Perimenopause and menopause support in New Farm, Brisbane
Exercise physiology, dietetics, psychology, physiotherapy and acupuncture under one roof, working together around you.
Book a First ConsultHot flushes, broken sleep, brain fog, joint aches, mood changes, shifts in your body and energy. Perimenopause often starts in your 40s, sometimes earlier, and can last for several years. You don't have to just push through it.
At Habitual, our practitioners work together so you're not piecing your care together on your own. We also work alongside your GP, who can talk with you about medical options such as menopausal hormone therapy.
Where perimenopause and menopause fit
Reproductive years
Regular cycles, with hormones following a fairly predictable monthly rhythm.
Perimenopause
Often starts in your 40s and lasts several years. Hormones fluctuate, and symptoms can come and go.
Menopause
A single point in time, confirmed 12 months after your final period.
Postmenopause
The years after menopause, when looking after your bones, muscle and heart matters more than ever.
Sound familiar? Common perimenopause symptoms
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Poor sleep and ongoing tiredness
- Anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Joint aches and muscle stiffness
- Changes in weight, body shape or energy
- Bladder leaks or pelvic floor changes
- Losing strength, or worrying about your bone health
Symptoms vary a lot from person to person. If yours are new, severe or worrying, see your GP as well.
Your perimenopause care team
Tap a service to see how it can help
Exercise physiology
Strength and impact training to help protect your bones and muscle, support your heart and metabolism, and lift your sleep, mood and energy.
Learn about exercise physiology →Dietetics
Practical, non-restrictive eating for changing energy, body composition, bone and heart health, and gut comfort.
Psychology
Support for anxiety, low mood, irritability and the life changes that often come at this stage. Approaches like CBT can also help with sleep and with how much symptoms affect your day.
Physiotherapy
Treatment for joint and muscle aches and stiffness, plus support for pelvic floor concerns such as bladder leaks.
Acupuncture
A calm, restorative treatment that many women find a helpful part of their care, particularly for sleep and stress.
Care that works together
Perimenopause affects your whole body, so your care should be joined up too. With your consent, our practitioners share goals and progress, so everyone is working from the same plan and you don't have to repeat your story.
We also keep your GP or specialist in the loop, so your allied health care fits alongside any medical treatment.
Why strength training matters in perimenopause
Falling oestrogen speeds up the loss of bone density and muscle. Resistance and impact training are among the best-supported ways to protect both, and they bring benefits well beyond your bones.
Protect your bones
Progressive strength and impact training helps maintain bone density as oestrogen falls.
Keep your muscle
Strength work helps you hold on to the muscle that keeps you capable and independent.
Support heart and metabolic health
Regular exercise helps manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, which can all shift at this stage.
Sleep, mood and energy
Many women find regular training helps them sleep better, feel calmer and feel more like themselves.
New to strength training? Read about returning to exercise with an exercise physiologist, including our Not a Gym Bro class.
How it works
Step 1: Book a first consult
Start with the practitioner who fits your biggest concern right now. Not sure where to begin? Call us and we'll point you in the right direction.
Step 2: Build your plan
Your practitioner takes time to understand your symptoms, history and goals, then maps out a plan that suits you.
Step 3: Bring in the team
If other support would help, we'll suggest it, and with your consent our practitioners keep each other updated.
Step 4: Review and adjust
Perimenopause changes over time, so we check in regularly and adjust your plan as your needs change.
Frequently asked questions
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, fluctuate and gradually fall. It often starts in your 40s, can begin earlier, and usually lasts several years. Menopause is confirmed once you've gone 12 months without a period.
How do I know if I'm in perimenopause?
It's usually recognised by your symptoms and changes to your cycle, such as periods becoming irregular, heavier or lighter. Your GP is the best person to confirm it and rule out other causes.
Can exercise help with perimenopause symptoms?
Yes, it can help with several. Regular strength and aerobic exercise supports bone and muscle health, heart health, mood and sleep, and many women find it helps them feel more like themselves.
Do you prescribe hormone therapy?
No. Our team doesn't prescribe medication, but we work alongside your GP or specialist, who can talk with you about options such as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).
Which practitioner should I see first?
Start with whoever matches your biggest concern right now, such as an exercise physiologist for strength and bone health or a psychologist for mood and anxiety. If you're unsure, call us and we'll help you decide.
Can I see more than one practitioner?
Yes. Many clients see two or three of our team, and with your consent we keep everyone on the same page.
Do you also support women through and after menopause?
Yes. Our care doesn't stop at perimenopause. Many of our clients are going through menopause or are postmenopausal, and strength training, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology and acupuncture can all continue to support your bones, muscle, heart, sleep and wellbeing.
Do I need a referral, and can I claim a rebate?
You can book directly without a referral. Some services may be eligible for a Medicare rebate with a GP referral, and many private health extras policies cover allied health. Check with your GP and health fund for your exact entitlements.
Explore other health conditions
You don't have to just push through
Book a first consult with our team in New Farm. We'll listen, help you understand what's happening and build a plan around you.
