Menopause Specialist Melbourne
Every woman experiences menopause differently – with a gynaecologist in Melbourne, you don’t have to do it alone.
What is Menopause?
Menopause refers to a woman’s final menstrual period and marks the end of her fertile years. While menopause refers to the final period, it is diagnosed retrospectively after a woman has not had a period for a subsequent 12 months. During the timeframe before and after menopause, the reproductive system goes through fundamental changes that result in a dramatic hormone shift in the body, specifically the production of less estrogen as the ovaries stop releasing eggs.
Most women typically enter menopause in their mid-40s to mid-50s (the average age for Australian women is 51), but a small percentage will experience early menopause (occurring between 40-45) or premature menopause, also referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) (occurring before age 40).
If you’re looking for a menopause doctor in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place – our team of gynaecologists and obstetricians is highly experienced with the hormonal changes that occur during this life stage.
What Are the Symptoms of Menopause?
The menopausal transition generally occurs over two stages, leading up to and after the diagnosis of menopause (12 months after the final menstrual period). Symptoms may vary significantly between women, and many may overlap across more than one stage.
1. Perimenopause
This refers to the changes in a woman’s body from the recognised onset of symptoms through to 12 months after the last period. The perimenopause stage typically lasts for an average of 4-8 years. Symptoms may include:
- Irregular periods
- Changes in the duration and frequency of periods
- Increased premenstrual symptoms
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Sleeping disturbance (such as insomnia)
- Mood changes
- Irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Fatigue, memory changes and “brain fog”
- Hair growth or loss
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary discomfort
- Reduction in or loss of libido that may or may not be due to painful intercourse
Some women do not experience perimenopause and instead go straight into menopause.
2. Postmenopause
A woman is considered to be postmenopausal after 12 months without a period. Symptoms may continue to be experienced for a year or so after menopause, although they will generally become less noticeable over time. Symptoms may include:
- Weight changes (such as fat shifting from the hips to the abdomen)
- Decreased muscle tone
- Insomnia
- Irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Vaginal and vulva discomfort
- Urinary symptoms
- Reduced libido
- Joint aches
- Bone density reduction
It’s important to be aware that when these changes occur in a woman’s body, they are at increased risk of rising cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and weight gain. As such, it’s crucial to keep in touch with your doctor and make appointments as necessary.
If you experience any bleeding more than 12 months after your last menstrual period, it’s important to discuss this with your gynaecologist.
The Science Behind Menopause
Menopause is driven by a gradual decline in ovarian function and the hormones the ovaries produce — primarily oestrogen and progesterone. As hormone levels fluctuate and eventually fall, multiple body systems are affected, including temperature regulation, bone remodelling, cardiovascular function, sleep, cognition, and mood.
This hormonal transition is why menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and cognitive symptoms including “brain fog.”
It is also associated with longer-term health changes, particularly reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. After menopause, cardiovascular and metabolic risk may also increase, influenced by ageing, hormonal changes, and existing health factors.
Understanding the hormonal basis of menopause is central to effective, evidence-based care. At Create Health, our gynaecologists are experienced in the use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), alongside evidence-based non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle strategies.
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, taking into account symptoms, medical history, risk factors, and personal preferences.
What Causes Early Menopause?
When menopause occurs between the ages of 40-45, it’s considered early or premature menopause. Menopause occurring before the age of 40 is referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Early menopause may occur naturally or for medical reasons.
Some causes of early menopause may include:
- Family history of early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Surgical procedures (such as removal of ovaries)
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic conditions (such as Turner’s syndrome or Fragile X)
- Autoimmune conditions
- Smoking
If you are under the age of 45 and experiencing symptoms of menopause, book an appointment with a gynaecologist today for an assessment and assistance with managing your symptoms.
Treatment for Menopause
While nothing can prevent menopause, there are ways to potentially address and manage the symptoms that may improve your comfort and quality of life.
Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, stopping smoking)
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Non-hormonal medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Fezolinetant)
- Complementary therapies (such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and cognitive behavioural therapy)
We are committed to ensuring that our patients are adequately supported during their menopausal journey. This is why our highly skilled team of gynaecologists will work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your most distressing symptoms and allows you to live as happily, healthily, and actively as possible.
Treatment for Early Menopause
Women experiencing early menopause need specific care and attention, particularly if they hope to have a baby. Depending on the cause of your early menopause, it may still be possible to carry a pregnancy to term via fertility treatments.
The highly skilled gynaecologists and obstetricians at Create Health provide a personalised approach to symptom management and fertility advice for women experiencing early menopause.
Menopause vs. Other Conditions – Understanding the Difference
The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can overlap with a number of other conditions, making accurate diagnosis important.
Menopause vs. Thyroid Disorders
- Both can cause fatigue, mood changes, weight changes, and irregular periods. Blood tests are essential to distinguish between them, and the two conditions can also coexist.
Menopause vs. Depression/Anxiety
- Hormonal changes during perimenopause can directly cause or significantly worsen mood disorders. It is important to assess whether mood symptoms are hormonally driven – and therefore best treated with MHT, rather than reaching for antidepressants without first considering hormonal causes.
Menopause vs. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
- POI in women under 40 requires a distinct management approach, particularly regarding fertility preservation and long-term bone and cardiovascular health. At Create Health, our team is experienced in supporting women with POI with both specialist gynaecological and fertility care.
