Dr Ong Xiaohui

Menopause care

Menopause is a natural transition that all women will go through, but the symptoms can genuinely affect how you feel, sleep, work, and relate to the people around you. Dr Ong provides personalised menopause and perimenopause care and advice, including hormone therapy where appropriate, to help you navigate this transition.

Understanding menopause and perimenopause

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically between ages 45 and 55 (average around 51). The transition period (perimenopause) often begins several years earlier, with changes in cycle length, mood, sleep, and other symptoms. Many women don't realise perimenopause symptoms can start as early as in their late 30s to early 40s.

Common symptoms

  • Hot flushes and night sweats (termed vasomotor symptoms, the most common symptom of perimenopause)
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood changes — irritability, anxiety, low mood
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Joint aches and pains
  • Weight changes
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
  • Urinary symptoms — urgency, frequency, or recurrent infections
  • Irregular periods during perimenopause

Treatment options

Menopause hormone Therapy (MHT)

MHT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor menopausal symptoms. Dr Ong will go through:

  • Whether HRT is suitable for you based on your medical and family history
  • Types of HRT — oestrogen-only (usually after hysterectomy) or combined oestrogen + progesterone (where the uterus is still present)
  • Delivery methods — tablets, patches, gels, or vaginal preparations
  • Benefits and risks specific to your situation
  • Regular monitoring and follow-up to fine-tune your regimen

HRT is not one-size-fits-all. The right type, dose, and delivery method is very individual, and is usually adjusted over the first few months.

Non-hormonal options

For women who cannot or prefer not to take HRT:

  • Lifestyle modifications — exercise, diet, stress management, sleep
  • Non-hormonal medications for specific symptoms
  • Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants for vaginal dryness
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy for mood and sleep issues

Bone health

After menopause, oestrogen decline increases the risk of osteoporosis. Dr Ong may recommend:

  • Bone density assessment (DEXA scan)
  • Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
  • Weight-bearing exercise guidance
  • Medication if osteoporosis is diagnosed

Heart health

The protective effect of oestrogen diminishes after menopause, which changes your cardiovascular risk profile. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar monitoring as part of your women's health screening becomes more important in this stage.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms are affecting your quality of life, work, relationships, or sleep, do book an appointment with us to discuss your options. Early intervention often makes a significant difference, and many symptoms can be meaningfully reduced with the right plan.

Frequently asked questions

Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to the final menstrual period, often starting in the early 40s but sometimes earlier. Common signs include changes in cycle length or flow, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, brain fog, and vaginal dryness. A consultation, sometimes with blood tests, can help clarify whether your symptoms are likely to be perimenopausal.
For most women starting hormone therapy under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits for symptom relief generally outweigh the risks. Suitability depends on personal and family medical history, including any history of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Dr Ong will go through the specific risks and benefits for your situation.
Hormone therapy can be oestrogen-only (usually for women without a uterus) or combined oestrogen and progesterone (where the uterus is still present). It can be given as tablets, patches, gels, or vaginal preparations. The right type, dose, and delivery method is individual and is usually adjusted over the first few months.
For women who cannot or prefer not to take hormone therapy, options include lifestyle adjustments (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management), non-hormonal medications for specific symptoms, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants for vaginal dryness, and cognitive behavioural therapy for mood and sleep difficulties.
There is no fixed cut-off. Many women use hormone therapy for several years to manage symptoms, with periodic reviews to reassess the balance of benefits and risks for their individual situation. Some women stop after symptoms settle, while others continue longer with ongoing review.
Weight changes and a decline in bone density are common during the menopause transition. Strength training, weight-bearing exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D, and good sleep all help. Bone density screening (DEXA scan) and blood tests may be recommended depending on your risk profile.
Yes. Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, even with irregular periods. Contraception is generally recommended until 12 months after your last period if you are over 50, or 24 months if you are under 50. Dr Ong can discuss suitable options based on your needs.
An initial review is usually arranged 2 to 3 months after starting hormone therapy to assess how you are responding and adjust the regimen if needed. Once stable, annual reviews are typical, alongside your routine [women's health screening](/services/womens-health-screening).

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Opening Hours

  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed