Let’s talk menopause with Dr Amanda Adams

Pour yourself a cup of tea and kick back with us while we chat to Dr Amanda about Menopause & the importance of looking after your health later in life.

TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY TRANSITION INTO THE LATER PART OF LIFE?

Generally, a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol will all help.
Often, I see women who have spent years looking after everyone else in the family (partner, children, parents) and have not prioritised their own physical and mental health. It is time to change that!
Understanding what changes are likely to happen during perimenopause can go a long way to improving how we cope with the changes, and knowledge of the safety and efficacy of different treatments can help a woman make an informed decision on how she manages her menopause.

When can you expect to start to have symptoms of menopause?

  • Most women become menopausal naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with the average age of onset at around 50 years

 (Why do we go through menopause)/ What is menopause?

  • Menopause is sometimes called ‘the change of life’ as it marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life. At menopause, eggs are no longer produced by the ovary and production of oestrogen and progesterone ceases. The word “menopause” refers to the last or final menstrual period a woman experiences. Perimenopause refers to the 4-8 years leading up to this.

Why is it important to seek support during this time?

  • Symptoms of perimenopause can be quite distressing. Symptoms can include hot flushes or night sweats, interruption of sleep, changes in your menstrual cycle, joint pains, tiredness, mood changes, headaches, and changes in sexual feelings. Not all women with menopausal symptoms will need treatment.


Wasn’t MHT thought to be a dangerous treatment option in recent years?

  • When prescribed appropriately, menopause hormone treatment (MHT) is a safe option for women suffering perimenopausal symptoms, and the risks are minimal. If hormone therapy is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks.

 Who could consider MHT as a treatment option?

  • I would suggest any woman experiencing menopausal symptoms which are affecting quality of life should book an appointment to discuss their options. If you are under 45 this is considered premature menopause and you will likely need hormone replacement.

How long do you continue with MHT (or HRT) treatment (if it is suitable)?

  • Usually up to 5 years, and certainly should be ceased by the age of 60

My Mum went through menopause at 52, can I expect the same?

  • It varies, but the usual age is around 50.

 I have my period still, can I also be experiencing menopause symptoms?

  • Absolutely! It is normal to experience the perimenopausal symptoms while your periods continue (and likely change in regularity and flow)

 I have a Mirena, how does this affect the process?

  • You will still experience similar symptoms as most of the symptoms are due to a drop in your oestrogen levels (there is no oestrogen in the Mirena IUD). However it may change the type of MHT you are prescribed.

  What is the process when I come to see you and want to test if I am in menopause?

  • Testing is not recommended in women who are aged 45 and older, as the levels of hormones in the blood fluctuate on a daily basis, and so are not a helpful tool to manage symptoms. If symptoms are affecting quality of life, then it is time to come and have a chat about menopause.

 

TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with Amanda or any of our incredible team CLICK THIS EASY LINK

 We hope you found this informative and helpful, to get to know Dr Amanda a bit more we thought we would ask her a few personal Q & A’s too.

 

WHEN I WAS LITTLE, I WANTED TO BE A …

I’ve wanted to be a doctor since about the age of 12. Before that, I thought I was going to be a vet.

WHAT MADE YOU BECOME A GP?

I actually started training as an anaesthetist, but after about 6 months, realised how much I enjoyed and missed talking to people, so switched over to General Practice. I love the unique position we are in, looking after people and their families, and the variety of conditions that we see.

MOST INTERESTING TREATMENT YOU HAVE EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN?

One of my most interesting jobs was when I did some country relieving work in Quilpie (SW QLD). Not only did I see some impressive injuries (tractor/ horse accidents), but I also treated some animals as well!

FAVOURITE WORKOUT/EXERCISE?
I’m a keen walker/ hiker. I love being up in the hinterland, or on the dog beach.

DREAM TRAVEL DESTINATION?
Peru

FAV SPOT ON THE GC TO GO FOR EATS?
Etsu

LOCALS TIP FOR FREE ACTIVITIES ON THE GC?
Check out the GCCC website??

DREAM CAR?
Aston Martin