Menopause & Perimenopause Doctor Melbourne

Menopause and perimenopause affect every woman differently — but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At CBD Doctors Melbourne, the GPs provide compassionate, evidence-based care for women at every stage of the menopause transition. Whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your cycle, managing disruptive symptoms, or looking to review an existing hormone therapy plan, we’re here to help. Same-day appointments are available at our Melbourne CBD clinic on Queen Street.

Menopause & Perimenopause Care in Melbourne and across inner Melbourne including Southbank, Docklands, Carlton, Fitzroy, East Melbourne, North Melbourne, and the broader Melbourne metro area.

What is perimenopause — and how is it different from menopause?

Many women first notice changes years before their periods stop. This transition period is called perimenopause, and it can begin in your early to mid-40s — sometimes earlier. During perimenopause, oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, which can trigger a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms even while periods continue.

Please note during perimenopause, level of hormones, although it may contribute to the diagnosis, is not the only factor in making the diagnosis. Symptoms may be better predicting factor.

Menopause itself is defined as the point at which you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. In Australia, the average age of menopause is 51 to 52 years. The years following menopause are referred to as postmenopause.

Understanding where you are in this transition is an important first step — and one of the key reasons to speak with your GP early.

Common symptoms our GPs can help with

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause vary widely from person to person. Some women experience only mild changes; others find their daily life significantly affected. Our GPs are experienced in assessing and treating the full range of menopause-related symptoms, including:

Hot flushes and night sweats
Irregular or changing periods
Sleep disturbance and insomnia
Mood changes, anxiety and irritability
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and low energy
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
Reduced libido
Joint and muscle aches
Weight changes, particularly around the abdomen
Urinary frequency or recurrent UTIs
Skin and hair changes

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms — even if you’re not sure they’re related to menopause — it’s worth having a conversation with one of our GPs.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT/HRT) — what your GP can prescribe

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), previously known as HRT, is the most effective treatment available for managing menopause symptoms. It works by supplementing declining oestrogen and progesterone levels to reduce symptoms and protect long-term health.

Current Australian evidence shows that MHT is safe and effective for most healthy women, particularly when started within 10 years of the final menstrual period or before the age of 60. At CBD Doctors Melbourne, our GPs follow the latest RACGP and Australasian Menopause Society guidelines to assess whether MHT is right for you.

Types of MHT available in Australia

Combined MHT (oestrogen + progestogen) For women who still have their uterus. Oestrogen alone increases the risk of endometrial cancer, so progestogen is added to protect the uterine lining. Available in cyclical form (for perimenopause or early menopause) or continuous form (typically for postmenopausal women).

Oestrogen-only MHT For women who have had a hysterectomy. Oestrogen alone is sufficient and may even offer some cardiovascular benefit when started early.

Forms and delivery options:

Tablets or capsules (oral)
Transdermal patches
Oestrogen gel (applied to skin)
Vaginal creams or pessaries (for genitourinary symptoms)
Hormonal IUD (as the progestogen component)

Your GP will recommend a delivery method based on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preference. Transdermal options (patches and gels) are often preferred as they carry a lower risk of blood clots compared to oral preparations.

Testosterone therapy Low-dose testosterone is not a standard component of MHT but may be considered for women experiencing low libido that has not responded to oestrogen therapy alone. Your GP can discuss whether this is appropriate for your situation.

Non-hormonal options MHT is not suitable for every woman — for example, if you have a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer or certain cardiovascular conditions. The GPs can discuss effective non-hormonal alternatives, including:

Fezolinetant (Veoza) — a newer non-hormonal prescription medication approved in Australia for hot flushes and night sweats
Certain antidepressants and blood pressure medications with evidence for vasomotor symptoms
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — evidence-based for managing hot flushes, sleep disturbance and mood

What happens at a menopause consultation at CBD Doctors Melbourne?

A menopause consultation with one of the GPs is a dedicated, unhurried conversation about your health. You can expect to:

Discuss your symptoms and how they’re affecting your daily life
Review your personal and family medical history
Discuss the benefits and risks of MHT for your individual circumstances
Talk through all available treatment options — hormonal and non-hormonal
Receive a prescription if MHT is appropriate, or a referral if specialist care is needed
Arrange any relevant tests (blood tests, bone density scan, mammogram)
Book a follow-up at 6–12 weeks to review how treatment is working

There is no single “right” approach to menopause management. Your GP takes a personalised, whole-health view — and will always take the time to answer your questions.

