Plain language. Evidence based. For women and the people who care about them.
Education only. These pages do not replace advice from your doctor.
Perimenopause: know before
What changes, when, and why it matters to know early.
Vaginal, vulval and bladder changes
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, explained.
Early menopause
When menopause comes before 45.
When to see a doctor
Signs that always need a check.
Talking to your doctor
A checklist to take to your appointment.
Urgent help
Who to call, any time.
Perimenopause: know before
Menopause is your last period, confirmed after twelve months without one. The average age in Australia is 51. Perimenopause is the time leading up to it, usually starting in your mid to late forties and lasting four to seven years. Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Issues related to menopause and perimenopause, 2024
Common changes include irregular periods, hot flushes and night sweats, poor sleep, changes in mood, brain fog, and changes in vaginal, bladder and sexual health. More than a third of women learn about menopause only once symptoms start. Gallup and Pivotal Women's Health Survey, September 2026 Knowing the signs early means you can plan, ask questions and get care sooner.
Vaginal, vulval and bladder changes
Lower oestrogen can thin and dry the tissues of the vulva, vagina, urethra and bladder. Doctors call this genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It can cause dryness, burning, irritation, pain during sex, needing to pass urine often or urgently, and repeated urinary infections. It affects between 27% and 84% of postmenopausal women and, unlike hot flushes, it usually does not go away on its own. The Menopause Society, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Position Statement, 2020
Effective, well studied options exist, including lubricants and moisturisers, pelvic health physiotherapy, and treatments your doctor can prescribe. Yet only a minority of affected women seek or are offered help. Talk to your doctor about what suits you.
Early menopause
Menopause before 45 is early menopause. Before 40 it is called primary ovarian insufficiency. About 12% of women experience one of these. Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Issues related to menopause and perimenopause, 2024 It can follow surgery or cancer treatment, or happen without a clear cause. Early menopause has longer term effects on bone and heart health, so it is important to see a doctor.
When to see a doctor
Always see a doctor promptly if you have:
- any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- very heavy, very frequent or prolonged bleeding
- bleeding after sex
- a new lump, sore or pain that does not settle
- symptoms that affect your daily life, sleep, work or relationships
- low mood, anxiety or thoughts of harming yourself
Talking to your doctor: a checklist
- Write down your symptoms, when they started and how they affect your life.
- Note the date of your last period and any changes in bleeding.
- List your medicines and supplements.
- Include vaginal, bladder and sexual symptoms. Doctors hear about these every day.
- Ask: What could be causing this? What are my options? What are the benefits and risks of each?
- If you do not feel heard, it is fine to ask for a longer appointment or a second opinion.
Urgent help
- Emergency: 000
- Lifeline, 24 hour crisis support: 13 11 14
- 1800RESPECT, family and sexual violence support: 1800 737 732
- healthdirect, health advice any time: 1800 022 222
Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Resources will be reviewed by our clinical director once appointed.