Menopause Health Assessments in Hervey Bay

Women’s Health · Hervey Bay

Support for changing periods, hot flushes, sleep, mood and the symptoms affecting your everyday life.

A menopause or perimenopause health assessment gives you time to discuss what has changed, consider other possible causes and agree on a plan that suits your health, symptoms and preferences. You do not need to wait until your periods have stopped, or until symptoms become severe, to ask for help.

Menopause and perimenopause care

Book with Dr Ramani Poonehela

General practitioner · MBBS, FRACGP

Dr Ramani’s clinical interests include women’s health and menopause care. She can assess your symptoms, discuss hormonal and non-hormonal options where appropriate, and help plan your ongoing care.

Meet Dr Ramani →

Book a menopause consultationCall (07) 4325 4000

Booking online: choose “Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation” and select Dr Ramani. Reception can help confirm the right appointment, time to allow and fees. Current availability is shown in the booking system.

Main Street Medical Centre · 71 Main Street, Pialba QLD 4655

Menopause health assessments and Medicare

The assessment includes a review of symptoms, periods, wellbeing, medicines and medical history, together with basic health checks such as blood pressure, height and weight. You and your GP discuss suitable management options and agree on a personalised plan. Tests, screening and referrals are considered according to your individual needs.

Medicare-eligible patients with perimenopause or menopause symptoms, including early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency, or receiving treatment for those symptoms, may qualify for an assessment once in a 12-month period. It should be with your usual GP or practice where reasonably practicable. Your GP will confirm eligibility; reception can confirm fees before booking.

Follow-up care can happen sooner. The 12-month limit applies to the Medicare health assessment, not to ordinary consultations for symptoms, treatment reviews or new concerns.

Read the current Medicare assessment criteria →

What are perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause. During this time, levels of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate. Those changes can affect your periods, sleep, mood, temperature regulation, concentration and many other aspects of your health. Perimenopause commonly lasts four to six years, although it can be shorter or longer.

Menopause is reached once you have had no menstrual period for twelve consecutive months and there is no other medical reason for your periods to have stopped.

Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55, with the average age in Australia being around 51. Menopause before 45 is described as early menopause; menopause before 40 may be classified as premature ovarian insufficiency and needs medical assessment.

Every woman’s experience is different. Some have few symptoms. Others have symptoms that significantly affect their work, relationships, sleep or quality of life.

Common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause

Hormonal change can produce physical, mental and emotional symptoms. They may come and go, and their intensity can shift over time.

Changes to your periods

• Periods becoming closer together or further apart
• Heavier or lighter bleeding
• Bleeding lasting longer, or for fewer days
• Missed periods
• Increased premenstrual symptoms
• Unpredictable cycles

Irregular periods are common in perimenopause, but unusual or very heavy bleeding should still be discussed with a GP.

Hot flushes and night sweats

Hot flushes can cause a sudden feeling of warmth in the face, neck, chest or whole body, sometimes with sweating, flushing, chills or a rapid heartbeat. Night sweats can interrupt sleep and leave you tired or unable to concentrate the next day.

Sleep difficulties

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Waking frequently, or very early
• Night sweats
• Feeling unrefreshed after sleeping
• Daytime tiredness

Sleep problems are not always caused by menopause, so your GP may also consider other contributors.

Mood and thinking changes

• Irritability, anxiety or low mood
• Feeling overwhelmed, or reduced motivation
• Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or “brain fog”
• Reduced confidence

These symptoms are real and deserve proper assessment. Your GP can help work out whether hormonal change, disrupted sleep, stress, another health condition, or a combination, is contributing.

Physical symptoms

• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle aches, joint pain or stiffness
• Breast tenderness
• Heart palpitations
• Changes in weight or body composition
• Dry or itchy skin, and changes to hair
• Reduced energy

Palpitations and chest symptoms should not automatically be put down to menopause. Depending on your symptoms and history, your GP may recommend further assessment.

Vaginal, bladder and sexual symptoms

Lower oestrogen levels can affect the tissues around the vagina, vulva, bladder and urinary tract. Symptoms may include:

• Vaginal dryness, burning, irritation or discomfort
• Pain during sexual activity
• Reduced sexual desire
• Urinary urgency, or passing urine more often
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urine leakage

These symptoms can begin during perimenopause and may continue after other symptoms have settled. Treatment options are available, so there is no need to simply put up with them.

