From 1 July 2025, Australian women experiencing signs or symptoms of perimenopause or menopause have been able to access a dedicated Medicare-funded menopause and perimenopause health assessment through general practice. The main GP item is MBS Item 695, and it was introduced as part of a federal investment to improve women’s health care access.  

And honestly? This is a big deal. For too long, women have been told their symptoms are related to stress or a normal part of ageing, or something they simply need to tolerate. This assessment gives you a structured opportunity to sit down with your GP and talk through what is actually going on – your symptoms, your risks, your screening, your lifestyle, your options, and your next steps.

But here’s the thing. A 20-minute appointment goes quickly. So the more prepared you are, the more useful it will be.

As a pharmacist, nutritionist and certified menopause practitioner, this is the guide I wish every woman had before walking into that appointment.

What is the Medicare menopause health assessment?

The Medicare menopause and perimenopause health assessment is a dedicated GP appointment for people experiencing signs or symptoms related to perimenopause, menopause, early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. The assessment must last at least 20 minutes and includes a symptom review, relevant medical history, a basic physical examination, investigations or referrals where clinically needed, discussion of management options, and a management plan.  

The government factsheet specifically notes that your GP should consider things like cervical screening, mammography and bone densitometry where relevant, and provide preventive health advice around physical activity, smoking, alcohol, nutrition and weight management.  

In plain English – this is not just a quick check if you have hot flushes or not. It’s a conversation designed as a broader health check for this stage of life.

Who is eligible – and how do you book?

You may be eligible if you are experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause, including early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. Services Australia notes this assessment is available once every 12 months for eligible patients during the initial two-year period from 1 July 2025.  

When booking, you can say something like:

“I’d like to book a menopause or perimenopause health assessment under Medicare Item 695.”

If the receptionist or clinic is not familiar with it yet, ask for a long consult focused on perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Not every practice will have set up its systems or workflows in the same way, so being specific helps.

It’s also worth noting that guidance for providers says the assessment must be completed by a GP and last at least 20 minutes. Some primary health networks have also clarified it is not intended as a telehealth item.  

Before the appointment – what to prepare

This is where you can make the appointment much more useful.

First, bring a complete list of everything you take. Not just prescription medicines. Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, protein powders, menopause supplements, sleep products, online purchases, and anything you take occasionally. 

This matters because supplements can interact with medicines, duplicate ingredients, or affect test results. A classic example is biotin (vitamin B7), often found in hair, skin and nail supplements, which can interfere with some pathology tests, including thyroid-related tests. From a pharmacist’s perspective, this medication and supplement audit is one of the most valuable parts of preparation.

Next, track your symptoms for at least two weeks if you can. You can use my free symptoms checklist from my book It’s Not You, It’s Perimenopause. 

That kind of information gives your GP something concrete to work with.

It’s also helpful to gather family history. Ask about heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, breast cancer and early menopause. These details can shape what screening or referrals may be appropriate.

What actually happens during the 20-minute assessment?

During the assessment, your GP will usually take a detailed history to understand whether your symptoms fit with perimenopause, menopause, early menopause or another cause. They should also consider your wellbeing, medical history, risk factors and whether there are any contraindications to particular treatment options.  

A basic physical examination may include blood pressure, height and weight. Depending on your symptoms and history, your GP may also discuss investigations or referrals.

This is also where management options come in. The MBS guidance specifically includes discussion of non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies, including risks and benefits, and development of a patient-centred symptom management plan.  

That means the conversation may include lifestyle changes, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, smoking, alcohol, weight management, medicines, menopausal hormone therapy where appropriate, non-hormonal options, and referrals to other practitioners.

Screening tests to expect, and what they mean

There is no single blood test that diagnoses perimenopause. Often, the diagnosis is based on your age, symptoms and cycle changes. But blood tests can be useful to check for other contributors and assess broader health risk.

Your GP may consider tests such as fasting glucose or HbA1c to assess blood sugar risk, a cholesterol panel to look at cardiovascular risk, thyroid function tests because thyroid changes can mimic some perimenopause symptoms, iron studies if you have heavy bleeding or fatigue, vitamin D if bone health is a concern, and B12 depending on your diet, symptoms or risk factors.

A bone density scan may be considered if you have risk factors for osteoporosis, early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency, fractures, long-term steroid use, low body weight or strong family history. 

