Navigating perimenopause in general practice

Perimenopause can present with a wide range of symptoms, making it easy for the consultation to become an unprioritised list of concerns. For women over 45 with typical symptoms and changing menstrual patterns, however, diagnosis is usually clinical, rather than dependent on hormone testing.

In this HealthCert podcast, Dr Simone Gonzo explores a structured approach to assessment and management, including how to recognise perimenopause while avoiding diagnostic overshadowing.

A key consideration is abnormal bleeding. While cycle changes are common during perimenopause, heavy, intermenstrual, postcoital, or postmenopausal bleeding should not simply be attributed to hormonal changes. Dr Gonzo discusses how to assess bleeding, identify relevant risk factors, and determine when further investigation or specialist assessment is warranted.

The episode also covers symptom-focused management, including menopausal hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, genitourinary symptoms, contraception, and the role of the 52 mg LNG-IUD.

Listen to or watch the podcast for a case-based discussion of how to recognise, investigate, and individualise perimenopause care in general practice.

Listen to the podcast

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This podcast is also available on the HealthCert YouTube channel. 

About the presenter

Dr Simone Gonzo began working in healthcare as a registered nurse in hospitals throughout Queensland in 2003. After making the change to medicine, she graduated with an MBBS from The University of Queensland in 2010 and gained FRACGP in 2015. Dr Gonzo enjoys all aspects of general practice including family health, mental health, chronic disease management, and complex primary care. She also has a special interest in teaching and training GP registrars and medical students. Dr Gonzo is a champion of general practice and promotes the importance of this specialty in the healthcare landscape.

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You can self-record CPD for this podcast. If you consume educational content on this blog, you can Quick Log CPD hours with the RACGP/ACRRM via the usual self-submission process. You will be asked to reflect on what you have learned, and you will require supporting evidence such as a screenshot. For more information, view the: RACGP CPD guide | ACRRM CPD guide