Is It Time for Your Menopause Health Assessment? Medicare Has You Covered

Women aged 45 and over, or those experiencing early menopause, can now access a Medicare rebate for perimenopause and menopause health assessments. These assessments are designed to support women through this important stage of life, helping to detect and manage health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis early.

What’s Included in a Menopause Health Check?

A menopause health check is a comprehensive appointment with your doctor, designed to assess your symptoms, health profile, and long-term wellbeing. Key elements include:

• A thorough assessment of your symptoms and overall health
• Risk screening and prevention planning for conditions associated with menopause
• Personalised advice and support to manage menopause symptoms and maintain healthy ageing

These assessments provide guidance for women navigating the physical and emotional changes of menopause, helping you make informed decisions about your health.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural process that every woman experiences, marking the end of fertility and a period of hormonal change. Menopause typically begins when your menstrual cycle stops for 12 months, though symptoms may start earlier during perimenopause.

Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause: Usually begins 3–5 years before menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline. Symptoms may include hot flushes, mood changes, and irregular periods.
2. Menopause: Defined as 12 months without a period. During this stage, your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, and symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes may intensify.
3. Postmenopause: Begins after menopause, when your body adjusts to its new hormonal balance. Physical and mental health changes may continue, but many women describe this period as a new beginning.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Mood changes and irritability
• Restless sleep or insomnia
• Vaginal dryness or itching
• Minor urinary issues
• Decreased libido
• Weight gain

While symptoms are often most pronounced during perimenopause and menopause, they typically improve during postmenopause.

How Menopause Affects Your Body

Beyond symptoms, menopause can increase the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. You may also notice changes in body composition, urinary function, and sexual health.

Treatment Options for Menopause Symptoms

Managing menopause often begins with lifestyle changes:

• Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
• Stress management techniques

For more persistent symptoms, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy or other prescription and over-the-counter options to relieve hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.

Why Book a Menopause Health Check?

A Medicare-funded menopause assessment helps you navigate this life stage with confidence, providing personalised care and early intervention for potential health risks. With the right support, menopause can be a period of growth, self-care, and healthy ageing.

Book your menopause health check today. Speak with your doctor to schedule an appointment and take control of your health and wellbeing during menopause.