Specialist Menopause Service
About the Menopause Transition
What is Menopause?
Menopause is normal for every woman. It is when your period has stopped for twelve months. This usually happens around the age of 51 but it can be earlier.
What is perimenopause?
The time leading up to menopause is called the perimenopause. It is a time of transition toward menopause when your period may become irregular because of hormonal changes. This may cause other symptoms such as hot flushes and mood changes.
While many women have mild to moderate menopause symptoms, some women may have very bad menopause symptoms due to:
- starting menopause at an earlier age (for example, before 40)
- medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery
- 'usual' treatments not working or when complicated medical issues mean you need some more help or guidance
While many women cope with mild to moderate menopause symptoms, some women may have very bad menopause symptoms due to:
- starting menopause at an earlier age (for example, before 40)
- medical treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery
- 'usual' treatments not working or when complicated medical issues mean you need some more help or guidance
Why is it important to manage menopause related symptoms?
At the time of menopause, the risks of poor heart and bone health issues may get worse. Treating your menopause symptoms will better protect women's heart and bones especially when there are other health issues.
Treating menopause symptoms will also improve women's quality of life when symptoms are particularly bad, allowing them to live better and healthier lives.
Who is the best person to treat menopause or perimenopause symptoms?
You and your doctor are best at treating your menopause symptoms or health risks.
For many women with very bad menopause symptoms, expert advice and guidance may be needed to assist with looking after their symptoms.
Where can I get expert advice?
The SWSLHD Specialist Menopause Service (SMS) is the first publicly available specialist menopause service in South West Sydney.
The SWSLHD SMS is one of four menopause hubs across NSW providing medical, allied health and nursing expertise to women experiencing severe menopause symptoms or women who have complex menopause care needs.
The SWSLHD SMS is a virtual service, giving patients the flexibility to attend their appointments through telehealth consultation using a phone, computer, laptop or handheld device. We also provide face to face consultations when it is needed, or when virtual services are not appropriate.
The Specialist Menopause Service aims is to:
- Assess the needs of women with severe or complex menopause symptoms
- Offer different care options and management plans to meet a women’s needs
- Provide education and training to medical clinicians and other health providers to improve knowledge and the treatment of menopause.
The SWSLHD Specialist Menopause team provides a range of clinical services including:
Medicine - Endocrinology, Gynaecology, Haematology, Psychiatry
Allied Health – Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Clinical Psychology
Nursing – Clinical Nurse Consultancy
How can I be referred to the Specialist Menopause Service?
Referral to the SMS is essential and can be done by your doctor, medical specialist or women’s health nurse practitioner.
Referral forms to the SWSLHD Specialist Menopause Service can be made accessed here Specialist Menopause Referral Form and forwarded to SWSLHD-SpecialistMenopauseService@health.nsw.gov.au
How to Get in Touch:
The Specialist Menopause Service is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (excluding public holidays).
Phone: 0472 607 238
Email: SWSLHD-SpecialistMenopauseService@health.nsw.gov.au