midlife health
Perimenopause and menopause
Cycle changes, sleep, temperature symptoms, mood and the metabolic shifts that often arrive in the same years. Assessed together, by one Nurse Practitioner, with follow-up that is part of the plan.
A history first, then a plan
The first consult is 40 minutes, by video. Brett asks what has changed, what you have already tried, what a manageable week looks like, and which symptoms are actually bothering you. Sleep, bleeding pattern, mood, temperature symptoms, brain fog, weight, blood pressure and the medicines you already take belong in the same conversation.
You are welcome to bring a support person. Write your questions down. Bring recent blood results if you have them, so tests are not repeated without a reason.
What the care covers
- Perimenopause and menopause symptoms: cycle changes, sleep, temperature symptoms, mood, and concentration.
- The metabolic picture that often changes in the same years: waist, weight, energy, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose markers. There is a separate page for weight and metabolic health, and the two are managed as one plan when they belong together.
- Blood tests before treatment, unless recent results already answer the question.
- Questions about eating and your relationship with food, before any plan that touches weight.
- A letter to your GP, with your consent.
- A review, so the plan can be adjusted or stopped.
What a plan can include
Food, movement, sleep and stress are part of the work, not a footnote. A medicine is discussed only when it is clinically appropriate, after the assessment and the tests. It is one possible part of a plan. It is not promised, and it is not the thing you book in order to receive.
If a prescription is written, it is an eScript for any pharmacy you choose. Cortex does not bundle a medicine into a fee, and it does not use a partner pharmacy.
This is not a script service. Read the safety standard before you book: assessment, bloods, eating-disorder screening, follow-up, and clear reasons to reduce or stop treatment.
How the consult is run
Brett listens, then explains the options in plain language, including the option of no medicine. He will say what sits with your GP, what needs a screening visit, and what cannot be decided on a video call. The practice stays small so the person who took the history is the person who reviews it.
Brett is a man. If you would prefer a female clinician, say so and he will help arrange a referral. That offer is also in the FAQs and on the about page. If you are happy to go ahead, the consult is still the history, the tests and the follow-up.
When not to wait for a telehealth appointment
Call 000 for chest pain, sudden weakness or trouble speaking, a sudden severe headache, fainting, or bleeding you cannot control. See someone in person promptly for bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods that is new for you, a breast lump, or pelvic pain that is severe.
Cortex does not replace breast screening, cervical screening, or care in pregnancy. Tell Brett if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are trying to conceive, so any plan stays safe.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, call 000 if you are in danger, and Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Start with the assessment.
If you want perimenopause or menopause symptoms looked at properly, and you will do the tests and the follow-up, book the initial video consult.