of life, ensuring a smooth transition and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms or have questions about HRT, schedule a consultation with a Bloom Gynaecologist to explore solutions tailored to your unique needs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, Bloom Women’s Health provides menopause treatment in Brisbane tailored to your symptoms, medical history, and health goals.
Appointments may involve symptom assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, hormone therapy discussions, and ongoing menopause management depending on your individual needs.
To schedule your screening with Bloom Women’s Health, please contact us or fill in our Contact Form. Our team is here to support you throughout the process and ensure you receive the care you deserve.
The change of life or menopause is an important milestone...
What should I bring to my first appointment?...
Suite 6, Level 1/201 Wickham Ter, Spring Hill QLD 4000
Click to request
We provide caring, experienced and holistic Obstetric and Gynaecological services, integrated with allied health to support women to achieve their best health outcomes at all stages of life.
Website Management & Marketing by Practice Boost