When should I make an appointment?

Consider booking if:

• Your symptoms are affecting your sleep, work or relationships
• Your periods have become unusually heavy, painful or unpredictable
• You are having hot flushes or night sweats
• You are concerned about anxiety, mood changes or brain fog
• You have vaginal dryness, painful sex or urinary symptoms
• You would like to discuss menopausal hormone therapy, or non-hormonal options
• You need advice about contraception during perimenopause
• You are concerned about bone, heart, metabolic or general health
• Your periods stopped before the age of 45
• You are not sure whether your symptoms are menopause or something else

What happens during a menopause consultation?

Your appointment is a chance to talk about the symptoms that matter to you, without embarrassment or judgement. Your female GP may ask about:

• Changes to your menstrual cycle
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Sleep and energy
• Mood, anxiety and concentration
• Vaginal, bladder or sexual symptoms
• Current medicines and supplements
• Contraception and the possibility of pregnancy
• Previous pregnancies and gynaecological history
• Personal and family medical history
• Breast, ovarian, uterine, heart and bone health
• Smoking, alcohol, movement, nutrition and stress
• Your treatment preferences and concerns

Your doctor may also check your blood pressure and discuss whether an examination, blood tests, screening or further investigation would be helpful. Together you can build a plan that reflects your symptoms, your health risks and your own preferences.

Will I need blood tests?

Not everyone does. For women aged roughly 45 to 55 with typical symptoms and menstrual changes, the diagnosis can often be made from symptoms and history alone. Hormone levels fluctuate considerably during perimenopause, so a single result may not give a clear answer.

Testing may be considered if:

• Symptoms begin before the age of 45
• Your periods stop before the age of 40
• Your symptoms or cycle changes are unusual
• Pregnancy is possible
• Another medical condition may be causing similar symptoms
• Your doctor needs to check thyroid, iron, blood sugar, cholesterol or another aspect of your health

Your GP will explain which tests, if any, are appropriate for you.

Treatment options

There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Your plan may involve one approach or a combination.

Menopausal hormone therapy

Systemic menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), previously known as HRT, can be an effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats, may improve related sleep disruption, and can help prevent bone loss in appropriate patients. It may be supplied as skin patches, gels or tablets. Local vaginal oestrogen is a separate treatment for vaginal and some urinary symptoms; it does not treat hot flushes or protect bones in the same way as systemic MHT.

What is recommended depends on factors including whether you have a uterus, your symptoms, your age, your medical history and your preferences. MHT is not suitable for everyone, and your GP will discuss the expected benefits, the possible risks and the alternatives before prescribing. If you do start treatment, a follow-up appointment is usually needed to review how you are going, any side effects, and whether adjustments are needed.

Non-hormonal prescription treatments

Some prescription medicines can help with hot flushes, night sweats or other symptoms where MHT is unsuitable or not preferred. What is appropriate depends on your symptoms, your other medicines and your general health, and your GP can explain the side effects to weigh up.

Treatment for vaginal and urinary symptoms

Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants can help with dryness and discomfort, and local vaginal oestrogen may be considered for some patients. Your doctor can assess urinary symptoms, recurrent infections, pain or incontinence, and may recommend treatment, testing or referral to another health professional.

Sleep, mood and psychological support

Improving sleep, managing stress and treating anxiety or low mood can be an important part of menopause care. Depending on your circumstances that might include sleep strategies, cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling or psychological support, medication where appropriate, treating the night sweats that are disturbing your sleep, or assessment for another sleep or mental health condition. Where ongoing support is needed, a GP care plan may be an option.

Lifestyle and preventive health

Lifestyle measures will not remove every symptom, but they support your general health during and after menopause. Your GP may discuss regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise, cardiovascular activity, adequate calcium and vitamin D, nutritious eating, smoking, alcohol intake, blood pressure, sleep routines, stress management, and keeping your breast, cervical and bowel screening up to date. Advice should be tailored to your health and circumstances.

What about natural or complementary remedies?

Plenty of products are promoted as “natural” menopause treatments. Natural does not necessarily mean safe, effective, or right for you. Herbal and complementary products can cause side effects or interact with prescription medicines, and quality and dose can vary between products.

Tell your GP about any vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies you take or are thinking about, so you can look at the evidence together and identify any risks or interactions.

