Defined as not having had a menstrual period for 12 months, it marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. In Australia, the average age for experiencing menopause is 51 years, but it can occur any time between 45 and 60 years of age. If menopause occurs before you turn 45 years old, this is considered early menopause; if you reach menopause before you turn 40, this is called premature menopause.
Menopause is not a disease or a condition that needs curing - but it can cause bothersome symptoms.
The symptoms of menopause will vary from woman to woman. Some will experience severe, debilitating symptoms that persist for years, while others may breeze right through this phase of life.
Menopause management refers to the various approaches and strategies used to manage the symptoms and health risks associated with menopause.
It may involve lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Medical treatments, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal medications, may also be used to manage your symptoms of menopause. Overall, menopause management aims to help you to maintain your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing menopause-related health problems, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia.
HRT is now termed menopause hormonal therapy (MHT). It refers to a range of medical treatments designed to boost the low levels of hormones experienced during menopause, including oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. MHT can be administered as tablets, patches, creams, or gels.
MHT is the most effective way of managing your menopause symptoms. However, not all types of MHT will suit all women. We individualise our treatment approach based on various factors, including your age, symptoms, and medical history.
In addition to medical treatments, we may recommend some lifestyle changes to help reduce the impact of your menopause symptoms. This can include maintaining a healthy weight to improve the severity of hot flushes, and avoiding triggers for hot flushes such as alcohol or spicy foods.
Cognitive behavioural therapy has been shown to be effective at improving sleep and overall wellbeing for women experiencing menopause, and may also help to reduce the impact of hot flushes and night sweats.
In some cases, non-hormonal therapies can be enough to manage menopause symptoms. Such medications include gabapentin (also used for epilepsy or chronic nerve pain), certain antidepressants (such as duloxetine or escitalopram), and clonidine (commonly used for high blood pressure and migraines). These medications are able to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause.
Another non-hormonal medication is Veozah, which is specifically formulated to reduce hot flushes and night sweats due to menopause. The exact medication and dosing will be tailored to your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) occurs when your final period happens before the age of 40 years, and is experienced by around 1% of women. Early menopause is defined as your final period falling between the ages of 40 and 45, and can occur in up to 8% of women.
Management of women with early menopause or POI is often multi-disciplinary and considers steps to optimise your overall health and wellbeing alongside hormone replacement. This includes prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease as well as improving your sexual function, emotional wellbeing, and neurological health. A management plan will often include consultation with a dietician, exercise physiologist, use of medications (such as hormonal therapy), and psychological support.
Yes! Perimenopause is one of the most difficult times and symptoms can often be misconstrued and undiagnosed. Women often do not feel like themselves but rest assured, management plans can be put in place to help.
Yes! My specialty is high-risk menopause patients, I provide bespoke plans tailored to your complex medical history.
This remains a common concern amongst women to date and is one example of misinformation about MHT in the community. In most situations, MHT is very safe. Nonetheless, it is important to have a consultation that looks at your unique health profile and to have a discussion of the risks.
Not necessarily. Like any medication it is important to assess the need for these drugs. Only women over the age of 70 years old will experience symptoms related to menopause. Some women will require MHT for a period of time and then will be able to come off it as time goes on.
Dr Danielle Robson, fertility specialist, consults at three locations across Sydney: the CBD, Chatswood, and Manly. A referral from a general practitioner is required for all initial appointments.
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Danielle is a fertility specialist and gynaecologist with an interest in fertility preservation, premature ovarian insufficiency, and menopause management. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a sub-specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
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