11.1 When to refer

Referral to a menopause specialist ( menopause-trained GP, gynaecologist or endocrinologist) should be considered in the following circumstances (more than one may be present):

• Amenorrhea > 4 months duration in a woman < 40 years of age, especially where the woman has known risk factors for premature/early menopause  including family history, previous chemotherapy, radiotherapy or pelvic surgery, past history of autoimmune disease (see Early Menopause Website Table: Risk factors associated with spontaneous early/premature menopause).
• Following diagnosis of premature/ early menopause
• Menopausal symptoms in a woman with a past history of breast cancer, venous thrombo-embolism , a collagen disease such as SLE or a past history of myocardial infarction.
• Vasomotor symptoms associated with aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen use
• Post menopausal bleeding (vaginal bleeding occurring in a post menopausal woman)
• Low bone density in a woman < 60 years of age
• Occurrence or recurrence of menopausal symptoms in a woman > 60 years of age

11.2   Where to refer to:

• The Australasian Menopause Society website provides a list of members (GP, gynaecologist or endocrinologist) in each Australian state/ territory and New Zealand who are available for consultation, see http://www.menopause.org.au/find-an-ams-doctor.
• Public hospital menopause clinics are listed below: 

• Jean Hailes Foundation Medical Centre
  173 Carinish Rd, Clayton, Victoria
  Ph. (03) 9562-5777
  http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/medical

12. Patient resources

Content updated December 2010