MHT costs and Medicare in Melbourne

Many MHT medications are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, meaning the cost at the pharmacy is significantly reduced. The standard PBS co-payment is around $25 per prescription (or $7.70 for concession card holders).

A GP consultation to assess and prescribe MHT is covered by Medicare. If you hold a Medicare card, your appointment may be bulk billed or attract a small gap fee — our reception team can advise when you call.

Some newer formulations and certain testosterone products are not PBS-listed and require a private prescription. Your GP will always discuss costs with you before prescribing.

Menopause and your long-term health

Managing menopause well isn’t just about symptom relief — it has real long-term health benefits. Oestrogen plays an important role in maintaining bone density, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function. The GPs will consider your whole-health picture, including:

Bone health: Oestrogen loss after menopause accelerates bone density loss. MHT, along with calcium, vitamin D and exercise, can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Heart health: For women without cardiovascular risk factors who start MHT within 10 years of their final period, there does not appear to be an increased risk of heart disease, and there may be some protective benefit.
Mental health: Sleep disruption, anxiety and low mood are common during perimenopause and menopause. These are not simply “part of life” — they are treatable, and your GP can help.
Weight changes: Hormonal changes can shift fat distribution toward the abdomen. Our GPs can discuss lifestyle strategies and, where appropriate, medical weight management options.

Frequently asked questions

Can a GP prescribe HRT/MHT in Melbourne? Yes. GPs can assess, prescribe and manage standard MHT for most women. You do not need a specialist referral to start hormone therapy. If your situation is more complex — for example, if you have had hormone-sensitive cancer, or your symptoms are not responding to initial treatment — your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist or specialist menopause clinic.

How do I know if my symptoms are perimenopause? Perimenopause symptoms often overlap with other conditions such as thyroid disorders, anxiety and iron deficiency. Your GP may arrange a blood test to help clarify, though it’s worth knowing that hormone levels fluctuate significantly during perimenopause and normal results don’t rule it out. Diagnosis is largely clinical — based on your age, symptoms and menstrual history.

Do I need a blood test before starting MHT? Not always. For most women over 45 with typical symptoms, MHT can be considered based on clinical assessment alone. Blood tests may be useful in younger women, or to rule out other causes of symptoms. Your GP will advise what’s needed for your individual situation.

Is MHT safe? For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their final period, the benefits of MHT outweigh the risks. Current Australian and international guidelines support MHT as a safe and effective option. Your GP will discuss your personal risk factors — including family history of breast cancer, clotting history, and cardiovascular health — to help you make an informed decision.

How long can I take MHT? There are no hard rules about maximum duration. The right time to stop or continue MHT is a personal decision made with your GP, taking into account your symptoms, age, and overall health. Regular reviews (typically annual) are recommended.

Is MHT the same as “bioidentical hormones”? Many TGA-approved MHT products use bioidentical oestrogen and progesterone — that is, hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body. Compounded “bioidentical” hormone products from compounding pharmacies, however, are not regulated or tested for dose accuracy and are not recommended by medical professional bodies.

I’m in my early 40s — can I still see a GP about perimenopause? Absolutely. Perimenopause can begin in the early 40s, and for some women even earlier. If you’re noticing changes to your cycle, mood, sleep or energy levels, it’s worth discussing with your GP — even if you’re not sure what’s causing them.

Book a menopause consultation in Melbourne CBD

CBD Doctors Melbourne is located at Level 10, 53 Queen Melbourne — convenient to the entire CBD and inner suburbs across inner Melbourne including Southbank, Docklands, Carlton, Fitzroy, East Melbourne, North Melbourne, and the broader Melbourne metro area. Same-day appointments are available.

We offer appointments with both male and female GPs. If you’d prefer to see a female GP for your menopause consultation, please book with either Dr Natasha Mitik-Dineva or Dr Jelena Radosavljevic.

Other links you may find useful

Women’s Health page
Mental Health Care Plan page
Iron Infusions page (iron deficiency is a common differential for menopause symptoms)
Skin Cancer Check page (annual health reviews)

Why Choose CBD Doctors Melbourne?

Convenient CBD location – Level 10/53 Queen Street, easy access via public transport
Same-day appointments – Often available for urgent consultations
Experienced GPs – FRACGP-qualified doctors with weight management expertise
Comprehensive services – Medical assessment, prescriptions, referrals, ongoing support
Online booking – Book 24/7 via HotDoc for maximum convenience

Contact CBD Doctors Melbourne

📍 Location: Level 10/53 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

🕐 Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

💻 Online Booking: Book 24/7 via HotDoc at here. Simply select your preferred doctor and standard consultation to speak to a doctor.