When do I need to see a Doctor about menopause?

For women reaching the end of their fertile years, menopause is a significant moment of transition. Despite certain aspects of the menopausal experience feeling common, it’s essential to recognise that this phase is a highly individual journey. The menopausal symptoms, timing, and consequences are distinct for every woman who enters into this new phase. Consequently, treatment and monitoring approaches need to be personalised to suit the unique needs of each individual. While some women may feel comfortable going through menopause with little support, others will need ongoing professional aid.

The natural menopause journey can greatly benefit from a proactive approach to managing our health. By striving for optimal daily wellbeing during the transformations of menopause, we can make a substantial difference. Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional can be a crucial step in the confidence and clarity needed to navigate menopause with awareness, preparation, and consistency. 

If you are uncertain of when it’s time to talk to your doctor about the beginning of menopause or whether it’s wise to seek their support through particular menopausal symptoms, here’s our guide to help you make an informed decision about your health management.

The importance of establishing routine check-ups

When life gets busy, booking an appointment with the doctor can easily be the first thing to go out the window. Women entering or already experiencing menopause are often pulled in all directions thanks to life’s demands. Work responsibilities, home responsibilities, and managing health priorities can mean a regular check-up with your doctor continues to get pushed to the ‘later’ part of your to-do list. 

However, embracing menopause with grace and preparedness means regular checks became all the more important. Think of these less as perfunctory visits, but more as key milestones in your overall navigation of each menopausal symptom. This is a great opportunity for you to regularly reflect on your symptoms of menopause, flagging any potential health concerns as they arise. Even small symptoms can be addressed if they’re highlighted early, which can make a world of difference when it comes to limiting their impact on your ongoing wellbeing. 

Key signs to watch out for

While routine check-ups are a powerful foundation for managing your health throughout each stage of menopause, certain symptoms may require professional support if they change or intensify. These include:

• Severe hot flushes and night sweats. Are you finding hot flushes and night sweats are having a large and negative impact on your daily routines? If so, it’s time to talk to a health professional to discover which options may help to alleviate their intensity.
• Mood fluctuations and emotional ebbs and flows. If feelings of despair, anxiety, or heightened mood swings are becoming more and more common, seeking professional support can introduce you to key support options. While menopause can intensify mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations, too many suffer alone when it comes to managing their mental and emotional health during this season of transition.
• Vaginal discomfort. Do you experience dryness, burning, unease during sex, or vaginal discomfort? This isn’t a symptom to ignore; instead, it may point to deeper health issues. Book an appointment with your doctor to give yourself the best support possible in finding a resolution.
• Unexpected weight variations. Whether you’re experiencing significant and rapid weight loss or gain, this is well worth discussing with a health professional. While this may be a result of menopause, these changes could also point to other underlying issues. 

The role of professionals in supporting your health and wellbeing

Of course, managing your health throughout menopause isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s important to prioritise all elements of your wellness to shape your menopausal experience and also your health on the other side of menopause’s changes. In partnership with your doctor, you can take a proactive approach to managing your wellbeing across key areas like bone health, cardiovascular health, mental health, and more. 

Better Health recommends the following for Australian women in their menopausal years:

• Regular heart health checks (every two years). As cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death for Australian women, these regular check-ups are crucial if you’re aged 45 years or over (or in your 30s if you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent). In these checks, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as review your medical and family history, diet and exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight. 
• Diabetes health checks. Your doctor will carry out a laboratory blood glucose test that assesses your risk of diabetes, including its likely development. 
• Cervical screenings. As cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, regular cervical screening is a simple way to give yourself the best quality of protection against it. 
• STI screenings. As some STIs don’t have explicit symptoms, these screenings can be useful for women whose partners may have an STI, for women engaging in sexual activity with new partners, or for those who frequently engage with different sexual partners. 
• Breast cancer checks. As early detection of breast cancer is a vital factor in increasing the chances of successful treatments, incorporating a regular breast cancer check is crucial for all Australian women. For those aged between 50 and 74 years, a screening mammogram is recommended every two years.
• Bowel cancer health checks. This common cancer, when detected early, has a 90% treatment rate. For women aged between 50 and 74 years living in Australia, you’ll receive a free test through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program that can be done at home. 
• Bone density health checks. With osteoporosis an increasing risk for women throughout menopause, working with your doctor to check your bone density is one way you can proactively support your ongoing health and wellbeing.

Many different health considerations are present throughout menopause, which can make it complicated to protect and prioritise your health if you’re navigating them all on your own. A trusted GP can become a crucial ally throughout your menopausal years.

Conclusion

Alongside GPs, the expert medical team at the Australian Medical Centre can provide the necessary support for a wide range of your menopausal symptoms and experiences. Find the support you need to reduce the impact of menopause on your daily wellbeing and increase your overall health and wellbeing with the support of our expert team. Simply contact us to arrange an obligation-free video or phone consultation.