Dr Sharon Vasey
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health | Medical Educator
Dr Sharon Vasey sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Perimenopause & Menopause Health Assessment and Treatment
Comprehensive, evidence-based care to help you navigate this important life transition with confidence and support.
Table Of Contents
Expert Care for Every Stage
At Elara Women's Health, we understand that perimenopause and menopause can bring significant physical and emotional changes. Our GP-led multidisciplinary team provides specialised, patient-centred care to help you manage symptoms, protect your long-term health, and maintain your quality of life.
We take a holistic, preventive approach—combining the best available research with clinical expertise to create an individualised management plan that aligns with your unique needs, values, and health goals.
Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause refers to the time from the onset of menopausal symptoms to 12 months after the final menstrual period. This transitional phase can last on average 4-8 years and may include symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, or sleep disturbance.
Menopause is confirmed when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The years following menopause bring hormonal changes that can affect your heart, bone, and brain health.
Physical Symptoms
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Sleep disturbance
- Aches and pains
- Headaches/migraines
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary problems
- Sore breasts
- Crawling or itchy skin
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Increasing tiredness
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms
- Mood swings
- Lowered mood
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling irritable
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling you can't cope
- Less interest in sex
- Increasing PMS
Your Comprehensive Menopause Consultation
Diagnosis is not always straightforward. Occasionally, serious underlying health conditions can cause hot flushes and night sweats that mimic perimenopause and need to be ruled out.
At Elara Women's Health, our doctors gather all the necessary information through a thorough history, examination, and appropriate investigations to ensure the correct diagnosis is made.
Your Menopause Consultation Covers
- Your main concerns: We listen to what matters most to you
- Menstrual history: Last menstrual period, regular/irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse)
- Menopause/perimenopause symptoms: Comprehensive symptom assessment
- Past medical history: Including blood clots, migraines, cancer, stroke/heart attack, osteoporosis, and liver disease
- Family history: Cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis
- Screening status: Last cervical screening (pap test), mammogram, and bowel screening
- Osteoporosis risk assessment: Evaluating your bone health
- Cardiovascular risk assessment: Those at high risk may need referral to a cardiologist before commencing menopause hormone therapy
- Contraception needs: Contraception is needed for 2 years after the final menstrual period if under 50, and for 1 year if over 50
- Physical examination: Including blood pressure and weight check
Menopause and Perimenopause Treatment Options
Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats and is also helpful for several other symptoms. It is also beneficial for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
Our Approach to MHT:
At Elara, our women's health doctors take a careful history to ensure there are no contraindications or cautions to MHT. We consider your individual medical history, risk factors, and personal preferences to determine if MHT is right for you.
Important Considerations:
There are some medical conditions where menopause hormone therapy is generally contraindicated, for example in individuals with a history of undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding or a history of breast cancer.
If MHT is not suitable for you, we offer appropriate alternative approaches tailored to your specific needs.
Protecting Your Long-Term Health
At Elara, we take a preventive and holistic approach to your health, looking beyond symptom management to protect your heart, brain, and bone health for the long term.
Why Long-Term Health Matters:
- Hot flushes and night sweats are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes
- The decline in oestrogen post-menopause is associated with increased osteoporosis and fracture risk
- Hormonal changes can affect cognitive function and brain health
Our Comprehensive Assessment Includes:
- Full cardiovascular risk assessment
- Osteoporosis risk evaluation
- Lifestyle medicine recommendations
- Preventive health screening
- Ongoing monitoring and support
We work in partnership with you to create realistic, achievable goals that support your overall health and wellbeing throughout menopause and beyond.
Meet your Women's Health General Practitioners
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw
Specialist General Practitioner Women's Health
Dr Aye Kinzanar Kyaw sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a specialised women’s health service delivered by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals dedicated to evidence-based care and advanced women’s health expertise. Meet our team.
Dr Sharon Vasey holds the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK), and Dr Aye Kinzanar holds the Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). Both doctors are members of the Australasian Menopause Society.
If you would like the opportunity to discuss your health issues with one of our doctors and receive guidance on next steps for your health journey we can offer a bulk billed video discovery call. Find out more.
Women’s health can be complex and require a longer appointment. At Elara we offer appointments ranging from 15 minutes to an hour.
For or latest fees, check out our pricing page.
1/165 Grand Boulevard, Joondalup.
Review our contact page for full contact information and how to find us.
For answers to more questions, check our frequently asked questions pages for patient information, menopause, endometriosis and contraception.
Why Choose Elara Women's Health?
Evidence-Based Care
Our menopause care is grounded in the best available research and recommended clinical guidelines. You can trust that the treatments and advice you receive are safe, credible, and backed by solid medical evidence.
Specialist Clinical Expertise
Our GP-led multidisciplinary team has specialised skills and knowledge in women's health, with a particular focus on menopause health. We bring 27 years of Specialist General Practice experience and a deep understanding of the latest medical research.
Patient-Centered Approach
We take the time to actively listen and understand what is important to you, your self-care barriers and opportunities. In partnership with you, we create an individualised management plan with realistic and achievable goals that align with your values and life circumstances.
Getting Started
If you're experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, or if you'd like to discuss your long-term health during this transition, we're here to help. Our experienced team will provide the support, expertise, and personalised care you need to navigate this stage of life with confidence.