Menopause Isn’t Just About Hormones – It’s About Making Informed Choices Together

15/07/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about menopause treatment options is that every appointment ends with a prescription for hormones. It doesn’t. Some women choose menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Some decide it’s not the right option for them. Others simply want to understand what’s happening to their bodies and learn what they can do to stay healthy as they age. Every one of those choices is valid. As doctors, our role isn’t to tell women what they should do. It’s to provide evidence-based information, explain the benefits and risks, understand what matters most to each individual, and make decisions together. This approach is called shared decision making, and I believe it is one of the most important parts of good menopause care. There is rarely one “right” answer By the time women reach their forties and...

Osteoporosis & Osteopenia

13/06/2026

Exercise, Fitness, Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Protecting Bone Health After MenopauseOsteoporosis (reduced bone strength with increased fracture risk) and osteopenia (lower-than-normal bone density, but not yet osteoporosis) are common in women after menopause. Bone loss accelerates in the first 5–10 years after menopause, largely due to declining oestrogen (the hormone that protects bone).What Happens to Bone After Menopause?Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining the balance between bone breakdown and formation. After menopause:Bone resorption (breakdown) increasesBone formation cannot keep upNet bone loss occurs, increasing fracture riskWomen can lose up to 10–20% of bone density in the early postmenopausal years.The Role of OestrogenOestrogen is one of the most effective therapies for preventing bone loss.Evidence shows:Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) reduces fracture risk by ~30–40%It improves bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and...

Painful Periods that disrupt your life are not normal – Endometriosis could be the cause

13/04/2026

Health, Lifestyle

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (lining of the uterus) grows outside the uterus, commonly affecting the ovaries, pelvic lining , and bowel. It affects around 1 in 9 women and can significantly impact quality of life, fertility and mental wellbeing. Diagnosis There is no longer a requirement for surgical confirmation -laparoscopy - to make a diagnosis. Current guidelines support a clinical diagnosis (based on symptoms), Common symptoms: Dysmenorrhea (painful periods, often severe and worsening over time) Chronic pelvic pain (ongoing pain in the lower abdomen) Deep dyspareunia (pain with deeper sexual intercourse) Pain with bowel movements, often cyclical (worse around periods) Subfertility Imaging plays a role but does not exclude disease: Transvaginal ultrasound (internal pelvic scan) is first-line and useful for identifying...

The Menopause Client Agonists for weight loss

GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss, What You Need to Know

16/06/2025

Lifestyle, Fitness, Health, Nutrition

GLP-1 agonists such as Mounjaro and Wegovy® were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but in recent years, they’ve gained widespread attention for a different reason: supporting significant weight loss. These medications work by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate: • Appetite • Insulin secretion • Glucose metabolism The result? You feel fuller for longer, have fewer cravings, and are more in control of your eating—especially helpful during midlife, when metabolism slows and managing weight becomes increasingly challenging. How GLP-1 Agonists Support Weight Loss GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro help: • Reduce appetite and hunger • Slow gastric emptying (helping you feel full) • Improve insulin sensitivity This mechanism makes them a valuable tool in midlife weight management, particularly during menopause, when hormonal changes often lead to weight gain around...

The Menopause Clinic Body Identified Hormones

Why I Prescribe Body-Identical Hormones, Not Compounded Bio-Identicals

04/06/2025

Health

One of the most common questions I’m asked in my clinic is: "Do you prescribe bio-identical hormones?" The short answer is: No, I don’t prescribe compounded bio-identical hormone therapy. What I do prescribe are TGA-approved, PBS-listed body-identical hormones and here’s why that distinction matters. What Are Body-Identical Hormones? Body-identical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally produced by your body. They are manufactured under strict guidelines, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia, and available at your local pharmacy. Importantly, they are also listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which helps make them more affordable and accessible. These hormones are thoroughly tested for safety, consistency and effectiveness They provide a regulated, evidence-based treatment option for women seeking hormone therapy during menopause or perimenopause. What About Compounded Bio-Identical Hormones? Compounded...

