Talk to Your GP
Many women leave GP appointments feeling unheard about perimenopause. Being prepared makes an enormous difference.
GPs in Australia have limited appointment time — often 10–15 minutes. Arriving prepared means you use that time well.
List everything you have noticed, including things that seem unrelated. Include when they started, how frequent they are, and how much they affect your daily life. Be specific — waking 3–4 times per night is more useful than sleeping badly.
If your periods have become irregular, note the dates and flow of your last 3–6 cycles. This helps your GP assess where you might be in the transition. An app or simple diary works fine.
Call ahead and ask for a 20–30 minute appointment specifically about perimenopause. Many practices have a longer Medicare item for this. You deserve enough time to be heard.
If you know when your mother or sisters reached menopause, mention it. Family history of early menopause, breast cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis is relevant to treatment decisions.
Many women feel awkward raising perimenopause directly. You do not need to. Here are some ways to open the conversation:
If you think it might be perimenopause
“I have been experiencing [symptoms] and I am wondering if this could be perimenopause. I would like to understand what is happening and what my options are.”
If you have been dismissed before
“I have been struggling with [symptoms] for [time period] and I would really like to properly explore whether hormones could be contributing. I would like to have a thorough conversation about this today.”
If you want to discuss MHT
“I have been reading about Menopausal Hormone Therapy and I would like to know if it might be appropriate for me, given my symptoms and health history. Can we discuss the options?”
If you are unsure what is wrong
“I have not been feeling like myself. I am experiencing [symptoms]. I would like to check whether perimenopause could be contributing, and also whether we should rule out anything else like thyroid issues.”
Save this list to your phone and take it with you.
You are always entitled to see another GP. If your concerns are not being heard, seeking a second opinion is reasonable — especially for something as significant as perimenopause management.
You can ask your GP for a referral to a gynaecologist or a doctor with specific menopause training. This is a reasonable request.
The Australasian Menopause Society has a Find a Doctor tool at ams.asn.au. These doctors have completed specific menopause training.
Several telehealth services offer GP consultations with doctors experienced in perimenopause — useful if you are in a regional area or prefer convenience.
ams.asn.au — Find a menopause-trained doctor, read evidence-based position statements, and access patient resources.
jeanhailes.org.au — Comprehensive health information with a strong focus on midlife and hormonal health.
ranzcog.edu.au — The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, for finding a specialist.
healthdirect.gov.au — Government health information and the nurse advice line (1800 022 222) for after-hours guidance.
Remember: this guide helps you prepare for a medical conversation — it does not give medical advice. Your GP is the right person to diagnose, investigate, and recommend treatment for your individual situation.
Want to learn more first?
Our symptom library and topic guides will help you go in well-informed.