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News And Resources List

How Can Lifestyle Medicine Help you in The Menopause?

I wrote an article for the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine which was published last in October 2024. Did you know that Osteoporosis, Breast Cancer and Cardiovascular risk increases in the Menopause?
Read this article for more information on the why and how lifestyle Medicine can help reduce the risk. (Note this article was written with health professionals in mind).

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Could you be in the perimenopause?

"Could I be perimenopausal?"- This is a question I get asked several times a week by patients trying to understand the sometimes confusing information out there and trying to make sense of their symptoms.

What is the Perimenopause?
The Perimenopause is the time before your last menstrual period. It can last anything from a few months to years. The average is 4 years but it can last up to 10 years for some women.

It is a normal process and different factors including family history and your general health determining your age of menopause.

What is the average age of Perimenopause?

The average age of menopause in Australia is 52, and women typically start having symptoms in their 40's.

Occasionally women will start having symptoms earlier and if menopause occurs before the age of 40, this is defined as an early menopause and needs urgent review to prevent Osteoporosis and other health concerns.

The Menopause can be divided into an Early and Late phase.


What are the symptoms of Perimenopause?
The symptoms below might not always be there as hormone levels can fluctuate. It is not unusual for them to resolve and recur.

- Hot flushes (or feeling generally warmer than normal)
- Night Sweats
- Brain Fog
- Mood Fluctuation
- Loss of libido
- Insomnia
- Mood Changes
- Menstrual irregularities

These are only a few of the changes. To see if you might be perimenopausal, follow the link below and fill out the questionnaire. Take this to see your GP to discuss your options.

How is the Perimenopause diagnosed?
Through careful History taking by your health professional. It is important that other health conditions e.g. thyroid issues are ruled out as they can mimic perimenopausal symptoms.
Hormone tests e.g. Oestrogen and FSH ( Follicule Stimulating Hormone) levels are not recommended as they fluctuate wildly in the perimenopause and as such are unreliable.

What treatment will help in the Perimenopause?
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) can help your symptoms, if it safe for you based on your history. There are also non-hormonal options and it is important to look at Lifestyle factors as well.

How do I get help in the Perimenopause?
Fill out the questionnaire below and take it speak to your GP regarding your concerns. Book a long appointment, and you might need at least 2 appointments for an assessment or book in on www.drkafal.com.

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Dr Kafa Lee

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