Menopause is an inevitable aspect of a woman’s journey, bringing about hormonal changes that can affect your body, mood, and daily routines. From sleepless nights to sudden hot flushes and shifting moods, the changes are undeniable. But it doesn’t have to be something you face alone or in silence. We are here to offer support and guidance, so you can navigate this difficult chapter and feel like yourself again.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of ageing, marked by the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This happens as the ovaries naturally produce less estrogen over time. Menopause typically occurs in women in their 40s and 50s and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, menopause can also occur due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy or a surgical procedure like bilateral oophorectomy, which is the removal of both ovaries.

Perimenopause

This is the transitional phase that comes before menopause, and while it often begins in women in their 40s, some may notice menopausal signs as early as their 30s. This phase can last anywhere from 1 to 10 years. Although fertility declines, pregnancy is still possible, so it’s important to continue using contraception until menopause is confirmed.

Menopause

This stage follows perimenopause and begins when a woman no longer has menstrual periods. The changes that occur in your hormonal levels can cause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, and other common signs. While the average age for this stage is around 51, some may experience it earlier.

Postmenopause

This is the period that follows menopause, starting one year after your final period and lasting for the rest of your life. During postmenopause, some of your symptoms may subside, but it also comes with its own set of long-term risks, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Therefore, getting proper medical support at the right time is essential for a better quality of life.

Every woman experiences menopause differently, and their symptoms vary as well. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Dizziness
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Breast pain
  • Irregular periods
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Painful intercourse

Meet Dr Fatemeh Arya (FRACGP, MD)

Your Trusted GP for Menopause

Dr Fatemeh Arya is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Sydney. As a holistic practitioner at Coolangatta Medical Centre, she has extensive experience in patient care and embraces a well-rounded approach to health and wellness.

She is also a member of the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS), the leading authority on menopause in Australia and New Zealand. Through active participation in AMS conferences, Dr Arya continually enhances her expertise and stays informed on the latest evidence-based developments and innovations in menopause management.

With a special interest in women’s health and menopause management, Dr Arya also holds a certificate in Menopause Management from Family Planning NSW. Having guided many patients through menopausal concerns and other health challenges, she approaches treatment with compassion, providing personalised care that meets each patient’s unique needs.

Fluent in both English and Persian (Farsi), Dr Arya breaks down language barriers to ensure her patients feel heard and understood through clear and caring communication.

Our Menopause Services

Our dedicated team will support you through every stage with compassionate care that includes:

Our GP with a special interest in menopause will conduct a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health goals.

We perform several tests, including hormonal evaluation and laboratory work, to better understand what’s happening.

We offer Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), along with non-hormonal therapies to ease symptoms and support long-term health.

We provide fertility and bone health support, along with emotional guidance to help you manage premature ovarian insufficiency (premature loss of ovarian function).

When creating treatment plans, our menopause doctor will consider your symptoms, test results, medical history, and preferences to tailor your care.

We aren’t solely focused on treating but are also committed to helping you understand menopause, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.

Our team may also carry out other investigations, including bone density, heart risk, and cancer checks, to help you stay on top of your health.

We take a holistic approach, not just treating your symptoms but also supporting your physical, emotional, and social well-being, because we understand that menopause affects every part of life.

What to Expect At Your Appointment

During your initial consultation, you will be welcomed into a confidential and supportive space to discuss all your health concerns with our experienced menopause doctor. We’ll review your medical history and current symptoms together. A physical examination and other necessary tests or investigations may also be carried out.

Following this, we will discuss your initial treatment options to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with the plan moving forward.

This appointment is usually scheduled to review your test results and discuss the findings and next steps. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk through any questions or concerns you may have about your symptoms or treatment plan.

After 4 to 6 weeks, you may be asked to return to the menopause clinic for follow-up appointments to assess how you’re feeling and make any adjustments to your treatment. Additional investigations may also be arranged to support your ongoing care if needed.

Why Choose Us?

As a family-owned practice, Coolangatta Medical Centre takes great pride in embracing a holistic approach, valuing patients’ health and happiness as a whole. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and committed to the latest menopause research and treatment, we deliver the highest standard of care to ensure you receive nothing but the best.

With extensive experience in menopause management and women’s health, Dr. Fatemeh Arya and our team will be by your side, offering dedicated, personalised care.

We incorporate medical treatments with practical nutrition advice, lifestyle tips, and emotional support, all tailored to what works best for you.

At Coolangatta Medical Centre, we offer everything from menopause care to family medicine, women’s health, and skin cancer checks under one roof.

Our practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and on-site facilities, which allow us to provide all our patients with thorough assessments and timely results.

Located in the suburbs of Coolangatta, our medical centre is easy to reach for anyone living in or near the Gold Coast and surrounding areas of Northern NSW. We also offer flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.

Our practice works with a number of health partners, including dietitians, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals, to offer our patients integrated, multidisciplinary care.

Areas We Serve

Coolangatta Medical Centre services many local communities on the Gold Coast as well as Northern NSW. If you live in or near the following suburbs, Coolangatta Medical Centre is easily visited from the location:

  • Tweed Heads
  • Tweed Heads South
  • Tweed Heads West
  • Bilinga
  • Cobaki Lakes
  • Tugun

To see more of our other medical services, click here.

Payment Methods:

Full fee upfront is payable on the day of your appointment and will be processed with a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.

Medicare rebate is processed for you on your behalf by the administration team and will go back into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.

Out of pocket fee is the amount of money that you will be paying out of pocket after Medicare has processed your rebate.

Other Medical Services We Offer

  • Family Medicine
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Health Checks for All

To see more of our medical services, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions in Menopause

Yes! At Coolangatta Medical Centre, you can book directly with our GP, Dr Fatemeh Arya, who has dedicated experience in menopause management; no referral needed. Simply reach out to us, and we will take it from there!

Gynaecologists (OB-GYNs) have the expertise to treat many conditions affecting the female reproductive system and are often the first point of contact.

General Practitioners focused on providing care for menopause-related health concerns, like Dr. Arya, however, have a deep insight into menopausal health. They are the ideal professionals to address your specific menopausal concerns and then refer you, if needed, to a gynaecologist.

Endocrinologists, on the other hand, are helpful for those with endocrine or hormonal problems.

Yes. Consulting a menopause GP is highly beneficial, especially if you’re dealing with complex symptoms or simply need some expert advice. Their knowledge and experience can guide you through this challenging time with confidence.

If left untreated, menopause can increase your risk of health issues such as cardiovascular disease, which is often linked to the drop in estrogen levels. It can also cause other problems like osteoporosis.

Therefore, it is essential to consult a menopause doctor so they can help keep a close eye on your health to make sure you are not at risk.

If you’re experiencing any menopausal symptoms, we advise you to consider starting treatment to help ease your symptoms, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and promote your overall well-being.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of natural remedies for menopause symptoms, so it’s important to approach them with caution. While they might offer some relief, they’re not a guaranteed solution and should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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    Coolangatta, QLD