GP & HP Professional Development Activity There is little doubt that hot flushes and vaginal changes can be directly linked to the hormonal changes of menopause. There is now an understanding that the experience of menopause is linked to what else is happening in a woman’s life at the same time as these physical changes. This session will look at things like depression, anxiety, mood swings and low libido as well as the physical, psychological, cultural and social factors that can impact on the experience of menopause.  Presenters  Dr Elizabeth Farrell is a consultant gynaecologist and founding Board member of the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health, Director of the Monash Medical Centre's Menopause Unit. She is also a private consultant and an honorary senior lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University. is a consultant gynaecologist and founding Board member of the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health, Director of the Monash Medical Centre's Menopause Unit. She is also a private consultant and an honorary senior lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University. A popular speaker, her particular interest is in helping women effectively manage menopause. She is co-author of the HRT Handbook. Dr Amanda Deeks is a consultant psychologist specialising in the area of menopause and midlife at The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health and in private practice. She specialises in the areas of early menopause, menopause and midlife, libido, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and body image. is a consultant psychologist specialising in the area of menopause and midlife at The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health and in private practice. She specialises in the areas of early menopause, menopause and midlife, libido, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and body image. Dr Deeks completed a PhD which investigated factors such as emotional well-being, relationships, sex, role, and body image in the menopausal woman. She has just finished writing a book called “Life begins at menopause”.  Note: The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health accepts funding from government and non-government sources including philanthropic organisations, charities, private individuals and commercial organisations. Grants and donations for the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health are only accepted on the basis of full academic freedom. Donors have no say or influence over what information is published or released.

Program Outline

Part 1: Why a biopsychosocial perspective?
Dr Farrell and Dr Deeks present an integrative model of menopause. (37 mins)

Part 2: Case Studies
Dr Farrell and Dr Deeks review two women from a biopsychosocial perspective. (30 mins)

Points Available

RACGP: Allocated 2 points (Category 2 - Women's Health) in the RACGP QA&CPD Program for the 2008-2010 triennium

ACRRM: Accredited with the ACRRM PDP program for 2 points core

RANZCOG: Fellows of RANZCOG can claim 1 point per hour for educational activities under the RANZCOG CPD self-education category.

Questions and Answers

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For further information  please contact:
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health 1800 151 441 or
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Content updated July 2, 2008