Changes in your periods? Hot flushes? Poor sleep? Brain fog? Mood changes?

For many women, perimenopause and menopause can bring changes that affect everyday life, work, relationships, sleep and general wellbeing. Yet it isn’t always obvious that menopause is the reason.

The good news is that there is now a dedicated Medicare health assessment for perimenopause and menopause, giving women an opportunity to have a more focused conversation with their GP about their symptoms, health and management options.

A dedicated Medicare assessment for menopause and perimenopause

Introduced on 1 July 2025, Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items 695 and 19000 support dedicated health assessments for eligible patients experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency, early menopause, perimenopause or menopause.

The GP assessment is designed to provide time to look at your symptoms and overall health rather than focusing on just one concern.

For eligible patients, the assessment lasts at least 20 minutes and can include discussion of your physical, psychological and social wellbeing.

Could your symptoms be related to perimenopause?

Perimenopause can affect women differently, and symptoms may begin while periods are still occurring.

Some women may experience:

  • changes in their menstrual cycle
  • hot flushes or night sweats
  • difficulty sleeping
  • fatigue
  • changes in mood, irritability or anxiety
  • problems with concentration or “brain fog”
  • vaginal or urinary symptoms
  • changes in sexual wellbeing
  • headaches, aches or other physical changes.

These symptoms can have many possible causes, so it is important not to assume they are necessarily due to menopause. A conversation with your GP can help assess what may be contributing to the changes you are experiencing.

What happens during a menopause health assessment?

The assessment is intended to provide a broader review of your health and individual circumstances.

Depending on your needs, your GP may discuss your symptoms and menstrual history, general wellbeing, medical and family history and any factors that could influence management options.

The assessment also includes a basic physical health review, including blood pressure and a review of height and weight.

Where clinically appropriate, your GP may discuss whether further investigations, screening or referrals are indicated. This can include consideration of cervical screening, mammography and bone health assessment.

Importantly, the consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss a personalised management plan.

What treatments are available?

There is no single approach that is right for every woman.

Management may include non-medication strategies, lifestyle measures and, where clinically appropriate, medication. Your GP can discuss the potential risks and benefits of available options in the context of your symptoms, medical history, preferences and individual risk factors.

The assessment may also include preventive health discussions around physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and weight management.

For some women, this may be the first opportunity they have had to bring all of these concerns together in one dedicated consultation.

You don’t have to wait until your periods stop

One of the important things to understand about menopause is that you don’t need to wait until you have stopped having periods to speak with your GP.

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, and symptoms can occur during this time.

If you have noticed changes that are affecting your wellbeing, sleep, mood, menstrual cycle or everyday life, it may be worth discussing them with your doctor.

Starting the conversation

At Top Health Doctors, our GPs support women through different stages of life, including perimenopause and menopause.

A dedicated menopause and perimenopause health assessment can provide an opportunity to talk openly about what you have been experiencing, review your broader health and discuss appropriate next steps.

You don’t need to have all the answers before making an appointment. Starting the conversation with your GP is a good place to begin.

Contact your local Top Health Doctors clinic or book an appointment to discuss whether a menopause and perimenopause health assessment is appropriate for you.

Eligibility for Medicare-funded services and any associated fees should be confirmed with the clinic. Investigations, referrals and treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical circumstances. This information is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice.