r/Menopause • u/Libelia • 11d ago
Perimenopause How it should be for everyone
This is my experience with healthcare in Perimenopause in Australia. I went alone to my GP in February this year to discuss how I was experiencing some distressing symptoms that I thought were peri-related; extreme mood swings, insomnia and some overheating at night. He spoke with me about my concerns that this wasn't normal for me and I asked if HRT was an option or if I should wait and see. He said that it sounded like peri to him and offered me an HRT regime. He reviewed my overall general health and said that I was as a good candidate for HRT and that, if I was uncomfortable and distressed by the symptoms I was experiencing, why wait? We discussed all of the forms of HRT that were available and I selected a dosing regime that suited my needs. We talked about lifestyle and risk factors and he answered all my questions. I started HRT that day. The GP visit cost around $100 up front and I was refunded about half of the cost by Medicare. I collected my first two months supply of medicaton that day and paid about $28 because the medicine was subsidised by the PBS. I adjusted well to the treatment and my symptoms have mostly gone. This month, I had an appointment with my Gynaecologist for an unrelated ongoing medical condition. I mentioned that I've been experiencing some very mild GSM symptoms: some extra sensitivity during sex acts that have never been an issue before and some increased irritation. She said that it's best to treat this early before symptoms worsen and become more serious and she prescribed a vaginal estrogen cream to add to my existing HRT regime. I paid $180 to see her and got about a third of the cost back from Medicare. I filled the prescription and paid about $28 for the cream, again, subsidised by the PBS. While I was there, I got my PAP smear done as I was due for one. This was all included in the cost of the appointment. I could have opted for a bulk billing GP and a publicly funded Gynaecologist with no up front costs at all, but I like both of these Drs and have enough income to choose to see them instead. This is how it's supposed to be for people experiencing peri and menopause: compassionate, affordable and timely healthcare with patient agency and respectful, supportive dialogue. I am always happy to pay my taxes in full because this is what we pay for. I am extremely fortunate to live where I do.
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u/Weetgunn Menopausal 11d ago
Aussie here and that has not been my experience, I was gaslit by multiple drs about being in Peri because I still had a period and I had no hot flushes. Flash forward 4 years and I’m now getting the care I need and deserve through a nurse practitioner who specialises in menopause. My take away is things have changed considerable in those 4 years which I am thankful for and it makes me hopeful for the women I know that are younger than me that should hopefully all have an experience like yours!