Aurora Menopause & Weight Loss
Addressed together,
By one team.
Perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than your periods. At Aurora, we provide evidence-based menopause care in Perth that looks at hormones, weight, metabolism and long-term health together - not in isolation.
1 in 3
Australian women are currently in perimenopause or menopause
~20%
of women with menopause symptoms are receiving evidence-based treatment in Australia
3
Clinicians working together on your care: bariatric surgeon, menopause GP and nurse practitioner
Evidence-based menopause care
Treatment aligned with Australasian Menopause Society guidelines. Clear answers, personalised options, long-term support.
Menopause and weight, considered together
Aurora does not look at menopause in isolation. We look at the connection between hormones, weight, metabolism and long-term health.
Telehealth follow-up as an option
Initial assessment in Shenton Park. All follow-up offered via telehealth - making ongoing care accessible and practical.
WHO WE SEE
Specialist support for women in midlife.
Aurora Menopause Care may be suitable for you if you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, work, relationships, confidence or health.
✓ In perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause and want clear answers about what is happening
✓ Experiencing symptoms you think may be hormonal - even if you are not sure
✓ Gaining weight during perimenopause or menopause, particularly around the abdomen
✓ Finding that previous diet or exercise approaches no longer work
✓ Considering weight-loss medication or bariatric surgery, alongside menopause symptoms
✓ Post-bariatric surgery and entering perimenopause or menopause
✓ Experiencing early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
✓ Already on MHT and looking for specialist ongoing management and review
Why menopause can affect weight and metabolic health
During perimenopause and menopause, changing oestrogen levels can affect the way the body stores fat, regulates blood sugar, maintains muscle and responds to sleep disruption. Many women notice weight gain around the abdomen, reduced energy, poor sleep, greater difficulty losing weight and changes in cholesterol or blood pressure.
These changes are not simply a lack of willpower. For women also living with obesity, type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea, this stage of life may require more specialised support - which is exactly what Aurora is set up to provide.
Up to 10 years
Perimenopause can begin up to a decade before your final period. For many women, hormonal changes start in the late 30s or early 40s - long before they expect it.
Source: Jean Hailes for Women's Health; Australasian Menopause Society
~60%
Of women aged 45-60 in WA have a BMI above 25. Published research shows oestrogen drop increases visceral fat (the fat around your internal organs) and metabolic risk (the likelihood of developing serious health conditions - like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) in this age group.
Source: Aurora Bariatrics and Menopause Care Business Plan, 2025; published epidemiological data
Our services
Three ways to access care.
One connected team.
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you need. The Aurora team will work with you to understand your situation and find the right starting point.
01
Weight Loss & Menopause Care
Aurora's integrated clinic - coordinated care for both conditions together
For many women, menopause and weight are closely connected, but care is often treated separately.
Aurora’s combined menopause and weight management pathway brings these concerns together, considering your symptoms, weight history, metabolic health and treatment options in one coordinated plan.
This integrated approach sets Aurora apart by combining menopause care with bariatric, medical weight management and metabolic health expertise in one place.
This may suit you if you are:
- Experiencing weight gain and menopause symptoms and want both managed together
- Considering bariatric surgery while in perimenopause or menopause
- A previous bariatric patient now entering menopause
- Wondering whether hormone therapy might support your weight management, or vice versa
02
Menopause Care
A dedicated clinic for women in perimenopause, menopause or postmenopause. Led by Dr Aimee Pikoos, GP with a focus on women’s health and menopause, this clinic offers a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and health history, hormone therapy (MHT) where appropriate including body-identical options, non-hormonal alternatives for women who cannot or prefer not to take hormones, and ongoing telehealth follow-up with Kendall Gow, Nurse Practitioner.
All care follows current Australasian Menopause Society guidelines.
This may suit you if you are:
- Experiencing symptoms you think may be related to perimenopause or menopause
- Looking to start, review, or continue hormone therapy
- Managing early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Seeking support for bone health, sleep, mood, or sexual health changes in midlife
03
Weight Loss Surgery & Metabolic Medicine
Aurora's established weight management pathway - surgical and non-surgical. If you are considering weight loss surgery or looking for medical support to manage your weight, this is where you start.
We offer a thorough assessment before any decisions are made, surgical options including gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, weight loss medications, and long-term follow-up after treatment.
This may suit you if you are:
- Considering weight loss surgery and want to understand your options
- Looking for medication-based weight management support
- Managing weight alongside type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
- A previous bariatric patient needing ongoing review or support
SYMPTOMS WE CAN HELP WITH
Do any of these sound familiar?
Aurora Menopause Care may support women experiencing symptoms such as these. You do not need to have every symptom to seek an assessment. If menopause is affecting your quality of life, it is worth being assessed.
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Poor sleep or waking through the night
- Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
- Mood changes, anxiety or increased irritability
- Brain fog, poor concentration or memory changes
- Fatigue or reduced energyIrregular, heavier or more frequent periods
- Joint pain or muscle aches
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort, or pain with sex
- Recurrent urinary symptoms or UTIs
- Reduced libido
- Concerns about bone health, heart health or insulin resistance
WHY IT MATTERS BEYOND SYMPTOMS
Menopause affects more than how you feel day to day.
Menopause is not only a source of symptoms. The hormonal changes of this transition can affect your heart health, your bones, your blood sugar and your long-term metabolic health. At Aurora, we look at all of it.
The fat around your middle
During menopause, the body tends to store more fat around the abdomen and internal organs - a type called visceral fat. Unlike fat on the hips or thighs, visceral fat is associated with increased risk of heart disease and metabolic conditions. It is something we assess as part of your overall picture, where relevant.
Source: Marlatt et al., Obesity (Silver Spring), 2022
Your bones
Oestrogen plays an important role in keeping bones strong. As oestrogen falls during and after menopause, bone density can decline - sometimes significantly. We assess bone health as part of your care where it is clinically appropriate, and discuss options for protecting it long-term.
Source: Australasian Menopause Society guidelines
Hormone therapy (MHT) - what the current evidence says
MHT is considered appropriate for most women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, who do not have specific contraindications. Whether it is right for you depends on your individual health history and risk factors - something we work through with you together, with no pressure either way.
Source: AMS Practitioner's Toolkit, 2025; International Menopause Society
The aurora approach
What makes Aurora different?
Aurora is not just a standalone menopause clinic. Our service is built within a bariatric and metabolic medicine practice - which means we are especially focused on the connection between menopause, weight, hormones and metabolic health (the body’s internal hormones and chemistry).
Menopause and metabolic health considered together
Weight gain, poor sleep, hot flushes, fatigue, joint pain, low mood - for many women these are all happening at once, and they are often connected. But most clinics treat them separately, which means seeing different providers, getting different advice, and trying to piece it all together yourself.
Aurora brings together bariatric, menopause GP and nurse practitioner expertise in one place, with A/Prof Ruth Blackham, Dr Aimee Pikoos and Kendall Gow working as part of one connected care team. One appointment pathway. One team. One coordinated plan.
Surgeon-led with a research background
A/Prof Ruth Blackham holds FRACS, FACLM, IFASMBS and a PhD. Her research background in metabolic medicine informs Aurora’s clinical approach. Dr Aimee Pikoos brings GP expertise in women’s health and menopause, with care aligned to Australasian Menopause Society and International Menopause Society guidance. Kendall Gow, Nurse Practitioner, supports ongoing review, symptom monitoring and coordinated follow-up care.
Evidence-based treatment, including body-identical hormones
We use hormone therapy that is identical in structure to the hormones your body produces naturally. All treatment decisions are made together with you. We will explain your options clearly, including what the research says about both hormonal and non-hormonal approaches, so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you.
Bariatric and post-surgical expertise
If you have had weight loss surgery, menopause care needs to take that into account. Surgery can affect how your body absorbs medications and nutrients, which matters when it comes to hormone therapy, vitamins and bone health. At Aurora, our bariatric and menopause team work together - including A/Prof Ruth Blackham, Dr Aimee Pikoos and Kendall Gow - so you do not have to explain your surgical history to a separate provider or piece together advice from different places. We understand both, and we manage both together.
