Mel Raybould
Accredited Practising Dietitian
Mel Raybould sees patients at Elara Women's Health, Joondalup.
Nutrition Assessment for Perimenopause & Menopause
Evidence-based nutrition care to support symptom management, long-term health, and quality of life during this important life transition.
Table Of Contents
Nutrition as a Foundation for Menopause Health
At Elara Women's Health, our accredited practising dietitian provides specialised nutrition care for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. We understand that this life stage brings unique nutritional needs and challenges.
Our approach is evidence-based, individualised, and focused on both immediate symptom relief and long-term disease prevention—helping you feel your best now while protecting your health for the future.
Nutrition plays a critical role during menopause, working hand in hand with physical activity in managing weight regulation, muscle and bone preservation, cardiovascular health, and long-term disease prevention.
Common Symptoms Supported Through Nutrition Care
Women experiencing perimenopause and menopause may present with a wide range of symptoms. Our dietitian works with you to identify how nutrition, eating patterns, and lifestyle factors may be influencing these symptoms and to implement practical, sustainable strategies to support overall wellbeing.
Physical Symptoms
- Weight gain or changes in body composition
- Bloating and digestive discomfort
- Fatigue and low energy
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Aches and joint pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Sleep disturbance
- Urinary symptoms
- Changes in skin health
Emotional & Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or "brain fog"
- Low mood or mood swings
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Reduced stress tolerance
- Reduced libido
- Changes in appetite or emotional eating patterns
Your Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment
Nutrition assessment during this life stage is individualised and comprehensive. Our dietitian takes the time to understand your unique circumstances, health history, and goals to develop a personalised nutrition plan.
Your Nutrition Assessment Explores
- Primary nutrition and health concerns: What matters most to you
- Weight history and body composition changes: Understanding your individual patterns
- Current dietary intake and eating patterns: Comprehensive food and lifestyle assessment
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Including bloating, constipation, and digestive discomfort
- Energy levels, fatigue, and sleep quality: How nutrition impacts your daily function
- Menopause and perimenopause symptoms: As they relate to nutrition and intake of phyto-oestrogen rich foods
- Medical history, medications, and supplements: Ensuring safe, coordinated care
- Cardiovascular risk factors: Cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin resistance
- Bone health risk factors: Calcium, vitamin D, and osteoporosis prevention
- Physical activity, lean muscle mass & protein intake: Supporting metabolic health
- Fibre requirements: To help maintain microbiome diversity
- Lifestyle factors: Including stress, work demands, and time constraints
What Is Covered During a Dietetic Consultation?
A menopause-focused dietetic consultation may include:
- Identification of nutrition strategies to support weight and body composition
- Optimising protein intake to preserve muscle mass and metabolic health
- Nutrition to support bone health and osteoporosis prevention, including calcium and magnesium-rich foods
- Dietary strategies to support cardiovascular and metabolic health, such as the Mediterranean diet and omega 3 rich foods
- Management of gut symptoms commonly experienced during midlife
- Guidance on supplements, including safety, efficacy, and interactions
- Support for managing emotional eating, appetite changes, and cravings
- Goal setting and ongoing review to support sustainable change
All recommendations are evidence-based, realistic, and tailored to the individual.
This comprehensive assessment allows for the development of a personalised nutrition plan that aligns with both symptom management and long-term health goals.
Nutrition and Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
While menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is managed by medical practitioners, nutrition plays an important complementary role in supporting women using MHT, as well as those who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy.
How Our Dietitian Can Support You
- Support weight, lipid, and glucose management alongside MHT
- Address nutrition considerations where MHT is contraindicated
- Provide alternative nutrition strategies to support symptom management
- Work collaboratively with the broader medical team to ensure care is aligned
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that your nutrition care is fully integrated with your medical treatment, providing comprehensive support for your menopause journey.
Long-Term Health and Disease Prevention
The post-menopausal decline in oestrogen is associated with increased risk of:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis and fracture
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
At Elara, dietetic care takes a preventive and holistic approach, with a focus on protecting heart, bone, muscle, and metabolic health for the long term.
Nutrition strategies are designed not only to address current symptoms, but to support healthy ageing, independence, and quality of life.
Meet your Dietitian
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 nutrition care is grounded in the best available research and recommended clinical guidelines. You can trust that the advice and strategies you receive are safe, credible, and backed by solid scientific evidence.
Specialist Clinical Expertise
Our accredited practising dietitian has specialised knowledge in women's health and menopause nutrition. As part of our multidisciplinary team, your nutrition care is fully integrated with your medical treatment.
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 nutrition plan with realistic and achievable goals that fit your lifestyle and values.
Getting Started
If you're experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause and would like to explore how nutrition can support your health and wellbeing, we're here to help. Our experienced dietitian will provide personalised, evidence-based care to help you feel your best.