Menopause Conference Insights – So Hot Right Now Reflections

18/03/2025

Lifestyle, Health, Motivation

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the So Hot Right Now menopause conference — a powerful gathering of health professionals, researchers, advocates, and women with lived experience. It was inspiring to be in a space where menopause was not just acknowledged but openly discussed and even celebrated. A Shift in the Menopause Conversation — Finally! For too long, menopause has been treated as something women should quietly endure. What struck me most at this menopause conference was that we are finally witnessing a shift. Menopause is no longer being swept under the rug as a taboo topic. Instead, there is a growing recognition that this stage of life is pivotal, and with the right information and support, it can be a time of empowerment, renewal, and...

So Hot Right Now – Menopause Conference Sydney 2025

25/02/2025

Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

Sydney’s latest buzz isn’t just about the stunning harbour views —it’s about the redefining menopause conference that’s so hot right now and stirring up quite a debate. This isn’t your typical clinical gathering; it’s a dynamic mix of expert insights and engaging voices, headlined by prominent figure Dr Louise Newson. Known for her active online presence and her clinic in the UK, Dr Louise Newson brings a wealth of practical experience and clinical expertise to the table. Alongside her, other medical social media figures like Dr Kelly Casperson are also making their mark, offering relatable advice and bridging the gap between clinical insights and everyday experience. The Power of Personal Experience For many, menopause is a journey filled with personal triumphs and challenges . Dr Louise Newson...

My Journey to Becoming a Menopause GP: A Commitment to Women’s Health

25/02/2025

Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized

I began my medical training in the United Kingdom, where I developed a deep respect for evidence-based care. As I worked as a GP in Australia, I quickly noticed that many women navigating menopause were not receiving the tailored attention their unique needs required. The standard consultation often felt too brief to address the complexities of this transformative stage. Alongside this was the misrepresented WHI study, which scared both women and health professionals away from using oestrogen and progesterone during menopause. Determined to bridge this gap, I pursued further specialization in menopause care. I immersed myself in the latest research and clinical best practices to ensure that my approach was both comprehensive and compassionate. Recognizing that quality women's health care takes time, I established a dedicated clinic...

Exercise, Diet, and Alcohol Reduction: A Realistic Guide for Busy Women in Perimenopause and Menopause

31/01/2025

Exercise, Health

Life doesn’t slow down just because we hit perimenopause or menopause. Between work, family, and trying to have a life, finding time for exercise and healthy eating can feel like just another impossible task. But here’s the thing—small, sustainable changes can make a huge difference. Move Your Body, But Keep It Real Exercise isn’t about punishment or chasing a perfect body—it’s about feeling good, boosting energy, and keeping bones and muscles strong. If you’re short on time, aim for efficiency: Strength training twice a week helps counteract muscle loss and supports metabolism. Walking is underrated—just 30 minutes a day improves mood, heart health, and weight management. Short bursts count—10-minute bodyweight workouts, yoga stretches, or stair climbing all add up. Eating Well Without the Overwhelm Hormonal changes can make weight management trickier, but...

Happy New Year – It’s Time to Invest in Your Health with a Menopause Focused GP

31/01/2025

Health

Why an appointment with a Menopause focused GP specialising in women’s health is worth the investment.When navigating the complexities of women’s health—especially during menopause—finding the right support is essential. While standard GP appointments are invaluable for general health concerns, there’s a unique benefit to consulting with a GP who has a special interest and extensive experience in women’s health and menopause.Time Well SpentGPs with a focus on women’s health understand that menopause and related issues aren’t “one-size-fits-all.” From hot flushes and sleep disturbances to mood changes and long-term health concerns, these matters are complex and deeply personal. This is why longer appointment times are essential—they allow for a more thorough exploration of your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history.During these extended consultations, there’s room to:• Address...