Resources and Information

A “Question Prompt List” is a list of questions that women can ask their health practitioner to obtain information regarding early menopause and can improve communication between women and their health providers. These are all questions that are OK to ask your doctor or health practitioner. You may have been diagnosed recently or a long time ago.

You can use this QPL to ask a few questions that are important to you now. You don’t have to ask the questions exactly the way they are written here, you can adapt them. Some of the questions may not apply to you as early menopause affects different women in different ways. Links to online information that may help answer each question or topic is provided with the QPL.

Download QPL Now

2. Early / Premature Menopause - General Information

2.1 Online information (in alphabetical order)

Australia

Australasian Menopause Society
http://www.menopause.org.au/health-professionals/management/early-menopause
Members of the Australasian Menopause Society Limited (AMS) are doctors and other health care practitioners with a special interest in women's health in midlife and menopause, and the promotion of healthy ageing. Although aimed at health practitioners, the AMS Information Sheets provide useful information about early menopause and ‘normal’ menopause.

Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/premature-and-early-menopause
The Better Health Channel provides health and medical information which is quality-assured and reliable, up-to-date, locally relevant and easy to understand. It does not replace care provided by medical practitioners and other qualified health professionals. It is fully funded by the Victorian Government, with no commercial advertising or corporate sponsorship.

Healthdirect Australia
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/early-menopause
Healthdirect Australia is a national, government-owned, not-for-profit organisation that helps Australians manage their health and wellbeing through a range of different information and advice services.

Health Translations Directory
http://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/PresentDetail?open&s=Menopause
The Health Translations Directory is an initiative from the Victorian Government of Australia providing health information in different languages. At the link above you can find information about ‘normal’ menopause.

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause
Tel: (03) 9562 7555
Jean Hailes is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the knowledge of women’s health throughout the various stages of their lives, and to provide a trusted world-class health service for women.

The Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/menopause-information/early-menopause/
The Women’s is Australia’s first and largest specialist hospital dedicated to improving the health of all women and newborns. The Women’s provide comprehensive services ranging from health promotion to clinical expertise and leadership in maternity, gynaecology, women's cancer services, and in the specialist care of newborns.

International

Hormone Health Network (USA)
https://www.hormone.org/menopausemap/premature_menopause.html
https://www.hormone.org/menopausemap/
The Hormone Health Network is an endocrine patient education resource developed in the USA. It is committed to helping patients have more informed discussions with their health care providers about hormone health, disease, and treatment. All the HHN’s educational resources are based on the clinical and scientific expertise of The Endocrine Society, the world’s largest organization of endocrinologists, representing more than 18,000 physicians and scientists.

North American Menopause Society (NAMS, USA)
https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-premature-early-and-induced-menopause

National Health Service (NHS, UK)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/early-menopause/

2.2 Health services

The list below includes general menopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms after cancer, women’s health, family planning/sexual health, and women’s mental health clinics in public hospitals, organised by state/territory. Private hospitals may also offer cancer support services which may include menopause advice and support.

Please note this list is not exhaustive, and the inclusion of a service on this list does not equate with our endorsement.

National

Australasian Menopause Society
Find an AMS doctor
https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/find-an-ams-doctor

ACT

Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
A menopause clinic operates within the Sexual Health and Family Planning Centre and has female doctors who specialise in menopause support and treatment. Menopause doctors are usually available on Mondays and sometimes on Thursdays. No referral is required.

Address: Level One, 28 University Avenue
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: (02) 6247 3077
Website: http://www.shfpact.org.au/menopause-centre-of-canberra

Queensland

Currently there are no public menopause clinics in Queensland, however some private hospitals offer this service. See also Find an AMS Doctor.

New South Wales

Menopause Clinic (Northern Sydney Local Health District)
Obstetricians and gynaecologists with a special interest in menopause provide consultations for women with surgically–induced and natural menopause.

Days / hours: Monday and Wednesday mornings (9 am – 12 noon), and Friday afternoons (12 noon – 4pm). GP or specialist referral is required.

Address: Level 3, Clinical Services Building, Royal North Shore Hospital
Westbourne St
St Leonards NSW 2065
Tel: (02) 9463 2349
Website: https://www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Services/Directory/Pages/menopause.aspx

Sydney Menopause Centre, Royal Hospital for Women
The Sydney Menopause Centre is staffed by both male and female doctors with expertise in the treatment of menopause and who are supported by a variety of specialists in gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology and bone density. A registered nurse is available from Monday to Thursday to answer queries related to menopause. A referral from a General Practitioner or Gynaecologist is essential.

Address: Level 2 Gynaecology Outpatients, Royal Hospital for Women
Barker Street
Randwick NSW 2031
Tel: (02) 9382 6248 / (02) 9382 6249 (Monday to Thursday)

Women's Health Matters, Lismore Community Health Centre (Northern NSW Local Health District)
Provides a holistic women’s health service in a safe & respectful environment. Services provided include counselling, women's health promotion, women's health nurse, groups, information & referral.

Address: 3/29 Molesworth St
Lismore NSW 2480
Tel: (02) 6621 9800

For more information please see: Women's Health and Family Planning on the Northern NSW Local Health District website

Northern Territory

There are currently no specialist menopause clinics in NT. Family Planning can offer support and management, but don’t have a focus on menopause after cancer treatment. Your GP or oncologist should be able to help or refer you to someone with more specialised skills.

Family Planning Welfare Association Northern Territory (FPWNT)
08 8948 0144
Website: http://www.fpwnt.com.au

FPWNT have doctors who are specialised in women’s sexual and reproductive issues, including menopause. These doctors can provide support and management for women experiencing early menopause symptoms. Clinic hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am – 4.30 pm. No referral required. Bulk billing available. FPWNT can make referrals for sexual counselling.

See also Find an AMS Doctor

South Australia

Women’s Health Centre, Royal Adelaide Hospital
Doctors with a special interest in menopause provide consultations for women experiencing surgically–induced menopause and natural menopause. The clinic is open Tuesdays 9 am – 5 pm. 
GP or specialist referral is required.
Address:
Royal Adelaide Hospital
Port Rd
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: (08) 8222 5587

Tasmania

Family Planning Tasmania
Family Planning Tasmania have GP clinics with doctors who specialise in women’s health issues and are able to provide clinical and psychological support during menopause. There are clinics are in Burnie, Launceston and Glenorchy which are open Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. Outreach clinics are also run occasionally in Smithton, Cygnet, Huonville, Geeveston and Derwent Valley clinic. Call to find out when these clinics are available. No referral is required. Sexual counselling is also available.
Tel: (03) 6273 9117
Email: www.fpt.asn.au

Victoria

Alfred Health Women’s Health Clinic
The Alfred Health Women’s Health Clinic is held on Wednesday mornings. A referral from a General Practitioner or medical practitioner is required.
Address: The Alfred
55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Website: https://www.alfredhealth.org.au/services/womens-health-clinic

Jean Hailes Medical Centre

Clayton
Jean Hailes Medical Centre for Women
Address: 173 Carinish Road
Clayton, VIC 3168
Tel: (03) 9562 7555
Website: https://jeanhailes.org.au/medical-centre
Email: [email protected]

Epworth Freemasons, East Melbourne
Jean Hailes at Epworth Freemasons
Address: 412 Victoria Parade
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Tel: (03) 9562 7555
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday - Friday from 8am to 4.30pm.

Monash Health Menopause clinic
Address: Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Rd, Clayton VIC 3168
Tel: 1300 342 273
Website: http://www.monashhealth.org/page/Womens_health_and_wellbeing_service
Opening hours: Thursday afternoon, including specific Early Menopause and Menopause After Cancer clinics.

