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How your local pharmacist can help you navigate menopause

The menopause journey isn’t always a straightforward one, but thankfully help is at hand.
Middle aged woman
There are several different avenues to access advice during menopause. Image: Canva

Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, managing costs, or simply want to be seen sooner, Priceline pharmacist Elise Fioretto says it’s not just your GP who is a helpful resource during menopause. Your local Priceline pharmacist can also answer questions, review medications and point you in the right direction for support.

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“We can provide information about symptom management, including prescription and over-the-counter products, review medications to check for interactions and to discuss potential side effects, provide lifestyle advice, and refer women to their GP, especially if symptoms are severe or impact daily life,” Elise explains.

Menopause can also affect certain medications. For example, some thyroid, antidepressant and diabetic medications are all affected by hormone changes.

“Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or new supplements can interact with other medications. Your pharmacist can help with a complete medication review to ensure everything can be taken safely and effectively together. We’re here to provide a safe and judgement-free space where women can talk openly to a health professional and receive advice tailored to their needs.”

Beyond immediate symptom relief, Elise explains that pharmacists also play an important role in supporting long-term health considerations.

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“We can help women understand how menopause impacts bone and heart health over time, and provide guidance on lifestyle changes around diet, sleep hygiene and stress-reduction strategies. At Priceline Pharmacy, we also offer free health checks in over 300 pharmacies where you can measure key metrics like blood pressure, BMI and body fat percentage – giving women early, accessible insights into cardiovascular and metabolic health during this transition.”

It’s also vital to speak to a pharmacist before starting new supplements or treatments. Elise cautions that while options like black cohosh, evening primrose oil and red clover are widely marketed for menopause relief, they can interact with prescription medications or come with side effects.

“We can help women make safe, evidence-based decisions about complementary therapies – from the right dosage to potential red flag symptoms – especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.”

Did you know?

Priceline Pharmacy teams are being trained in menopause, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. More than 1000 Priceline pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have completed the training and, by the end of September, that number will more than double.

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Things worth asking at your local Priceline Pharmacy counter

  • What over-the-counter options can support hormonal changes?
  • Are there supplements that may help with sleep, mood or joint pain?
  • Could any of my symptoms be side effects from my current medications?
  • Can you review my medications for interactions with MHT?
  • What do your free Health Station checks screen for, and how do they link to menopause risks?
  • How can I reduce my risk of heart disease or type 2 diabetes during menopause?
  • Which menopause-specific skincare products are worth trying for dryness or sensitivity?
  • Can you help me understand whether what I’m experiencing is perimenopause or menopause?

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