Contraception and fertility during perimenopause

Pregnancy can still happen during perimenopause, even when periods have become irregular, and menopausal hormone therapy does not work as contraception. Your GP can talk through whether you still need contraception, which options suit you — including the hormonal IUD — irregular or heavy bleeding, fertility concerns, and when contraception can safely be stopped. The right advice depends on your age, menstrual history, health and current contraception.

Looking after your long-term health

Menopause is not only about managing symptoms now. Changes in oestrogen can also influence bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, vaginal and bladder health.

Bone health

Bone density gradually decreases with age, and bone loss can accelerate around menopause. Your GP can review family history of osteoporosis, previous fractures, early menopause, low body weight, smoking, alcohol, calcium and vitamin D, physical activity, and any medicines or conditions that affect bone. Where appropriate, they may recommend further investigation or a bone density scan.

Heart and metabolic health

Midlife is a sensible time to review blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and diabetes risk, weight and waist measurement, smoking, physical activity, nutrition and family history of heart disease. These checks can be folded into your general preventive health care, and may fit alongside a health assessment.

Our female GPs

You can book with Dr Ramani Poonehela for menopause and perimenopause care, or choose another available GP from our female GP team. Our female doctors bring a range of clinical interests and experience to women’s health care. They can assess your symptoms, discuss treatment options, review your preventive health needs, and arrange further investigation or referral where it is needed.

Meet our doctors — filter for female GPs →

Individual clinical interests, appointment availability and new-patient availability change from time to time. When booking online, choose an available female GP, or contact reception if you would like help choosing the right appointment.

Preparing for your appointment

A little preparation gets you more out of the consultation. Before you come in, consider:

• Bringing any symptom notes or period dates you already have — a diary can help, but you do not need to delay booking to complete one
• Recording changes to your periods
• Listing your current medicines and supplements
• Writing down treatments you have already tried
• Bringing relevant test results or medical records
• Noting your personal and family medical history
• Listing the questions you most want answered

Choose “Menopause & Perimenopause Consultation” when booking online. If you have several concerns, or are unsure which appointment to select, call reception so enough time can be set aside.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels and menstrual cycles change. Menopause is reached after twelve consecutive months without a period, provided there is no other medical explanation.

How long can menopause symptoms last?

It varies considerably. Perimenopause commonly lasts four to six years, but it can be shorter or longer. Some symptoms improve after menopause, while vaginal and urinary symptoms may persist without treatment.

Can I be in perimenopause while still having regular periods?

Yes. Some women notice symptoms before their periods become obviously irregular. Your GP can consider your age, symptoms, cycle history and other possible causes.

Do I need a hormone test?

Not necessarily. For many women aged 45 to 55, symptoms and menstrual history give more useful information than a single hormone test. Testing may be recommended when symptoms begin at a younger age, the diagnosis is unclear, or another condition needs to be excluded.

Is menopausal hormone therapy safe?

MHT is an effective treatment for many healthy women, but whether it suits you depends on your individual circumstances. Your GP will consider your age, symptoms, medical history, family history and preferences before making any recommendation, and will go through the benefits and risks with you.

What if I do not want to take hormones?

Hormonal treatment is not the only option. Depending on your symptoms, your GP may discuss non-hormonal prescription medicines, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants, psychological therapies, sleep strategies, lifestyle measures, or referral to another health professional.

Can I still become pregnant during perimenopause?

Yes. Ovulation can still occur even when periods are irregular, and MHT is not contraception. If pregnancy is not wanted, discuss contraception with your GP.

Should bleeding after menopause be checked?

Yes. Bleeding or spotting after twelve months without a period should be assessed promptly, even if it happens only once.

Can I choose a female GP?

Yes. You can select an available female GP when booking online. Appointment and new-patient availability varies, so contact reception if you would like a hand.

Are menopause appointments bulk billed?

Medicare eligibility and billing depend on your circumstances and the service provided. Please confirm the fee and any out-of-pocket cost with reception before your appointment. See our fees page or ask reception when you book.

Trusted menopause information

• healthdirect — Menopause: symptoms and treatments
• Australasian Menopause Society — consumer information sheets
• Jean Hailes for Women’s Health — menopause

Menopause care sits within the wider women’s health services we provide at our Pialba practice.

This information is general and does not replace personalised medical advice. Treatment recommendations depend on your symptoms, medical history, examination and individual risk factors. For a medical emergency call Triple Zero (000).

Information updated 18 October 2026