Royal Women’s Hospital Menopause clinic
Women’s Health Clinics
Address: The Women’s
Level 1, 20 Flemington Road
Parkville VIC 3054
Tel: (03) 8345 2191 (Thursday)
Website: https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/menopause/menopause-clinic-patients

Royal Women’s Hospital – Menopause Symptoms After Cancer (MSAC) Clinic
Women’s Health Clinics
Address: Level 1, 20 Flemington Road
Parkville VIC 3054
Tel: (03) 8345 2191 (Monday)
* Please note this clinic also has a telehealth option for Victorian women outside of Melbourne.
Website: https://www.thewomens.org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/menopause/menopause-symptoms-after-cancer

Women’s Mental Health clinic, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre
Address: Level 4, 607 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne VIC 3004
Tel: (03) 9076 9895
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.maprc.org.au/womens-clinic

Other services related to women’s health in Victoria can be found here:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/womens-sexual-reproductive-health-where-to-go

Western Australia

Keogh Institute for Medical Research Women’s Health Clinic
No referral required.
Address: First Floor, C Block
QEII Medical Centre
Hospital Avenue, Nedlands WA 6009
Tel: (08) 6457 2008
Website: https://kimr.org/clinical-health/womens-health/

Women's Health Clinic, King Edward Hospital
Address: 374 Bagot Road
Subiaco WA 6008
Tel: (08) 6458 2222
Website: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/20093483/menopause-clinic/services/subiaco-6008-bagot

Menopause Symptoms After Cancer (MSAC) Clinic, King Edward Memorial Hospital
Tel: (08) 9340 1357 or (08) 9340 2222 (pager number 3358)
Website: https://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/services/menopause/msac.htm
Opening hours: Wednesdays 9 am – 4 pm. You can also call the clinic on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 9 am – 4 pm for referrals, support and information about menopausal symptoms. Video conferencing is also available for women living in regional and rural areas. GP or specialist referral is required.

3. Spontaneous Early Menopause / Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

3.1 Online information (in alphabetical order)

Australia

Australasian Menopause Society
https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/742-spontaneous-premature-ovarian-insufficiency

Healthdirect Australia
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/turner-syndrome
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fragile-x-syndrome

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/premature-early-menopause
https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Tools/Menopause_tool.pdf (includes sections on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency / Spontaneous Early Menopause)

Monash University – School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine
https://www.monash.edu/medicine/sphpm/depts-centres-units/womenshealth/info-sheets/primary-ovarian-insufficiency

International

European Society on Human Reproduction (ESHRE, Europe)
https://www.eshre.eu/Specialty-groups/Special-Interest-Groups/Nurses-and-Midwives/Recommended-patient-information.aspx
(Scroll down to downloadable PDF titled ‘Information for women with premature ovarian insufficiency: Non-iatrogenic POI’.)

Hormone Health Network (USA)
The Hormone Health Network is an endocrine patient education resource developed in the USA. It is committed to helping patients have more informed discussions with their health care providers about hormone health, disease, and treatment. All the HHN’s educational resources are based on the clinical and scientific expertise of The Endocrine Society, the world’s largest organization of endocrinologists, representing more than 18,000 physicians and scientists.
https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/primary-ovarian-insufficiency

Patient (UK)
Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals.
https://patient.info/health/menopause-hrt/premature-ovarian-insufficiency

3.2 Support groups and forums

Australia

Daisy in Australia
Daisy Network is the only support group in Australia dedicated to helping young women, under the age of 40, diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) - any cause.
https://www.daisynetwork.org/locations/countries/daisy-in-australia/

Fragile X Association of Australia
Fragile X Association of Australia Inc (FXAA) is a national not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. FXAA aims to improve the wellbeing of Australians affected by Fragile X disorders by offering support and services. They offer a Helpline service 5 days a week, free counselling, and access to specialised clinics, information and resources on Fragile X, workshops, events and community connection.
Helpline: 1300 394 636
https://fragilex.org.au/

Turner Syndrome Association of Australia
The TSAA provides information, support, and opportunities to connect for females living with Turner Syndrome and their support networks.
https://www.turnersyndrome.org.au/
Email: [email protected]

International

New Zealand Early Menopause Support Group (NZ)
http://www.earlymenopause.org.nz/
The aim of NZEM is to provide support to women throughout NZ who have experienced or are experiencing an early menopause as a result of genetic, natural or medically induced causes.

The Daisy Network (UK)
https://www.daisynetwork.org.uk/
The Daisy Network is a registered charity dedicated to providing free information and support to women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), also known as Premature Menopause. The Daisy Network’s aims are to provide a support network of people to talk to, allow members to share information about their personal experience of POI, provide information on treatments and research within the fields of HRT and assisted conception, and raise awareness of the condition among doctors and the broader medical community.

