How can I get help for Perimenopause and Menopause?.
“Connection is why we are here. It is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives” - Brene Brown.
It’s OK to ask for help when you need it.
Below you will find some great resources to help you along on your perimenopause and menopause journey.
Medical:
General information regarding all things medical and menopause:
Australasian Menopause Society - a comprehensive website with heaps of information and fact sheets - here
Jean Hailes - a comprehensive website with heaps of information and fact sheets - here
Wellfemme (Dr Kelly Teagle) - on-line menopause GP clinic with alot of resources - here
Balance Menopause (Dr Louise Newson) - has a huge library with information, blog and podcast as well as an app you can download and track symptoms - here
NSW Health - information on where to locate local menopause services - here
Blue Mountains Menopause Clinic - here
How do I talk to my GP about menopause?:
This can be hard. Many GP’s are not skilled or aware of the systemic effects of menopause and changing hormones. This is not their fault but the fault of the medical system and their training - this is changing. You can help!
Have a read of our recent library article on how to talk to your GP about menopause and how to prepare before your consultation - here
Also have a look at our Blog from Dr Corinne Glenn, Women’s Health GP - here
Symptom checklist - here
Menopause assessment tool - here
5 top tips talk to your GP about menopause (Wellfemme) - here
How to talk to your GP about menopause (Jean Hailes) - here
Where can I locate a menopause friendly GP?:
You can firstly look on the Australasian Menopause Society directory. Sometimes it might not be quite correct but is a good start to where you might go. In some areas, such as the Blue Mountains, these GP’s might have their books shut. But it is worth calling and putting your name on a waitlist or even seeing if you can access an out of area GP. If none of these options are realistic, you can access online consultations - these can be expensive for an initial assessment but you can claim your medicare rebate and your regular GP might be able to take over once you have your treatment and care in place.
AMS directory - here
Wellfemme (online GP menopause clinic) - here
Viv Health (online GP menopause clinic) - here
Remi Menopause Clinic (online GP menopause clinic) - here
You can also access menopause help at your local menopause government clinic. Local to the Blue Mountains is in Springwood - here
The same link will allow you to search for others in your local area.
Menopause Hormone Therapy:
Refer to the medical and GP sections above. AMS, Jean Hailes and Balance Menopause are the best places to find evidence based information on MHT options. Search away!!
Blogs:
She Community - She Healthcare have a great Blog section on all aspects of menopause, symptoms and health risks and how exercise and lifestyle interventions can help - here
Wellfemme - here
The Pause Blog (Dr Mary Claire Haver) - here
Feisty Menopause Blog - aimed at active women - here
Jean Hailes News - here
Podcasts:
The Dr Louise Newson Podcast - medical vibe plus a huge range of other health topics - Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Hit Play Not Pause - medical, lifestyle and active women - Spotify and Apple
The Body Pod (Hailey and Laura) - lifestyle and exercise but covers alot on menopause and mid-life symptoms and health risks - Spotify and Apple
The Imperfects - “Maybe its Menopause” by Dr Louise Newson episode - Spotify and Apple
Rage Against The Vagine - Em Rusciano - covers a range of issues around menopause basically about why it is taboo and not talked about, lived experience and features a number of really high profile guests discussing in their area of expertise - Spotify and Apple
Menopause Checklist podcast - Jean Hailes - here
You Are Not Broken - Dr Kelly Casperson - urogenital, pelvic and sexual health as we age - Spotify and Apple
Menopause Matters - Empowering women to thrive - HCF - here
It Might Be Menopause - NSW Health and Dr Sarah White - here
Thriving In Menopause - Prevention Magazine - Spotify and Apple
Information for families and partners:
Menopause is not only challenging for the person experiencing it, but depending on the symptoms and other issues surrounding this time, it might be challenging for families and partners also. Here are some good resources you might be able to give to your loved ones or even use them to start a dinner table (or couch) discussion.
Menopause information for partners factsheet - Jean Hailes - here
Menopause information for partners - Jean Hailes - here
Understanding menopause for partners and families - NSW Health - here
Perimenopause and menopause - a guide for partners - Dr Louise Newson - here
How to support your partner through menopause - Wellfemme - here
Information about how Menopause might affects families, relationships and mental health:
HeathTalk Australia - Impact of early menopause on relationships - here
Balance Menopause - Menopause puts final nail in marriage coffin - here
AMS - Being positive about sexual wellbeing after menopause - here
All About Her Centre for Menopause - here
Menopause and Mental Health - AMS Factsheet - here
Perimenopause, Menopause and Mental Health - Beyond Blue - here
Her Centre Australia - here
Allied Health and Lifestyle help:
Allied health clinicians are able to access both medicare and private health rebates. Medicare covers both Chronic Disease Management Plans and Mental Health Plans.
Exercise Physiologists:
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Directory - here
She Healthcare (Us!!) - Face to face Blue Mountains and Telehealth Australia wide - here
Her Exercise Physiology - Telehealth clinic only - here
Eva Boland Exercise Physiology - Telehealth and based in ACT - here
Pear Exercise Physiology - Telehealth and based in Qld - here
Balanced Bodies Lifestyle Clinic - Telehealth and based in Sydney Northern Suburbs - here
Women’s Health Physiotherapists:
Australian Physiotherapy Association directory - here
Joanne Wholohan, Women’s Works Physiotherapy Glenbrook, NSW - here
Samantha King, True Balance Physiotherapy, Katoomba, NSW - here
Penrith Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy - here
Psychologists:
Australian Psychological Society directory - here
Debbie Deasy, Deasy Consulting - Face to Face Blue Mountains and Telehealth - here
All About Her Centre for Menopause directory - Telehealth options - here
Dieticians:
Nutrition during menopause - Wellfemme - here
Tree of Life Nutrition - Telehealth options - here
Angelique Clark - Telehealth options - here
Ana Ravier, Balanced Bodies Lifestyle Clinic - Telehealth options - here
*Disclaimer - She Healthcare do not have direct experience with many of these recommendations, however they are industry known. We hope you have a good experience but like always, use your discretion and if you dont feel supported, move on.