Appointment

Your first long appointment will most likely include investigations while Dr Ashima fully understands your situation. This will be followed by a second long appointment. At this practice the cost of each long appointment is $195 of which $82.90 will be Medicare transferred back to you. If you book telehealth video, if not a patient at this practice, appointments are same fees but Medicare is not applicable.

Treatment

What to expect in your appointment? Your doctor will go through the following:

• Your GP will take a thorough history from you

• Your GP will do an examination of you physically 

• Investigations will be ordered appropriate to your needs

• Management will be tailored to you which can include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal therapy and hormone replacement therapy.

• If not already addressed, now is the most opportune time to look at recommended women's health initiatives for your wellbeing i.e. cardiovascular disease risk, bone health, breast screening, cervical screening and discuss lifestyle management.

• It is essential to make sure that you are heard.

You can read more about Dr Ashima's approach at this article she wrote for patients, Menopause (An evidence based approach. 

Useful References

Australian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/

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Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause

Symptoms 

Symptoms are not at all unusual. You will certainly be in great company if you experience some of the following:

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Physical symptoms:

• irregular periods

• hot flushes

• night sweats

• sleep problems

• sore breasts

• itchy, crawly or dry skin

• exhaustion and fatigue

• dry vagina

• loss of sex drive (libido)

• headaches or migraines

• more pronounced premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• aches and pains

• bloating

• urinary problems

• weight gain due to a slower metabolism

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Psychological and emotional symptoms:​

• feeling irritable or frustrated

• feeling anxious

• difficulty concentrating

• brain fog

• forgetfulness

• lowered mood

• mood swings

• feeling you can’t cope as well as you used to

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What would be great is if you can fill in this symptom checklist from the Jean Hailes foundation and bring to your first appointment. 

Health Assessment

Now is your most opportune time to look at your overall health. Please ask your GP for a Health Assessment. If you would like Dr Ashima to be your regular GP, that will be most welcome or she can write back to your regular GP. After 2 visits, if you are between 45-49 years old, you may be covered by Medicare if at risk of developing a chronic disease for a Health Assessment which will incorporate all your health needs and screening. After registering MyMedicare, talk to reception or call 02 94999999 to book your Health Assessment with Dr Ashima, if not had that done yet.