What is menopause?
Has the Hot Flash Havoc hit you?! You are not alone.
Australia has over 2 million women who have recently gone through menopause, with approximately 80,000 more moving into the postmenopausal stage annually.
Nowadays, people are living longer, and although this is great news it also means that women are spending a higher proportion of their lives in menopause, a condition that no one prepares them for.
This “Change of life” hits many women just as they look forward to enjoying their lives after their children leave home.
At Lotus Medics we understand the difficulties that women face during menopause and we go above and beyond to offer the most effective menopause treatment for all our patients in Orange, Parkes and Bathurst.
Please read further for more information on the menopause treatments we have available.
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation. The female reproductive system stops producing certain hormones. It is diagnosed after a woman’s period has been missed for 12 months consecutively, and usually happens in the 40s or 50s.
Menopause happens when the ovaries stop making eggs and producing estrogen and progesterone hormones. At menopause, the ovaries have about 1/500th the amount of estrogen they had than when a woman was in her 20s. This change affects the whole body.
While menopause is a natural process, it can be difficult for most women. However, there are treatments available to help ease the symptoms of menopause.
What are the main
causes of menopause?
Menopause is a natural process that happens as a woman ages. The ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, which causes a woman’s period to become irregular and eventually stop altogether.
Several other factors can contribute to menopause, including stress, weight gain, drastic weight loss, chemotherapy or radiation therapy and certain medical conditions.
What are menopausal symptoms?
Women who suffer from menopause can experience debilitating symptoms. Symptoms of menopause can include not just hot flushes and night sweats, but also:
- vaginal dryness
- problems with arousal
- reduced libido
- painful sex
- mood swings
- depression
- thinning and loss of elasticity of the skin
- long-term metabolic changes to the bones, heart and brain.
For a more detailed list of menopause symptoms, please find a link to the Australasian Menopause Society Score sheet here. You can complete this score sheet and get feedback on if you have any symptoms and to what extent they are affecting you. You can also review your symptoms after treatment.
Some of these symptoms can get better over time, however, others can actually worsen.
Types of treatment for menopause
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause management. Some women do not have any symptoms and do not need treatment. Others may need medication to help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
The most common medications used to treat menopause symptoms are:
Some women may experience menopause symptoms for a short time, while others may have them for many years.
There are numerous things that can be done to help manage menopause symptoms. Some women find relief with lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing stress. Others may need medication to help.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Over the years HRT may have received a poor reception, however, the NAMS (North American Menopause Society) has issued a revised position statement on HRT, which is an evidence-based clinical recommendation on HRT.
HRT (also known as Menopausal Hormone therapy or MHT) is safe to use for most women in their 50s or for the first 10 years after the onset of menopause. The risk for blood clots, stroke and breast cancer while taking HRT is small and similar to that for many other risk factors such as being overweight. Different modes of HRT are associated with different risks.
HRT also remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. The type and formulation of HRT depend on your age, whether you have had a hysterectomy and on any medical co-morbidities you may have.
This clarifies the confusion surrounding HRT and also provides us with a more fitting concept of the appropriate HRT dose, duration, regimen and route of administration that provides the most benefit with the least risk.
At Lotus Medics, we know that improving our patient’s quality of life is not just about taking a tablet or putting on a patch, but about optimising one’s lifestyle.
We have a tailored approach for each woman and strive to educate them to recognise the symptoms of menopause and offer the best therapies to improve their symptoms.
Menopause and health
Menopause itself is not a health condition, but it can affect women’s health in numerous ways. For example, the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and memory problems increases after menopause.
There are steps that can be taken to protect health and well-being, such as staying active, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
Cost of menopause treatment
The cost of a menopause treatment at our Orange, Parkes and Bathurst practices largely depends on the type of treatment and formulations used
At your initial consultation, a thorough assessment will be conducted, and thereafter Dr Kotasthane will discuss his recommendations as well as give more information regarding the costs.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our pricing. You can also visit our costs page on our website for more details.
How we help with menopause treatment
Lotus Medics focuses on providing an all-around approach to women’s health and wellness and we prioritise safety above all else. Our team of experts believes in a woman’s right of choice and that is why we tailor our approach to suit your unique experiences, beliefs and desired outcomes.
