A new specialist menopause clinic has opened in the Albury-Wodonga region, offering women dedicated support and medical guidance during one of the most commonly overlooked stages of life.

Led by physician Dr Gayatri Seewoogoolam, the clinic was established in response to growing demand for expert menopause care and increasing awareness of the physical and emotional challenges many women experience during midlife. The service aims to provide evidence-based advice, diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term health planning for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Dr Seewoogoolam said many women struggle for years without clear answers, often attributing symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood changes, weight fluctuations, hot flushes, and memory difficulties to stress or ageing. The clinic seeks to improve access to specialised assessments and personalised treatment plans that address each patient's individual needs.

Healthcare professionals have increasingly highlighted the importance of menopause-focused services, noting that symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, employment, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Dedicated clinics allow patients to receive comprehensive care that may include hormonal assessment, lifestyle advice, symptom management strategies, and referrals to other specialists when required. Similar specialised menopause programs have recently been introduced in several regions as awareness of women's midlife health continues to grow.

The launch reflects a broader shift toward recognising menopause as an important health issue rather than simply a natural life stage that women must endure without support. Medical experts say increased education and access to specialised care can help women better understand available treatment options and reduce the stigma that often surrounds menopause discussions.

Local community members have welcomed the new service, particularly in a regional area where access to specialist women's health care can sometimes be limited. The clinic is expected to serve women from across the border region, including communities in both Victoria and southern New South Wales.