Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. However, hormonal changes can begin several years before menopause, during a stage known as perimenopause.
These changes can affect menstrual cycles, sleep, mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Some women experience mild symptoms, while others find that changes affect their work, relationships and daily activities.
At Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology (TOAG), Dr Lanziz Homar provides assessment and management for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, helping them understand their symptoms and available treatment options.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. During this stage, hormone levels fluctuate and periods may become irregular, heavier or lighter.
Perimenopause often begins in a woman's 40s and can last several years. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and mood changes may develop while menstrual periods are still occurring.
Because symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, it may not always be clear whether perimenopause is contributing to how you feel.
What is Menopause?
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and oestrogen levels decline significantly. It is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, where there is no other medical explanation.
Most Australian women experience natural menopause between 45 and 55 years of age, with the average age being around 51.
The years following menopause are known as postmenopause. While some symptoms may settle over time, others can continue or develop after periods have stopped.
Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman differently. Changes may involve your periods, sleep, mood, concentration, sexual health and physical wellbeing.
Symptoms can fluctuate and may begin before you recognise changes to your menstrual cycle.
If you are noticing changes and are unsure whether they could be related to perimenopause or menopause, TOAG's Menopause Symptom Checklist can help.
The Menopause Symptom Checklist
The checklist is designed to help you identify and document symptoms, including how they may be affecting your daily life. It can provide a useful starting point when discussing your concerns with your GP.
The checklist does not diagnose menopause, but it can help you prepare for a more informed conversation about your symptoms and whether further assessment may be appropriate.
Types of Menopause
Menopause can occur naturally with age or earlier due to medical conditions or surgery.
Natural Menopause
Natural menopause occurs as part of ageing, as ovarian activity and hormone production gradually decline.
Early Menopause
Early menopause occurs between the ages of 40 and 45. Symptoms or loss of ovarian function before age 40 may indicate premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), which requires further assessment.
Earlier menopause may have implications for fertility, bone health and cardiovascular health.
Surgical Menopause
Surgical menopause occurs when both ovaries are removed. Hormone levels decrease suddenly, and symptoms may develop more rapidly than during natural menopause.
When Should You See a Doctor for Menopause?
Although menopause is a natural stage of life, medical advice may be helpful if you experience:
- Symptoms affecting your sleep, work or daily activities
- Persistent mood changes or difficulty concentrating
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort or urinary concerns
- Unusually heavy or irregular bleeding
- Menopause symptoms before the age of 45
- Concerns about your bone or cardiovascular health
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause, including spotting after 12 months without a period, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
If your symptoms are affecting your wellbeing, speak with your GP about whether further assessment or specialist care may be appropriate.
How Is Menopause Diagnosed?
For most women over 45, perimenopause and menopause can be assessed based on symptoms, menstrual history and medical circumstances.
Your doctor may review your medical history, current symptoms, medications and any existing health conditions. A physical examination or further investigations may be recommended where appropriate.
Hormone blood tests are not routinely required for women over 45, as hormone levels can fluctuate significantly during perimenopause. Testing may be considered when symptoms begin unusually early or another medical condition is suspected.
Menopause and Long-Term Health
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can also influence longer-term health, particularly bone strength and cardiovascular wellbeing.
Lower oestrogen levels may contribute to increased bone loss and osteoporosis risk. Changes in cholesterol, body composition and other cardiovascular risk factors can also occur during midlife.
Menopause management may therefore include discussions about bone health, regular exercise, nutrition, cardiovascular risk and appropriate preventive care.
Menopause Treatment and Management
There is no single treatment approach suitable for every woman. Management depends on your symptoms, medical history, age and personal preferences.
At TOAG, Dr Homar can discuss available options and their potential benefits, risks and suitability.
Menopause FAQs
Menopause and Perimenopause Care in Toowoomba
At Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Lanziz Homar provides specialist gynaecological care for women navigating perimenopause, menopause and related health concerns.
If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions about menopause management, speak with your GP about whether a referral to Dr Homar is appropriate.