What to Expect During Your Menopause Consultation at Create Health
Your first appointment at Create Health for menopause or perimenopause will involve a detailed discussion of your symptoms, menstrual history, general health, and personal and family medical history. Your gynaecologist will take the time to understand which symptoms are affecting you most and how they are impacting your quality of life, relationships, and work.
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, your gynaecologist may arrange blood tests. including hormone levels (FSH, oestradiol), thyroid function, bone density assessment, and cardiovascular risk screening, to build a complete picture of your health.
If Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) is appropriate for you, your gynaecologist will explain the different types, routes of administration (tablet, patch, gel, or vaginal preparation), and the specific formulation that best suits your health profile.
You will have a thorough discussion of the benefits and risks before any treatment is commenced. If non-hormonal treatments are more appropriate, these will be explained in the same detail.
Follow-up appointments are important and will be scheduled to assess how you are responding to treatment and to make any adjustments needed.
What to Expect After Starting Menopause Treatment
Your experience after starting menopause treatment will depend on the type of therapy prescribed, your symptoms, and your individual response to treatment.
After commencing Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), many women notice an improvement in hot flushes, night sweats, and sleep within several weeks, although full benefit may take up to 8–12 weeks. Improvements in mood, energy, and overall wellbeing can develop more gradually over the following months.
Symptoms such as vaginal dryness, discomfort with intercourse, urinary urgency, and recurrent urinary tract infections may take longer to improve — often several weeks to a few months — particularly when using local vaginal oestrogen therapy.
Some women experience mild side effects when starting MHT, including breast tenderness, bloating, nausea, headaches, or light breakthrough bleeding/spotting. These symptoms are common in the early stages of treatment and often settle as the body adjusts. Persistent or heavy bleeding should always be reviewed by your doctor.
Non-hormonal therapies can also be highly effective. Treatments such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and Fezolinetant may reduce vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats), with improvement often noticed within 1–4 weeks depending on the medication used.
It is important not to assess treatment effectiveness too early. Menopause management frequently requires some individualisation and dose adjustment to achieve the best balance of symptom control and tolerability. Your gynaecologist will usually arrange a follow-up review within approximately 6–12 weeks to assess your response, address any side effects, and determine whether any adjustments are needed.
At Create Health, we take an evidence-based and individualised approach to menopause care, supporting women through each stage of treatment to help optimise both symptom relief and long-term health.
Who Is and Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)?
MHT is appropriate for the majority of women experiencing menopausal symptoms, but a careful individual assessment is always required. Your gynaecologist at Create Health will review your personal and family medical history thoroughly before recommending MHT.
MHT may be particularly suitable for women who:
- Are experiencing significant menopausal symptoms affecting their quality of life
- Are under the age of 60 or within ten years of their last period (when the benefit-risk balance is most favourable)
- Are experiencing early or premature menopause (where MHT is strongly recommended to protect bone and cardiovascular health)
- Have genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness or urinary urgency that are not responding to non-hormonal treatments
MHT is generally not recommended for women who:
- Have a history of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (specialist advice is required in these cases)
- Have a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding that has not been investigated
- Have active or recent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (though certain forms of MHT — particularly transdermal preparations — carry a lower risk and may still be considered)
- Have active liver disease
It is important to note that the risks of MHT are frequently overstated in public discussion. Current evidence supports the use of MHT as a safe and effective treatment for most women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Your gynaecologist will give you an honest, evidence-based assessment of the benefits and risks as they apply to your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions – Menopause Melbourne
How do I know if I am in perimenopause?
Perimenopause is characterised by irregular periods alongside symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Blood tests (including FSH levels) can help confirm hormonal changes, though symptoms themselves are often the most important diagnostic tool. If you are unsure, book an appointment with one of our gynaecologists for a thorough assessment.
Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) safe?
For most women, MHT is safe and highly effective. Modern MHT preparations have been significantly refined since older formulations, and current evidence supports their use for the majority of women without specific contraindications. Your gynaecologist at Create Health will review your personal and family medical history to determine whether MHT is appropriate for you, and discuss the benefits and risks in full.
How long will my menopausal symptoms last?
Symptoms vary greatly between women. On average, hot flushes and night sweats last around seven years, though some women experience them for longer. With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be significantly reduced throughout this time.
Can menopause affect my mental health?
Yes. The hormonal changes of menopause — particularly falling oestrogen levels — can have a direct and significant impact on mood, anxiety, concentration, and sleep. If you are experiencing mental health symptoms alongside other menopausal symptoms, it is important to discuss these with your gynaecologist, as hormonal treatment may be highly effective.
I am under 40 and think I may be in menopause — what should I do?
Book an appointment with a specialist as soon as possible. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) before age 40 requires prompt diagnosis and specialist management, particularly if you wish to have children. Early treatment with MHT is also important to protect your bone and cardiovascular health.
Specialist Care in our Menopause Clinic Melbourne
Menopause is a natural part of growing older, but this doesn’t mean you need to do it alone. While some women may sail through menopause without the need for outside support or treatment, others may experience distressing symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life.
No matter what stage you’re at (perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause), speak with an experienced gynaecologist at Create Health to learn about how we may be able to help you navigate this time of transition.
With a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal treatments on offer, rest assured that your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique circumstances.