Health Insights
Can a menopause consultation be done by telehealth?
A menopause consultation may be suitable for telehealth, depending on your concerns and the clinician’s assessment. Learn what you can discuss, how to prepare and when an in-person review may be recommended.
A menopause consultation is a discussion of the changes you are noticing and what you want to understand or review. For some people, that conversation can take place by telehealth.
Being able to book a telehealth appointment is not the same as a decision that telehealth is clinically suitable. The treating clinician assesses that for your circumstances. This article does not mean that every menopause concern can be completely assessed or managed through telehealth.
What a menopause telehealth consultation may involve
Depending on your concerns and the clinician's assessment, a menopause telehealth consultation may include a discussion of your symptoms, menstrual history, sleep, mood, sexual or urinary comfort, current health, and what you hope to clarify.
It may also include a review of information you already have, such as recent results or a treatment you are already using. It is a clinical conversation, not a guarantee of a diagnosis, test, prescription, referral or treatment plan.
Concerns you may wish to discuss
You do not need a complete list before you book. People often use a menopause consultation to talk about hot flushes or night sweats, sleep, mood or concentration, period changes, vaginal or bladder comfort, sexual wellbeing, or questions about options for symptom support.
These are examples of topics, not a checklist that confirms perimenopause or menopause. Similar changes can have other explanations.
What may help you prepare
If you have them, bring a list of current medicines and supplements, relevant test results, brief notes about symptoms and their timing, and the questions you most want answered.
You do not need a complete file. Bring what you have, and join from a private place where you can speak freely.
How the clinician assesses whether telehealth is suitable
New and existing patients can book telehealth. Telehealth can be booked across Mahila's service areas, and patients can access telehealth from across Australia.
Suitability still depends on the treating clinician's assessment. An initial in-person appointment is recommended in some circumstances, but it is not automatically required.
When an in-person examination or assessment may be recommended
Some parts of care need to be done in person, such as an examination, a measurement, a test or a procedure. If the clinician determines that an examination or in-person assessment is needed, they will discuss the appropriate next step.
That may involve attending Mahila or another suitable healthcare provider. A recommendation for in-person review does not mean telehealth was the wrong way to start the conversation.
What may happen after the consultation
What happens next depends on the discussion and the clinician's assessment. It may include watchful follow-up, an in-person visit, further information, or a later review.
Any prescribing decision depends on individual clinical assessment and applicable requirements. This article does not describe which medicines can be started, continued or supplied by telehealth.
Fees
Telehealth consultation fees are the same as the corresponding regular consultation fees. You can review consultation fees before you book. The fee list does not confirm that telehealth is clinically suitable for your concern.
Learn more about telehealth appointments and menopause care at Mahila. If you need help choosing an appointment, you can contact the clinic.
A menopause conversation can start by telehealth
Whether telehealth is suitable depends on your concerns and the treating clinician's assessment. Booking a telehealth appointment does not by itself confirm that every part of your care can be completed remotely.