Menopause – Dr Hilma Starostina

Dr Hilma Starostina
BSc, MBChB, MRCGP, FARCGP, Adv Cert PPMC, LoC IUT & SDI (FSRH)

Menopause (or The Change) is the time in life when you stop having monthly periods. This marks the natural end of the reproductive stage of your life. You have reached menopause when you have gone 12 months without having your period.

Most Australian females experience menopause between 45 and 60 years of age. The average age of menopause is 51 years.

Some females experience early menopause. This may be due to health conditions, such as primary ovarian insufficiency (where your ovaries stop working normally).

Menopause can also occur after surgery to remove your ovaries or uterus, or cancer treatment.

Everyone experiences menopause differently. You may only have minor discomfort, or you may have more severe symptoms. Menopause symptoms are usually short lived, but sometimes they can last for many years.

Hormonal and other physiological changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause can affect even the most resilient women. Furthermore, hormonal changes can have long term health effects, such as increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Menopause specialist Dr Hilma Starostina believes that non-hormonal and, where appropriate, hormonal treatment in the form of MHT are important to consider for short term and long term wellbeing.

Go to Dr Hilma’s website for more information HERE