Menopause is a normal stage of life, but the years around it can bring symptoms that affect sleep, mood, work and relationships. Knowing when to book a menopause GP visit means you can get support early instead of waiting for things to get worse. This guide covers the common signs of perimenopause and menopause, the symptoms that need a prompt check, and what your GP can offer. It also explains a Medicare health assessment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, and how to prepare for an appointment at Harpley Doctors in Werribee.
Key Takeaways
- Menopause is reached 12 months after your final period; the average age in Australia is 51.
- Perimenopause usually starts around 47 and lasts 4 to 6 years on average.
- See a GP if symptoms affect daily life, or for any bleeding after a year without periods.
- Medicare has included a menopause and perimenopause health assessment since 1 July 2025.
- Contraception is still needed in perimenopause if you do not want to become pregnant.
Perimenopause and menopause explained
According to healthdirect’s menopause guide, you have reached menopause when you have gone 12 months without a period. Most Australian women reach it between 45 and 55, and the average age is 51. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to it: it begins when periods become irregular and lasts until 12 months after the final period. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health notes that in Australia perimenopause usually starts at around 47 and lasts 4 to 6 years on average.
Menopause before 40 is called premature menopause, and menopause between 40 and 45 is called early menopause. It can also follow surgery to remove the ovaries or uterus, or cancer treatment.
Symptoms often start before periods stop and can last 5 to 10 years. Common ones include:
- hot flushes and night sweats
- sleep problems, headaches, and aches and pains
- itchy, crawly or dry skin
- vaginal dryness, lower sex drive and bladder changes
- difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, anxiety, low mood or mood swings
When to see your GP about menopause
Jean Hailes is clear that no one should put up with symptoms that affect their daily activities or quality of life. Make an appointment if:
- your symptoms are getting in the way of work, sleep, relationships or daily life
- you have any vaginal bleeding after not having a period for a year, as any abnormal bleeding needs to be checked
- you are under 45 and your periods have become irregular or stopped
- low mood or anxiety is building, in which case our mental health consultations can help
Symptoms in midlife are not always caused by menopause, which is another reason to talk them through. Jean Hailes also describes midlife as a good time for an overall health check even if you feel well, so the visit can double as a general medical check-up.
What happens at a menopause GP appointment
There is no single test for menopause. If you are aged 45 to 55, your doctor will usually work it out from your symptoms and changes to your periods rather than measuring hormone levels. Blood tests are more likely if early or premature menopause is suspected or you have had a hysterectomy. If tests are needed, Australian Clinical Labs has a pathology collection centre on site, open Monday to Friday 8 am to 12 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm.
Your GP may also suggest other checks, such as a mammogram, a pelvic examination or cervical screening, which you still need after menopause. Treatment depends on how much your symptoms affect you and may include:
- menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which may reduce hot flushes, night sweats and sleep problems
- non-hormonal prescription medicine, if hormone therapy is not right for you
- regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep and stress management
- lubricants for vaginal dryness
Healthdirect notes there is no strong evidence that supplements or herbal remedies work for menopause symptoms.
The Medicare menopause health assessment
Since 1 July 2025, Medicare has included a menopause and perimenopause health assessment for people with menopause or perimenopause symptoms. Services Australia lists it as an assessment of at least 20 minutes that can be claimed once every 12 months for eligible patients, available for an initial two-year period. Medicare also funds health assessments for people aged 45 to 49 who are at risk of chronic disease. If you think either may apply to you, ask about it when you book.
Symptoms getting in the way? Our GPs can talk through what is happening and the options that may help.
Looking after your long-term health
The drop in hormones around menopause can reduce bone density and raise the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Your doctor might check your risk factors and arrange a bone density test; Jean Hailes notes that Medicare rebates for these tests are only available for women with certain risk factors or women over 70.
Heart disease risk also rises after menopause. Jean Hailes recommends a heart check with your doctor, who will take your blood pressure and organise a blood test, and you can book a heart health check with us. If you already live with diabetes, high blood pressure or another long-term condition, our chronic condition management can be reviewed at the same time.
You can still become pregnant during perimenopause. Jean Hailes advises that if you are under 50, you should use contraception until you have had 2 years without a period, and if you are over 50, until you have had one year without a period. MHT is not a contraceptive, so ask about suitable contraception options.
Preparing for your appointment
A little preparation makes the appointment more useful. The Jean Hailes perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist helps you track which symptoms bother you most. Bring it along with a list of your medicines and any changes to your periods. Standard consultations run for up to 15 minutes. All consultations are bulk billed.
Several of our GPs, including Dr Anahita Sepahrad, Dr Tina Dolatabadizadeh and Dr Khalida Batool, list women’s health among their areas of interest, and you can read about each of them on our team page. Regular preventive health checks matter at every stage of life, and this one is no exception. You can book online through HealthEngine or call the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a blood test for menopause?
There is no specific test. If you are aged 45 to 55, your doctor usually assesses your symptoms and period changes instead. If you are younger than 45 and your periods are irregular or have stopped, your doctor will probably check your hormone levels.
Can I still get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes. You can still ovulate even when your periods are irregular. Use contraception until you have had 2 years without a period if you are under 50, or one year without a period if you are over 50.
How long do menopause symptoms last?
Everyone is different. Healthdirect notes that menopausal symptoms can last for 5 to 10 years. Jean Hailes adds that vaginal and vulval symptoms, such as dryness, sometimes continue after menopause.
Do I still need cervical screening after menopause?
Yes. The National Cervical Screening Program recommends a cervical screening test every 5 years for people aged 25 to 74.
You do not have to put up with symptoms that affect your life. Book online through HealthEngine or call Harpley Doctors in Werribee.