From a nutrition perspective, this is also the time to ask about the nutrients that matter more at menopause: vitamin D, calcium intake, iron, B12, protein and fibre. Not all of these are measured in blood, but they are still worth discussing because they affect bone health, energy, muscle maintenance, gut function and cardiometabolic risk.

Questions worth asking – even if your GP doesn’t raise them

A menopause health check is your appointment too. You are allowed to bring up the things that matter to you.

You might ask:

• “Could my symptoms be perimenopause, or should we rule out anything else?”
• “What screening tests make sense for me based on my family history?”
• “Can we talk about bone density and whether I need a referral?”
• “Could any of my supplements interfere with my medications or blood tests?”
• “What are my options for vaginal dryness, recurrent irritation or painful sex?”
• “How should I think about protein, fibre, calcium and vitamin D at this stage?”
• “Is my sleep issue hormonal, stress-related, or something else?”
• “Do I need a follow-up appointment to go through results properly?”

That last question is important. A health check is a starting point, not the whole plan.

After the appointment – understanding your results

When your blood results come back, ask for a proper explanation.

Cholesterol results are not just good or bad. They form part of your overall cardiovascular risk picture. Glucose or HbA1c can show whether insulin resistance or diabetes risk needs attention. Thyroid results can help rule in or out another reason for fatigue, mood changes or temperature sensitivity. Iron studies can explain exhaustion, heavy bleeding impacts or restless legs. Vitamin D and bone health discussions matter because the menopause transition is a key time to protect long-term skeletal health.

If you feel overwhelmed by the numbers, that’s normal. Ask what each result means, whether it changes your risk, and what action (if any) is needed.

Where your pharmacist fits in

Your pharmacist can be an incredibly useful follow-up support after the appointment.

They can help you understand new prescriptions, explain how and when to take medicines, flag interactions, and check whether your supplements are doubling up or working against your medications.

They can also help you navigate over-the-counter menopause products without embarrassment – including vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, sleep supports, magnesium, iron, vitamin D and other supplements. This is especially useful because the menopause aisle can feel overwhelming, and not every product is suitable for every woman.

A good pharmacist can also help you prepare questions for your GP if something doesn’t feel clear.

What the health check doesn’t cover

This assessment is valuable, but it is not magic.

Twenty minutes is not enough to fully unpack years of symptoms, gut health changes, pelvic floor issues, sexual pain, disordered eating history, medication complexity, sleep apnoea risk, work stress, caring load and long-term nutrition.

That doesn’t mean the appointment has failed. It means it should open the door.

You may still need a follow-up GP appointment, referral to a gynaecologist, pelvic floor physiotherapist, dietitian, psychologist, pharmacist review, or menopause-trained practitioner.

The goal is not to solve everything in one appointment. The goal is to get the right issues on the table and create a plan.

You can also book a perimenopause consultation with me, where I take a detailed history and leave you with a personalised plan. 

The bottom line

The Medicare menopause health assessment is an important step forward for women’s health in Australia. It gives you a dedicated opportunity to talk about perimenopause and menopause properly, rather than squeezing it into the final two minutes of a standard appointment.

But preparation matters.

Bring your medication and supplement list. Track your symptoms. Know your family history. Ask about screening. Ask about nutrition. Ask what happens next.

Because this isn’t just about managing hot flushes. It’s about protecting your brain, bones, heart, sleep, relationships, confidence and long-term health.

And you deserve care that takes all of that seriously.

About Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is a registered pharmacist, registered nutritionist and certified menopause practitioner. She is the founder of The Nutrition Pharmacist and works with women across Australia to navigate perimenopause and menopause using practical, evidence-based strategies.

Sarah is also a practitioner partner with Biolae, contributing clinical insights into women’s health and menopause care.

References

• Medicare Benefits Schedule. Item 695: Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment. Published 2025.  
• MBS Online. Menopause and perimenopause health assessment services — factsheet. Last updated 16 June 2025.  
• Services Australia. MBS billing for health assessments. Updated 1 March 2026.  
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. A stronger Medicare for Australian women. Published 28 June 2025.  
• RACGP newsGP. Detail of new women’s health MBS items explained. Published 25 June 2025.  
• North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network. New menopause MBS items: what GPs need to know. Published 9 October 2025.