Practical tips for MHT in perimenopause
About the podcast
More women are now seeking menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) earlier, often in their early to mid‑40s, some while still having regular menstrual cycles. Despite ongoing periods, many experience impactful perimenopausal symptoms such as brain fog, mood changes, sleep disturbance and vasomotor symptoms, and are increasingly requesting MHT—particularly transdermal estrogen—over the combined oral contraceptive pill.
In this episode, GP Dr Rebecca Chan and Director of Sexual Health Victoria Dr Sara Whitburn explore the practical management of women presenting for MHT earlier in the menopausal transition. Guidance will be given on when MHT is appropriate in women who are still cycling, how to counsel around MHT versus hormonal contraception, and how to manage expectations when treatment begins before periods cease. Practical advice on dose adjustment and investigation of unscheduled bleeding will also be discussed.
Links:
QUDTP Menopause program https://medcast.com.au/qhub/menopause
Clinical guide https://go.medcast.com.au/clinical-guide-menopause
Decision aid https://go.medcast.com.au/Managing_menopause_choosing_what_works_for_you
For more free Quality Use of Medicines education, check out QHUB on Medcast
Rebecca is a Sydney-based GP with a special interest in women’s health across the ages, including contraception, antenatal care, and menopause. Over the past 10 years, she has worked across various general practices and specialised reproductive and sexual health settings. Alongside her clinical work, she is a medical educator with both the RACGP and Medcast, and has been actively involved in registrar education and training for the past five years.
Become a member and get unlimited access to 100s of hours of premium education.
Learn morePRECISE Education Team
Genetic testing in general practice: Dr. Alan Ma explains which tests GPs can order, when to refer, and how the PRECISE portal supports confident testing and referral decisions.
Dr Kate Annear
GP Dr Kate Annear and Clinical Psychologist A/Prof Aliza Werner-Seidler discuss practical strategies for engaging young people, conducting psychosocial assessments, and using lifestyle, social, psychological and digital interventions to support mild to moderate depression and anxiety in young people.
With one in three young Australians experiencing a mental health condition each year, and suicide remaining the leading cause of death for 16 to 24-year-olds, the way clinicians approach antidepressant use in teens and young adults has never been more important.