Multidisciplinary support and referrals

Clinician located at each hub and referral site who triages, assesses and provides clinical care and care coordination. A coordinator works with the patient to develop an individualised and comprehensive care plan to address their concerns.

Specialist medical doctor (for example gynaecologist, endocrinologist, reproductive endocrinologist, rheumatologist, haematologist) with extended experience and training in menopause management. Available in all four menopause hubs for consultation and case conference guidance to support complex menopause management.

Provides non-clinical advocacy, support, liaison and health promotion for Aboriginal people accessing menopause services.

Provides direct clinical and healthcare services to Aboriginal communities, including care and advice to women accessing menopause services.

Provides healthcare as above, as well as supervision and training of Aboriginal health workers, and development, implementation and review of Aboriginal primary health care strategy and policies.

Has extensive cultural knowledge, understanding, skills and roles in the community. Manages resources for the delivery of individual health services or health programs and supervises Aboriginal health worker role.

Provides guidance in preventing and managing menopause-related conditions, such as sarcopenia, osteopenia and weight management, through evidence-based practice diet modification and diet supplementation. Also able to support GP care with general education and diet advice.

Assesses and designs tailored exercise programs with specific goal setting and progression. EPs are trained to use behaviour modification techniques and evidence-based practice to support program adherence, motivation and ongoing self-management.

Provides ongoing assessment to understand goals, motivations and limitations to a consumer’s participation in meaningful activities. An OT offers advice and techniques about how to do something more easily and safely. Patients presenting with comorbidities, long-term mobility issues or disability are likely to already work with an OT in the community.

Assesses, treats and prevents a broad range of health conditions by providing tailored exercise programs as well as other non-medical treatment. A physiotherapist works with musculoskeletal conditions and may also specialise in chronic health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease and pelvic health (see below). Patients presenting with comorbidities, long-term mobility issues or disability are likely to already work with a physiotherapist in the community.

A physiotherapist with additional training in muscles of the pelvic floor and impacts on related organs and anatomy. A pelvic health physiotherapist can treat and design exercise programs to address conditions including urinary and anal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor overactivity (may present as pain), physical aspects of sexual dysfunction and pelvic floor weakness.

A mental health professional providing therapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling and emotional support for mental health and psychological concerns associated with menopause. These can include mood disorders, anxiety, depression and acute or exacerbated chronic mental health conditions.

Helps individuals and communities by providing support, resources and advocacy. Offers practical advice, emotional support, comfort and reassurance to patients and families during challenging times, fostering a compassionate and caring environment.

Doctor specialised in the endocrine system and hormone disorders. Provides guidance and options, including hormone and pharmacological therapy, for management and prevention of conditions including bone loss and prevention of bone loss.

Doctor specialised in primary healthcare who plays a role in midlife assessment, managing acute menopausal symptoms, the complications of menopause and how to avoid risk factors for complications. A GP provides referrals to the multidisciplinary team, shared care and case conferencing with menopause hubs and referral sites.

Doctor specialised in women’s reproductive health who can provide expert assessment and guidance on vulval and vaginal health, pharmacological guidance and menopause hormone therapy options.

Doctor specialised in diagnosing mental health conditions, providing therapy and prescribing medications as part of the treatment approach for mental health and psychological concerns associated with menopause. These can include mood disorders, anxiety, depression and acute or exacerbated of chronic mental health conditions.

An endocrinologist with additional training in the assessment and management of the reproductive system including surgical and medical treatments and procedures for fertility preservation.

Provides direct patient care, monitors patient health, administers medications and collaborates with other healthcare professionals to deliver care.

An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has extended knowledge and expertise in a specific area of nursing practice such as women’s health, diabetes and continence.

A registered nurse who has completed additional education and training (usually women's health in menopause services) to provide primary and specialty healthcare services. An NP can diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, including menopause hormone therapy (MHT), order and interpret diagnostic testing and provide patient education and counselling.