Menopause & Perimenopause Care

Book Your Menopause or Perimenopause Appointment

GPs in Kiama Downs have specialist interests in Menopause, Perimenopause, Women's health, Contraception, Menstrual and period concerns and IUDs. Several GPs including Dr Danielle Ward, Dr Nicole Power and Dr Anneliese Jens in Kiama Downs offer dedicated menopause consultations to support women through every stage of their hormonal health journey. These Menopause and perimenopause services are available to anyone in the Kiama, Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven areas.

• New Patients: 45-minute to 60-minute consultation
• Existing Patients: 30-minute consultation

The cost, Medicare refund and out of pocket for the above consultations are detailed on our appointments page.

To schedule your appointment, please book a "Menopause and Perimenopause" appointment via the link below.

Book Appointment

Meet Your Menopause-Focused GPs

Two GPs in Kiama Downs currently have special interests and additional training in perimenopause and menopause care:

Dr Danielle Ward – with a strong focus on women's health and hormonal management

Dr Nicole Power – committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate menopause support

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural life stage, usually occurring between ages 45 and 55. It sometimes can happen much earlier, in peoples early 40's or even 30s. It marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring a range of symptoms including:

Physical Symptoms

• Hot flushes – sudden feelings of heat, especially in the face, neck or chest
• Night sweats – excessive sweating during sleep, often disturbing rest
• Sleep disturbances – trouble falling or staying asleep, or feeling unrefreshed
• Heart palpitations – sensations of a racing or irregular heartbeat
• Headaches or migraines – changes in frequency or intensity during hormone shifts
• Joint and muscle aches – generalised stiffness or pain
• Tiredness or fatigue – persistent low energy levels
• Weight changes – especially increased abdominal fat
• Dry or itchy skin – changes in skin hydration and elasticity
• Hair thinning or loss – particularly from the scalp or eyebrows

Psychological and Cognitive Symptoms

• Mood swings – increased irritability, sadness or emotional lability
• Anxiety – heightened feelings of worry or unease
• Depression or low mood – reduced motivation or joy in activities
• Forgetfulness – memory lapses or feeling mentally "foggy"
• Difficulty concentrating – trouble focusing or processing information
• Loss of confidence – reduced self-esteem or assurance
• Panic attacks – sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort
• Increased stress sensitivity – lower tolerance to pressure or demands

Sexual and Urogenital Symptoms

• Vaginal dryness – less lubrication causing irritation or discomfort
• Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) – often due to vaginal thinning
• Reduced libido – less interest in sex or intimacy
• Frequent urinary tract infections – due to changes in vaginal flora and tissue
• Urinary urgency – a sudden, intense need to urinate
• Incontinence or bladder leakage – especially during exertion, coughing or sneezing

Other Health-Related Changes

• Irregular or missed periods – cycles may become longer, shorter or skipped
• Changes in cholesterol or blood pressure – possible increased cardiovascular risk
• Bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis) – reduced bone density and fracture risk
• Changes in body odour – shifts in sweat gland activity
• Digestive issues or bloating – potentially linked to hormone fluctuations
• Altered taste or smell – sometimes reported during hormonal changes

Your GP will work with you to explore both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, including lifestyle approaches tailored to your needs.

Trusted Resources for Patients

To learn more about Menopause and read resources from trusted resources please read the below:

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health – Menopause Resources
• Australasian Menopause Society – Fact Sheets and Tools