COLLECTED MINDS RESOURCES: PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE

The webinar discusses the following:

What Menopause Is:

The session explains menopause as the time when periods have stopped for 12 months and perimenopause as the lead-up phase where hormones fluctuate. Early and premature menopause are also outlined.

Common Symptoms and How to Manage Them:

Hot flushes, brain fog, sleep problems, mood changes, and changes in libido are all common. The presenters discuss treatment options like hormone therapy (MHT), some herbal remedies (with mixed evidence), exercise, healthy eating, better sleep habits, stress management, and psychological support.

Myths and Facts:

The webinar clears up misconceptions around MHT – it doesn’t cause weight gain, doesn’t significantly raise breast cancer or heart disease risks, and diagnosis doesn’t always need a blood test. Complementary therapies aren’t automatically safer or more effective.

Mental Health and Menopause:

Beyond physical symptoms, menopause can bring mood swings, fatigue, low confidence, memory lapses, and concentration difficulties. Life changes like parenting pressures, caring for ageing parents, relationship shifts, or work stress can make this time even harder. On the positive side, many women report more confidence, freedom from social pressures, and even improved performance at work during this stage.

Therapies and Self-Compassion:

Therapy can help women manage stress, improve relationships, and feel more in control. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and compassion-based approaches are particularly helpful. The session highlights the importance of being kinder to yourself and avoiding harsh self-talk.

Q&A Session:

The webinar ends with a Q&A, where participants’ questions about symptoms, treatments, and coping strategies are answered.

Resources:

Kristin Neff’s video The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion on YouTube

The Australasian Menopause Society is the leading authority on menopause education in Australia and New Zealand. With over 700 members—including doctors, nurses, researchers, and healthcare professionals—AMS offers evidence-based resources for both health practitioners and the public include:

• Clinical information for healthcare professionals: Detailed fact sheets and information sheets (like “What is menopause?”, contraceptive guidance, HRT dosing, bone health, sleep, mood, and non-hormonal options), curated and produced by qualified medical practitioners.
   
• Consumer education for women: Accessible videos, infographics, and patient-friendly fact sheets tailored for women navigating perimenopause and menopause symptoms (e.g. hot flushes, bone health, mental health, and workplace wellbeing).
   
• eLearning opportunities for professionals: Paid and free online modules for GPs and allied health (e.g. menopause basics, vasomotor symptom management, sexual health, case studies), often eligible for CPD/RACGP points, with most courses free for AMS members.

• Events and annual congress: The AMS hosts an annual scientific congress in Australia or New Zealand, along with webinars (e.g. “Let’s Talk About Sex”) focused on practitioner education and best-practice discussions.
   
• Advocacy and updates: Recent lobbying successes include federal government funding for Medicare rebates on menopause health assessments, clinical guidelines development, and public awareness campaigns. AMS also shares news on MHT availability, shortages, and new research insights.
   
• Inclusive and professional ethos: AMS promotes respect and inclusivity, explicitly acknowledging that not all individuals who experience menopause identify as women. Members gain access to a members-only portal containing journals, position statements, Cochrane reviews, case studies, and networking opportunities.
   

Jean Hailes For Women's Health: Menopause

Jean Hailes provides trusted, evidence-based information and support on menopause for Australian women and health professionals. This resource covers the stages of perimenopause, menopause, and post‑menopause; common symptoms; and management options ranging from lifestyle advice to medical therapies.

Key content includes:

• What is Menopause: Defined as the final menstrual period, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55 (average in Australia 51–52), with perimenopause preceding and post‑menopause following this transition.
   
• Symptoms: Women may experience hot flushes, night sweats, sleep issues, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, joint aches, fatigue and more. Symptom duration varies, with some continuing into the 60s.
   
• Management and Treatment: Practical self-care tips (diet, exercise, cooling strategies) plus treatment options including menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), non-hormonal medications, CBT, and some complementary therapies. MHT is noted as the most effective treatment, especially for symptom relief and bone/heart health.
   
• When to See a Doctor: Medical advice is recommended if periods stop early (e.g. before 45), symptoms interfere with daily life, or wellbeing is affected. Health professionals may offer referrals to specialists like gynaecologists, psychologists, or dietitians.
   
• Specialist Support Services: Jean Hailes clinics offer menopause services through specialist GPs, including treatment across symptom management, low libido, vaginal issues, and non-hormonal options.
   

Additional features:

• Easy Read fact sheets using simple language and symbols for accessible education.
   
• Tailored resources: e.g. First Nations Menopause booklet and toolkit for culturally appropriate education.
   
• Educational presentations (including multilingual versions) and e‑learning for health professionals.
   
• Q&A and research updates from Jean Hailes surveys and expert panels, helping clarify questions like early menopause risk and symptom impacts.

Australian Menopause Centre

The Australian Menopause Centre provides Australia-wide telehealth menopause care through a supportive, expert team of doctors, naturopaths, and nutritionists offering personalised treatment plans. Their model centres on body-identical hormone therapy (BHRT), patient-centred care, and ongoing clinical monitoring via a $99/month program with bulk‑billed consultations and flexible support.

Key features include:

• Personalised 5‑Step Treatment Program: Begins with an obligation‑free bulk‑billed telehealth consult, followed by a tailored treatment plan (BHRT or lifestyle options), prescription delivery, early follow-up, and ongoing reviews and dosage adjustments to optimise wellbeing.
   
• Symptom-Focused Support: They address common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, memory fog, fatigue, vaginal changes, and weight gain—with treatment and lifestyle guidance tailored to each symptom.
   
• Expert Team: Founded to deliver compassionate care during life’s transitional phase, the centre’s clinicians specialise in menopause, staying current with the latest hormone therapy research to ensure safe and effective treatment.
   
• Flexible, Inclusive Access: The centre’s program features no lock-in contracts, prescription delivery across Australia, a supportive community of users, wellness perks, and access to an upcoming menopause app for symptom tracking and education.