Cycle changes are often the first sign of perimenopause, and they can take many forms: shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or increasing irregularity. These shifts reflect the natural changes in ovarian function during this transition. We consider hormonal patterns, nutritional status and broader wellbeing as part of a tailored plan, alongside any medical care you choose.

Sleep disruption, hot flushes and night sweats are common during perimenopause and can affect your energy, mood and daily life. Vasomotor symptoms in particular respond well to medical care, and a GP discussion is worth having. We consider areas like nervous system support, blood sugar regulation and nutritional status alongside your medical care.

Mood, anxiety and energy shifts are common during perimenopause and often appear earlier than other symptoms. They are not in your head and they are not a personal failing. We consider nutritional status, nervous system support and adrenal function as part of a broader plan, alongside any medical care your GP may consider helpful.

Brain fog, libido changes and shifts in skin or weight can all be part of the perimenopausal picture, although they are also influenced by other factors. The picture is rarely simple. We consider broader hormonal patterns, nutritional status and lifestyle factors alongside any medical care or investigation your GP may recommend.

Menopausal hormone therapy is a medical decision that sits with your GP or gynaecologist, and we never advise on whether it is right for you. Where you are exploring or using MHT, our role is to sit alongside that medical care, considering nutritional status, lifestyle factors and broader wellbeing through this transition.

You may not be experiencing significant symptoms yet, but you want to prepare your body for this transition. Naturopathic care can support nutritional foundations, bone health, metabolic shifts and stress, all of which are areas of focus during this life stage. Routine medical screening with your GP is the appropriate way to monitor your health over time.

Perimenopause is the transition phase before your final menstrual period, during which hormones fluctuate and cycle changes begin. Menopause itself is technically a single point in time: your final menstrual period, confirmed in retrospect once 12 months have passed without bleeding. Postmenopause refers to the years afterwards. Most of what people commonly call 'menopause' in conversation is actually perimenopause.

Perimenopause typically begins in a woman's 40s, although for some women it can start in the late 30s. The average age in Australia is around 47, and the average duration is four to six years. Earlier onset can occur, including in cases of premature ovarian insufficiency or as a result of medical treatments. If you are in your 30s and concerned about early onset, a GP review is the appropriate first step.

Yes. Although fertility declines through perimenopause, pregnancy can still occur until you have reached menopause (12 months without a period). Contraception is still relevant for women who do not wish to conceive. If you are wanting to conceive in your 40s, a fertility specialist consultation alongside any Naturopathic preconception support is a sensible pathway.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, sometimes still called HRT) is a prescribed medication that replaces some of the hormones the ovaries no longer produce in sufficient amounts. The Australasian Menopause Society describes MHT as the most effective medical treatment for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, and notes its role in supporting bone health. Whether MHT is right for you is a conversation with your GP, based on your individual circumstances. Naturopathic care can sit alongside MHT, never in place of it.

Hot flushes are influenced by hormonal change, nervous system activity, blood sugar regulation, alcohol intake and stress. Naturopaths may consider areas like adrenal support, sleep, blood sugar balance and herbal medicines that have a research base in this area. Responses vary considerably between women. For severe vasomotor symptoms, a GP discussion about MHT is also worth having.

Modern conventional MHT prescribed in Australia is itself bioidentical (chemically identical to the hormones your body produces). Compounded bioidentical hormones, which are mixed by individual pharmacies to varying recipes, are not regulated in the same way and have raised concerns from groups including the Australasian Menopause Society about consistency and safety. Whether MHT is appropriate, and which form, is a clinical conversation with your GP.

Yes. Every product in our perimenopause range has been selected by our clinical Naturopaths, so you are welcome to shop the collection independently if you have a clear sense of what you are looking for. If you would like guidance on which products are most relevant for your specific situation, our team is available for a free discovery call or a more in-depth consultation.

Yes. Our Naturopaths and Homeopaths are based in Liverpool, Sydney and offer consultations online across Australia. A discovery call is a free, 20-minute introduction and is available to book online. You can also meet our practitioners to find the right fit for your needs.