What is it?
Menopause is your final menstrual period, confirmed after 12 months without one. In Australia the average age is 51. The years leading up to it, called perimenopause, often bring changing periods and symptoms caused by falling hormone levels. Menopause before 40 is called premature ovarian insufficiency and should always be assessed.
Common symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Changes to your periods in perimenopause
- Poor sleep, low mood, anxiety or brain fog
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Needing to pass urine more often, or recurrent urinary infections
- Joint aches
How it's diagnosed
Menopause is usually diagnosed from your age and symptoms. Blood tests can help in some situations, such as if you're under 45. Any bleeding after menopause needs to be checked, usually with a pelvic ultrasound and sometimes a hysteroscopy and sample of the uterine lining.
Treatment options
Options include menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), non-hormonal medicines for hot flushes, vaginal oestrogen for dryness and bladder symptoms, and lifestyle changes. Dr Saadie will talk through the benefits and risks for you, considering your personal and family history.
When to see a doctor
See your GP if menopause symptoms are affecting your life, if your periods stop before 40, or if you have any bleeding after menopause, which always needs investigation.
To see Dr Saadie, ask your GP for a referral, then request an appointment or call (02) 9894 9225.
More information
Other conditions
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Heavy periods
- Prolapse and incontinence
- Cervical screening and colposcopy
- Ovarian cysts
- All gynaecology care
General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Updated November 2026.