Dr Kotasthane is a member of the Australasian Menopause Society and offers customised menopause management through an evidence-based approach.
Further information on Menopause management and HRT safety can also be found on the Australasian Menopause Society website-www.menopause.org.au.
Our goal is to empower our patients to have the safest and most comfortable experience with us possible.
Our Team
Our team is led by Dr Sachin Kotasthane, he is an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist who has worked in specialised centres in the UK and India. Now based in Australia he offers the best of his knowledge, skills and global experience to his patients.
- FRCOG – Fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the United Kingdom.
- FRANZCOG – Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- DNB – Diplomate of National Board- Postgraduate degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
- DFP, DGO, FCPS – Diploma in Family Planning, Obstetrics and Gynaecology – Special certificate course in Contraception and Sexual Health recognised by the UK RCOG.
- MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Menopause treatment locations
We are conveniently located at the following physical locations. Please contact us to book an appointment at the practice closest to you.
Orange
Bloomfield Medical Campus, Level 2/1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800
The Lotus Medics clinic in Orange is located at Bloomfield Medical Campus, Level 2, 1521 Forest Road, ORANGE, NSW, 2800. We are open Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm.
To schedule an appointment you can call us on 1300 356 887 or book online. You can also reach us by email at admin@lotusmedics.com.au with any enquiries.
Bathurst Specialist Centre
Bathurst Specialist Centre, Building 1470, Panorama Ave, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795
You can reach us in Bathurst at Bathurst Specialist Centre Building 1470, Panorama Ave Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW 2795, Australia.
We are open Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm. You can book an appointment to see our obstetrician online or call 1300 356 887 to book an appointment. You can also reach us for support and enquiries by email.
Parkes
Ochre Health Medical Centre 335 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870
Lotus Medics are located in Ochre Medical Centre Parkes, 335 Clarinda St, Parkes NSW 2870, Australia. To book an appointment to see our obstetrician in Parkes, you can reach us for support or enquiries online, via email or call 1300 356 887 to speak to us directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are going through menopause, you can learn more about this from the answers to frequently asked questions below.
What foods help with menopause symptoms?
A healthy diet can go a long way in managing menopausal symptoms. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help in reducing symptoms. Limiting sugars, alcohol, caffeine and processed food may also be beneficial. Smaller portion sizes, more oily fish like salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel and less meat will also help.
How can I stop menopause symptoms?
As menopause is something that occurs naturally in the female body mainly due to ageing, it cannot be halted but the symptoms can be managed to assist in making women more comfortable during menopause and improve their quality of life.
How can I treat my menopause naturally?
Menopause can be treated naturally by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, reducing stress and staying hydrated. Other options like improving cooling, avoiding hot flush triggers, cognitive behavioural therapies and yoga may also help. If natural methods do not help please ask your doctor for alternative options.
There is no “one size fits all” and we adopt a customised approach to treatment based on your individual situation.
What is the safest treatment for menopause?
According to recent studies, HRT is the safest and most effective method to treat menopausal symptoms.
How to treat menopause?
Menopause can be treated with hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and alternative remedies. It is best to discuss treatment options with a doctor, who can determine the best course of action based on an individual’s health and symptoms.
Can you take HRT for the rest of your life?
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can be taken for a limited time to relieve menopause symptoms, but long-term use carries potential health risks and may not be recommended for all women. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks with a doctor to determine the best course of action.
How to treat menopause symptoms?
Menopause symptoms can be treated with HRT, lifestyle changes (exercise, diet), alternative remedies (herbs, acupuncture), and prescription medication. It is best to discuss treatment options with a doctor, who can determine the best course of action based on an individual’s health and symptoms.
How to manage menopause symptoms?
Managing menopause symptoms can be done through HRT, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise), alternative remedies (herbs, acupuncture), and prescription medication. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the best course of action based on individual health and symptoms.
PLEASE NOTE: This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
How to book an appointment at our locations
Lotus Medics is a modern, and forward-thinking practice conveniently located in 3 areas across New South Wales, Australia.
Please contact us to book an appointment at our practice nearest to you.
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