4. Medically-induced Early Menopause

4.1 Online information

Australia

Australasian Menopause Society (AMS)
Information sheet – EM due to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy: https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/319-early-menopause-due-to-chemotherapy-radiotherapy

Information Sheet – Surgical menopause https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/756-surgical-menopause

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Webpage: https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-in-young-women/
BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. It has more than 75,000 individual members and over 300 Member Groups. BCNA informs, empowers, represents and links together women and families affected by breast cancer. BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible.

Ovarian Cancer Australia
Webpage: https://ovariancancer.net.au/how-can-we-help-you/younger-women/
Ovarian Cancer Australia is a NGO established to support those affected by ovarian cancer, give them a voice, facilitate research, and raise awareness of ovarian cancer on a national scale.

Cancer Australia
Webpage: https://breast-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/living/physical-changes/menopause
Booklet: https://canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/bcmc-breast-cancer-early-menopause-v2_504af03adb71c.pdf
Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

Cancer Council Australia
https://www.cancer.org.au/

Cancer Council ACT
http://www.actcancer.org/

Cancer Council Queensland
https://cancerqld.org.au/

Cancer Council NSW
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/

Cancer Council Northern Territory
https://nt.cancer.org.au/

Cancer Council SA
https://www.cancersa.org.au/

Cancer Council Tasmania
http://www.cancertas.org.au/

Cancer Council Victoria
http://www.cancervic.org.au/

Cancer Council Western Australia
https://www.cancerwa.asn.au/

Jean Hailes
Webpage on endometriosis treatments including surgery: https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometriosis/management-treatment

International

European Society on Human Reproduction (ESHRE, Europe)
https://www.eshre.eu/Specialty-groups/Special-Interest-Groups/Nurses-and-Midwives/Recommended-patient-information.aspx
(Scroll down to downloadable PDF titled ‘Information for women with premature ovarian insufficiency: Iatrogenic POI’.)

The Hysterectomy Association (UK)
https://www.hysterectomy-association.org.uk/information/the-menopause/
The Hysterectomy Association provides impartial information about hysterectomy, women’s health, the menopause and hormone replacement therapy to women who are facing surgery for a variety of gynaecological problems.

4.2 Support groups and forums

Australia

Boob Club
http://boobclubmelbourne.com/

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
https://www.bcna.org.au/

Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria
https://www.cccis.org.au/

Counterpart
https://counterpart.org.au/

Daisy in Australia
Daisy Network is the only support group in Australia dedicated to helping young women, under the age of 40, diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) - any cause.
https://www.daisynetwork.org/locations/countries/daisy-in-australia/

Endometriosis Australia
https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org

Lynch Syndrome Australia
https://lynchsyndrome.org.au/

Ovarian Cancer Australia
https://ovariancancer.net.au/

Pink Hope
https://pinkhope.org.au/

Pink Sari
https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/how-we-help/programs-we-support/pink-sari

So Brave
https://sobrave.com.au/

Think Pink Foundation
https://www.thinkpink.org.au/

International

Breastcancer.org (USA)
http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/types/treatment-induced

Macmillan Cancer Support (UK)
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/
MacMillan is a source of support for people living with cancer and works towards improving cancer care.

5. Fertility Resources

5.1 Online information

Australia

Better Health Channel
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/Assisted-reproductive-technology-IVF-and-ICSI

Breast Cancer Network of Australia
Booklet: Fertility-related choices: A decision aid for younger women with breast cancer
https://www.bcna.org.au/media/3685/bcn1189_fertility_booklet_2016_online.pdf

National Breast Cancer Foundation
Video: The 800youngwomen Project: Fertility and future child bearing
http://nbcf.org.au/news/video-news/the-800youngwomen-project-fertility-and-future-child-bearing/

Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA)
Webpage: https://www.varta.org.au/information-and-support
Webpage: https://www.varta.org.au/information-support/fertility-and-infertility/fertility-preservation/cancer-and-fertility

NB: If you live outside Victoria, please check assisted reproductive technology regulations in your state and territory as they may be different.

