Menopause is a natural stage of life, but for many women, it can bring a wide range of physical and emotional changes.
Olika is a Canberra-based women’s health clinic providing compassionate, evidence-based menopause care tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals.
Whether you are approaching menopause, currently experiencing symptoms, or managing postmenopausal health, the doctors can guide and support you every step of the way.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age of menopause in Australia is around 51 years, though it can occur earlier or later.
The transition into menopause – known as perimenopause – can begin in your 40s and last several years. Hormone levels fluctuate during this time, often causing a range of symptoms.
Menopause can also occur earlier due to medical treatments such as surgery (e.g. hysterectomy with ovary removal), chemotherapy, or radiation.
The severity and duration of menopausal symptoms vary significantly between individuals. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms can impact quality of life, work, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. At Olika, the doctors take your concerns seriously and work with you to find effective solutions.
After menopause, lower oestrogen levels can affect long-term health. Risks include:
Proactive care helps manage these risks and supports healthy ageing.
Menopause is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and age. In some cases, especially for women under 45 or those with complex symptoms, blood tests may be recommended to assess hormone levels.
At Olika, a comprehensive menopause consultation may include:
HRT replaces oestrogen (and sometimes progesterone) to relieve menopausal symptoms. It is the most effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, and also helps maintain bone density.
HRT can be delivered as tablets, patches, gels, or vaginal preparations. It is safe for most women but may not be suitable for those with a history of certain health conditions. Our clinicians will guide you through the risks and benefits.
For women who prefer or require non-hormonal treatments, alternatives include:
Evidence-based lifestyle changes can also make a big difference:
You will be referred to allied health professionals, including dietitians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and psychologists, as needed.
According to the Australasian Menopause Society, only 20% of women report no menopausal symptoms, and hot flushes and night sweats occur in approximately 75% of postmenopausal women, with 25% of these being severely affected. AMS also reports that in Australia and New Zealand, 2,941,270 women have experienced moderate menopausal symptoms and 980,423 have experienced severe symptoms. Their Menopause Matters resource further notes that 75% of postmenopausal women under 55 experience hot flushes or night sweats, and that women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms are almost three times more likely to experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms.
Premature menopause occurs before age 40 and early menopause before age 45. These may be caused by genetics, surgery, medical treatment, or autoimmune conditions.
Women experiencing early menopause have unique needs, especially regarding bone and heart health, fertility, and emotional support. Our team provides individualised care and ongoing management.
