What Is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of life. It happens when your periods stop for good - usually around age 45-55 - and marks the end of your reproductive years. You've officially reached menopause when you haven't had a period for 12 months in a row.
Early Menopause: This is when menopause occurs before age 45. It affects about 10% of women and can be natural or due to surgery, cancer treatments, or autoimmune conditions.
The Three Stages of Menopause
1. Perimenopause: The transition time before menopause - your hormones go up and down, and you might start feeling changes like irregular periods, hot flushes, or mood swings. This stage can go on for 5-10 years for some women.
2. Menopause: When your periods stop completely. Oestrogen levels drop, and symptoms are often more noticeable.
3. Postmenopause: After menopause. Some symptoms may settle, but your risk of things like bone loss and heart disease increases so ongoing care and management is important.
Common Symptoms
You might experience:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Joint or muscle aches
- Vaginal dryness or low libido/sex drive
- Bladder changes (urgency or leaking)
- Weight gain or changes in body shape
- Hair thinning or dry skin
Every woman's experience is different - some have lots of symptoms, others have very few.
Why Ongoing Support Matters
Menopause can affect your:
- Bone health - your risk of osteoporosis rises
- Heart health - oestrogen helps protect your heart
- Mood and mind - anxiety and low mood are common
- Sleep and energy - poor sleep can impact everything
How We Can Help
At Liberty Women's Wellness, we have a whole team here to support you. Whether you're in perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause, we'll help you feel strong, supported, and in control of your health.
Our Team Can Support You With:
- Hormone balance and Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Nutrition and weight support
- Pelvic floor, joint, building strength and bladder health
- Emotional and mental wellbeing
- Natural therapies like Acupuncture and alternative medicine support
- Personalised care plans for your stage of life
Meet some of Our Specialised Team:
Dr Laura Careless (Endocrinologist) - Hormones, bone health, diabetes
Dr Ivana Rizzuto (Gynaecologist) - Menstrual changes, pelvic pain, HRT and menopause management
Meet our Health Professional Team:
Women's Health and Pelvic Physio: MEL D'Arcy, Candice West, Letitia Brits and Rachel Langan - Pelvic floor/management, joint support, bladder care, prolapse/incontinence, management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause and musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause.
Julie Marsh (Dietitian) - Weight, bone and heart health, balanced eating, Gut health
Psychologist - Andrea Fayad
Counsellor - Katrina Lewis
Exercise Physiologist - Emma Rae Wadwell
Acupuncturists - Synta Saunders, Charlotte Thompson
Wellness Coach - Kerri Speyers
Naturopath - Synta Saunders and Renee Hodgson
We're Here for You
You're not alone. If you're unsure what's happening in your body, or need support with symptoms, we're here to help you feel like yourself again.
Liberty Women's Wellness
Suite 504, Level 5, 2 Wellness Way, Springfield Central
Phone: (07) 34726107
Email: info@libertywomenswellness.com.au
Website: www.libertywomenswellness.com.au