International

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM, USA)
Video: http://www.reproductivefacts.org/resources/educational-videos/videos/full-length-videos/videos/fertility-preservation-for-cancer-patients/
Webpage: https://www.reproductivefacts.org/faqs/faqs-about-the-psychological-component-of-infertility/

New Zealand Early Menopause Support Group – Information on Fertility
Webpage: http://www.earlymenopause.org.nz/fertility

5.2 Health services

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is available only through private services. However, it does attract a Medicare rebate. Some public hospitals have fertility clinics – details are provided for selected public hospital fertility clinics in NSW and Victoria.

Choice Australia
How to choose an IVF clinic (July 2014)
https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/reproductive-health/conception/articles/ivf-costs

VARTA
Booklet: https://www.varta.org.au/resources/brochure/costs-ivf

New South Wales

Royal Price Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District
https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/fertility/default.html

Victoria

The Royal Women’s Hospital
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-professionals/sexual-reproductive-health/reproductive-services-main/repro-services-clinic

Monash Health Reproductive Biology Unit clinic
http://www.monashhealth.org/page/Sexual_and_reproductive_health_services_family_planning

6. Resources Recommended by Interviewees

Please note: The resources listed on this page were recommended by some of our interviewees. They may or may not be helpful or suit all women. For a guide to finding reliable information about early menopause online, please see our Fact Sheet Using the Internet to Research Menopause Health Information.

6.1 Websites and online forums

Stupidcancer.org (Canada)
Stupid Cancer, a nonprofit organization, is the leader in young adult cancer advocacy, research, and support. Their mission is to empower, support, and improve health outcomes for the young adult cancer community.

Gateway Women: United in and beyond Childlessness
https://gateway-women.com/
Gateway Women is an online community and resource for women who consider themselves childless by circumstance.

6.2 Books

Please note: Information in books can become out-of-date over time. Some information in these books may not be current.

Goodhart F and Atkins L (2013) The Cancer Survivor's Companion: Practical Ways to Cope with your Feelings after Cancer. Little, Brown Book Group: London

Heffernan M and Quinn M (2003) Gynaecological Cancer Guide: Sex, Sanity and Survival. Michelle Anderson Publishing: South Yarra.

7. Infographics

Early Menopause Essentials - Managing Early Menopause
Early Menopause Essentials - Spontaneous Early Menopause
Early Menopause Essentials - Early Menopause and Breast Cancer
Early Menopause Essentials - Medically Induced Early Menopause

 

8. Let’s Talk Early Menopause webinar series

Below are links to a series of three webinars on early menopause created by the researchers on this project and hosted by some of our partner organisations. Each one has a different theme:

  • spontaneous early menopause and POI;
  • early menopause following cancer treatment; and
  • early menopause following breast cancer treatment.

Webinars are approximately one hour long. They begin with short presentations from an endocrinologist (Dr Amanda Vincent), a woman with lived experience, a health and family sociologist (Dr Kate Johnston-Ataata) and an obstetrician-gynaecologist (Dr Jacqueline Boyle). In the second half, participants ask questions of the presenters, with Dr Rhonda Garad (a knowledge translation specialist) as moderator.

Let’s Talk Spontaneous Early Menopause

Co-hosted by Women’s Health Victoria, 19 October 2020
Featuring Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences research participant Kirsty (diagnosed with spontaneous POI at age 31).

Let’s Talk Early Menopause and Cancer

Co-hosted by Counterpart, 16 November 2020
Featuring Counterpart Consumer Representative Rebecca (diagnosed with breast cancer at age 41)

 

Let’s Talk Early Menopause and Breast Cancer

Hosted by Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), 30 November 2020
Featuring BCNA Consumer Representative Tania (diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32).

 

9. Ask Early Menopause app

A research-based app developed for women with early menopause, Ask Early Menopause helps you find trustworthy information of the highest quality from leading experts to:

  • help you learn about the condition,
  • support you with tools including a personal dashboard to help you track your symptoms,
  • find the healthiest possible lifestyle, and
  • decide on the best management options for you.

Developed by Monash-based researchers from the Healthtalk project in partnership with women with early menopause, and featuring women's experiences.