THE PROCESS
What to expect at Aurora.
Your first appointment is designed to give you time to explain what has been happening and how your symptoms are affecting your life. We take it from there.
1.
Book your initial appointment
Self-referral is welcome for menopause care and medical weight loss. A GP referral is recommended for the combined stream. You will complete a detailed pre-appointment questionnaire - including a symptom assessment - before your visit, so we can make the most of your time with us.
2.
Comprehensive in-person assessment
Your initial assessment is in person at Shenton Park Rooms. Depending on your pathway, your care may involve Dr Aimee Pikoos, Kendall Gow and Aurora’s bariatric and metabolic medicine team. We discuss your symptoms, health and medication history, and arrange any investigations where appropriate. Allow 60 minutes.
3.
A plan personalised to you
Treatment is based on your individual clinical situation, health history, investigation results and preferences. All decisions involve shared decision-making. There is no one-size-fits-all approach at Aurora - and no pressure to pursue any particular treatment path.
4.
Ongoing support via telehealth
Follow-up appointments are available via telehealth at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and annually. You can contact our team at any time. Annual reviews reassess your treatment and ensure your care remains right for your current situation.
In-person clinic days: Initial assessments are held on the first Friday of each month at Shenton Park Rooms, 98 Onslow Road, Shenton Park WA 6008. All follow-up appointments are available via telehealth. Self-referral is welcome for menopause care. GP referral recommended for the combined weight and menopause clinic.
The aurora approach
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need a GP referral to book?
No. Self-referral is welcome for menopause care and medical weight loss. A GP referral is recommended for the combined weight and menopause clinic, to support coordination with your existing care team. Not sure which pathway suits you? Contact our rooms and we can help.
I'm in my late 30s. Is it too early to be seen?
No. Perimenopause can begin in the late 30s, with hormonal changes occurring up to a decade before the final period. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to your hormones, a clinical assessment is a reasonable starting point. Aurora sees women from their late 30s onwards.
Is bariatric surgery an option during menopause?
Suitability for bariatric surgery depends on many individual clinical factors and is determined through a thorough assessment. It may be discussed as one of several options for appropriate candidates. Aurora's team will work through what is right for your specific situation - there is no pressure toward any particular path.
Can Aurora help if I have had bariatric surgery?
Yes. Women who have had bariatric surgery and are entering perimenopause or menopause have specific needs - including nutritional status, medication absorption, bone health and long-term weight maintenance. Aurora’s combined clinic is designed to address these, with coordinated input from A/Prof Ruth Blackham, Dr Aimee Pikoos and Kendall Gow, depending on your individual care needs.
Does menopause cause weight gain?
Menopause can contribute to weight gain and changes in body composition, particularly around the abdomen. This is influenced by hormonal changes, reduced muscle mass, ageing, sleep disruption, insulin resistance and lifestyle factors. While menopause is not the only cause of weight gain, it can make weight management more difficult for some women. A personalised assessment can help identify what is contributing to your symptoms and what treatment options may be appropriate.
Do I have to be overweight to seek menopause care with Aurora?
No. You do not need to be overweight or considering bariatric surgery to access menopause care at Aurora. We support women seeking help with perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause symptoms, including hot flushes, poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog, fatigue, vaginal symptoms, libido changes, bone health and hormone treatment options.
For women who are also experiencing weight gain or metabolic health concerns, Aurora can provide more integrated support that considers menopause, weight and metabolic health together.
take your first step
If menopause is affecting your quality of life,
it is worth being assessed.
Contact our team to learn more about Aurora Menopause Care, or book an appointment at Shenton Park Rooms in Perth. Telehealth follow-up is available across WA.
Important information: The content on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment options, suitability, and expected outcomes vary between individuals and are determined through individual clinical assessment. Aurora Bariatrics and Menopause Care operates in accordance with AHPRA advertising guidelines and the National Law. Statistical references are sourced from published peer-reviewed research and are provided for general educational purposes. Individual results cannot be guaranteed. Aurora Bariatrics and Menopause Care is a private billing service. Out-of-pocket costs apply. Please contact our rooms for current fee information prior to booking.
