Menopause
Questions we often get asked
How do I know if I am in perimenopause or menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause, during which estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, sleep disruptions, sudden anxiety, and persistent fatigue. Menopause is clinically reached once you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and is it safe?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) restores the hormones that drop during perimenopause and menopause. For most symptomatic women, modern body-identical HRT is safe, effective, and evidence-backed. It provides relief from vasomotor symptoms (flushes and sweats), stabilizes mood, protects bone density against osteoporosis, and supports long-term cardiovascular health when prescribed and monitored by clinical specialists.
What non-hormonal treatment options are available?
If HRT is not medically suitable or you prefer a non-hormonal path, effective evidence-based alternatives are available. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for menopause to manage flushes and insomnia, non-hormonal prescription medications, metabolic nutrition protocols, and targeted lifestyle interventions.
How does Menopause Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) work?
Menopause CBT is a clinically proven psychological therapy that teaches practical cognitive and behavioural strategies to reduce the perceived severity of hot flushes and night sweats. It also targets midlife sleep disruptions, mood changes, and stress without medications.
What treatments help with vaginal dryness and pain during intimacy?
Declining estrogen often leads to Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), causing vaginal dryness, discomfort, or recurrent urinary tract issues. Safe and effective solutions include local vaginal estrogen (creams, pessaries, or rings) that work directly on tissues with minimal systemic absorption, alongside specialized non-hormonal moisturisers.
Well Man
Questions we often get asked
What are the main signs of low testosterone?
Common indicators of declining testosterone include persistent fatigue, reduced physical stamina, loss of lean muscle mass, increased abdominal fat, brain fog, irritability, low mood, and a noticeable decrease in libido or morning erections.
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and who is eligible?
TRT is a medically supervised treatment designed to bring low testosterone levels back into a healthy physiological range. Eligibility requires a comprehensive clinical consultation, a symptom evaluation, and morning fasting blood tests (measuring total and free testosterone alongside liver, kidney, and cardiovascular markers) to confirm therapy is medically necessary and safe.
What treatments are available for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction is addressed by diagnosing its root cause—whether vascular, hormonal, psychological, or lifestyle-related. Rather than relying solely on temporary symptomatic fixes, treatment plans combine modern medical prescriptions with cardiovascular optimization, hormone balancing, and stress management.
How do sleep, stress, and nutrition affect men's hormones?
Testosterone production peaks during deep REM sleep, and chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, which directly inhibits testosterone synthesis. Evidence-based treatment protocols integrate sleep hygiene strategies, macronutrient-focused nutrition, and structured resistance training alongside any clinical therapies.
Is TRT an ongoing commitment, and how is safety monitored?
TRT is generally an ongoing clinical therapy tailored to your individual needs. Ongoing safety is managed through regular check-ins and periodic blood tests (evaluating testosterone levels, haematocrit, red blood cell counts, lipid profiles, and prostate-specific antigen) to ensure safe, sustainable health outcomes.
Appointments
Questions we often get asked
Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?
No, a doctor’s referral is not required. You can book an initial specialist consultation directly through the website. If you have recent blood test results or medical records from your GP, you are welcome to provide them during your intake.
Are consultations available online via telehealth across New Zealand?
Yes. Both in-clinic consultations and private, secure telehealth video appointments are available for patients located anywhere in New Zealand. Prescriptions and blood test requests can be forwarded directly to your preferred local pharmacy and laboratory.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
After scheduling your appointment, you will receive an online clinical intake form. Filling this out before your consultation provides your clinician with detailed context about your medical history, symptoms, and health goals, allowing the entire appointment to be focused on assessment and your personalized treatment plan.
Can consultations or treatments be claimed through private health insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific private health insurer and policy level (such as Southern Cross or other NZ health funds). Many policies cover specialist consultations, diagnostic lab tests, and prescription therapies. You will receive itemised GST receipts to submit with your claim.
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
If you need to change or cancel your consultation, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. This allows the reserved time slot to be offered to someone on the waiting list. Late cancellations or unattended appointments without prior notice may incur a cancellation fee.
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