Women’s health and hormones
Perimenopause and menopause care gives patients time to make sense of symptoms, bleeding changes, treatment options and longer-term health questions without assuming every concern has one cause.
Start here if
This pathway suits patients whose main concern is perimenopause symptoms, menopause symptoms, premature ovarian insufficiency, bleeding changes, hormone treatment questions, bone health, sexual function or broader preventive health review.
Who this is for
A service category is a starting point, not a diagnosis. The clinician may recommend a different appointment, referral, follow-up or preparation step after review.
Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, bleeding changes, vaginal or vulval symptoms, libido concerns, premature ovarian insufficiency, and weight, metabolic or joint changes can be discussed.
Menopausal hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, contraception, screening, bone health, cardiovascular risk and follow-up can be reviewed in context.
Some patients need a broader midlife assessment rather than a brief medication check.
What to expect
The exact appointment depends on symptoms, preparation, suitability and clinician judgement.
Oestrogen receptors exist in virtually every tissue in the body — brain, bone, heart, bladder, skin, muscles and joints. This is why perimenopause affects the whole body, not just periods. Early symptoms such as anxiety, mood irritability, disturbed sleep, brain fog and persistent fatigue are often the first signs and are frequently attributed to stress or depression rather than hormonal change.
Common perimenopause and menopause symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, chills, weight gain, muscle loss, memory difficulties, headaches, urinary changes, vaginal dryness and discomfort, low libido, joint changes and mood disruption. These may begin years before periods stop.
Menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for most menopause symptoms. For many patients, the benefits outweigh the risks — and the method chosen can further reduce those risks. Non-hormonal options, contraception, bone health, cardiovascular risk and follow-up are also discussed in context.
Bring notes on symptoms, timing, bleeding pattern, current medicines, previous hormone therapy, contraception and recent tests if available. Using a symptom app such as the Balance app by Newson Health before the appointment can help identify patterns.
Heavy, unusual or postmenopausal bleeding should be raised clearly and may need a different or more urgent pathway.
Safety and expectations
Read the limits and aftercare notes before booking so the next step matches your concern and urgency.
Menopausal hormone therapy may be discussed, but suitability depends on symptoms, history, risks, goals and individual circumstances. Not every patient needs or wants hormone therapy.
Telehealth may support review or follow-up, but examination, procedures or urgent symptoms need a different pathway.
Whether the plan involves lifestyle changes, non-hormonal support, menopausal hormone therapy or a staged approach, consistent follow-up improves outcomes.
For ongoing education, the Australasian Menopause Society (menopause.org.au), the Balance app by Newson Health, the British Menopause Society and The Menopause Society (USA) provide evidence-based information reviewed by menopause specialists.
Booking and fees
Book directly when the pathway is clear, or use the booking page if appointment type, timing or provider fit is uncertain.
Booking pathway
The primary booking option opens the 60 minute midlife assessment on Halaxy. Use the booking page if a shorter women’s health consultation fits better.
Urgent concerns
For urgent concerns that cannot wait for routine booking, call the clinic during opening hours, or seek urgent medical care by calling 000 for emergencies, CALMS after-hours general practice on 02 6260 3300 or attend the GP urgent care clinic at Woden.
Use the booking page when symptoms cross categories or a shorter appointment is the right fit.
Fees for this pathway
These fee rows come from current clinic fee records. Medicare rebate, out-of-pocket and bulk billing details are shown only where they are supported by the published fee record.
60 minutes
A$420
Longer midlife assessment for peri/menopause, bone health, sexual function and broader preventive health review.
Medicare rebate: Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket estimates depend on eligibility and the item number billed.
40 minutes
From A$345
Women’s health new-patient fees vary by practitioner; Dr French’s current listed fee remains A$360.
Medicare rebate: Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket estimates depend on eligibility and the item number billed.
20 minutes
A$225
Significant review or follow-up appointment listed in current clinic fee information.
Medicare rebate: Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket estimates depend on eligibility and the item number billed.
40 minutes
A$368
Eligible new-patient women’s health consultation by Halaxy Telehealth.
Medicare rebate: Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket estimates depend on eligibility and the item number billed.
20 minutes
A$220
Eligible significant review or follow-up appointment by Halaxy Telehealth.
Medicare rebate: Medicare rebate and out-of-pocket estimates depend on eligibility and the item number billed.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Perimenopause can involve symptoms and cycle changes before periods stop completely.
Not necessarily. Suitability depends on symptoms, history, risks, goals and individual circumstances.
Not always. Bring any recent results you have. Your doctor will discuss whether further tests are useful.
Some menopause and review appointments may be suitable for telehealth. Examination, procedures or urgent symptoms need a different pathway.