By Dr Mehrasa Yousefi, General Practitioner, Panaceum Group
🧠 Menopause is a natural phase of life—not a disease. But the transition can bring unexpected physical and emotional changes. Many women feel unprepared or unsure of what’s happening to their bodies. As a GP, I want you to feel informed, supported, and empowered.
🔍 What is Menopause?
- The natural end of menstrual cycles
- Diagnosed after 12 months with no period
- Most common between ages 45 and 55
- Caused by falling levels of the hormone oestrogen
👉 Some women go through menopause earlier due to surgery, chemotherapy, or medical conditions—this is called premature or early menopause.
⚠️ Common Symptoms
Everyone’s experience is unique, but common symptoms include:
✅ Hot flushes
✅ Night sweats
✅ Poor sleep
✅ Mood swings or anxiety
✅ Brain fog or memory lapses
✅ Discomfort during intercourse
✅ Weight changes
✅ Reduced sexual desire
✅ Achy joints and Dry skin
💬 “I feel like I’m not myself anymore.”
You’re not alone. These symptoms can be disruptive—but they are manageable.
🩺 When Should You See a GP?
Come and speak with your GP if:
- Symptoms are affecting daily life
- You’re under 45 and notice menstrual changes
- You want to explore treatment options
- You’re concerned about bone health, heart disease, or family history
📌 Don’t wait until symptoms feel overwhelming—support early makes a real difference.
💊 Managing Menopause: What Are the Options?
At Panaceum, we tailor your treatment plan to suit your body and your lifestyle.
🥦 Lifestyle Support
- Nutrition: Eat calcium-rich foods and avoid triggers (caffeine, spicy food, alcohol)
- Exercise: Boosts mood, protects bones, supports weight control
- Sleep: Create a calming routine and avoid screens before bed
- Stress: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and realistic work-life balance
💉 Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
MHT is the most effective treatment for relieving hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It also offers long-term benefits for:
- Bone strength – reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- Urogenital health – improving bladder symptoms and vaginal comfort
- Sleep and mental clarity
MHT can be given as tablets, patches, gels, or vaginal preparations. The type and dose are tailored to your individual needs and health profile.
🩷 Worried about the risks?
While some women are concerned about breast cancer or clot risk, the actual risks are minimal for most healthy women under age 60 and within 10 years of menopause. That’s why it’s so important to discuss your personal situation with your GP. Together, we can weigh up the benefits and risks and choose the safest option for you.
💊 Non-Hormonal Options
If you can’t or prefer not to take hormones, non-hormonal treatments are available and may include:
- Prescription medications for hot flushes and mood swings
- Topical moisturisers/lubricants for dryness and discomfort during intercourse
- Sleep aids or cognitive therapy for insomnia or anxiety
These treatments can be helpful on their own or alongside lifestyle changes.
🩷 Treatment decisions should always be made in partnership with your doctor, considering your symptoms, health history, and preferences.
👩⚕️ Role of Your GP
- Take time to understand how menopause affects you
- Explore safe, evidence-based options
- Review and adjust treatment as needed
- Support your wellbeing beyond just the physical symptoms
🌟 Final Thoughts
Menopause is a time of change, but it doesn’t have to be a time of struggle.
It is an ideal opportunity for a comprehensive women’s health check, including staying up to date with your mammogram and Cervical Screening Test (CST).
With the right support, women can feel:
✅ In control
✅ Confident
✅ Healthy and thriving
Let’s talk about what you’re going through. You don’t need to go it alone.
📅 Book a consultation today
🌐 panaceumkarratha.com.au/
🔗 For more reliable information, visit the Australasian Menopause Society