Welcome to Magnolia Women’s Health
Your Partner in Navigating Menopause
Menopause is a natural and transformative phase of life, yet it can often feel isolating or overwhelming. At Magnolia Women’s Health, we want you to know you are not alone. By 2025, an estimated 1 billion women worldwide will be either perimenopausal or menopausal, experiencing the changes and challenges that come with this significant life transition.
It’s important to know that 80% of women will encounter some level of menopausal symptoms—ranging from hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes to issues like weight gain or vaginal dryness. While these symptoms are common, they are not something you need to endure in silence.
At our practice, we believe every woman deserves compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to her unique experience. We are here to listen, guide, and provide
CARMEN BROWN, MD FACOG, FRANZCOG
Menopause Specialist
Dr. Carmen Brown is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with qualifications in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. After completing her medical training in the U.S. in 2004, Dr. Brown gained extensive experience working with prominent private practices before relocating abroad.
In 2010, Dr. Brown and her family moved to rural New Zealand, where she served the community for four years. Following the birth of her son, she settled in Australia and has since worked as a public consultant across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
With over a decade of specialized experience, Dr. Brown focuses on menopause symptom management, offering evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs. She stays up to date on the latest advancements in treatment, providing a comprehensive range of options—from holistic, exercise-based, and mind-body approaches to non-hormonal and hormonal therapies.
A passionate advocate for health literacy, Dr. Brown empowers women to understand their health and explore options for managing menopause effectively. She is a dedicated member of the Australasian Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society.
SERVICES
Menopause is the transition where a woman stops having menstrual cycles and is associated with changes in the reproductive hormones.
The average age of menopause is 51 years old, however, some women may go through menopause years earlier or later than the average.
Prior to the cycle stopping, many women go through “perimenopause” which can be associated with symptoms such as irregular menses, heavy periods, hot flashes, night sweats and more. We believe and understand that menopause is a natural transition of life but can cause disruptions in your quality of life. As a member of the Australasian Menopausal Society, Dr Brown is up to date on a variety of management options and very comfortable and competent in treating menopausal symptoms with both medical and non-medical options.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marking the time when your body begins to adjust to changes in hormone levels. For many women, this phase can start in their 40s, though it may begin earlier for some.
During perimenopause, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, which can cause irregular periods and a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include:
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Hot flashes or night sweats
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Mood swings or irritability
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Difficulty sleeping
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Fatigue or low energy
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Changes in weight or metabolism
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Vaginal dryness or discomfort
Every woman’s experience is unique—some may notice only mild symptoms, while others experience more significant changes.
When Does Perimenopause End?
Perimenopause ends when you reach menopause, which is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
How We Can Help
Perimenopause doesn’t have to disrupt your life. At Magnolia Women’s Health, we provide personalized care to help you manage your symptoms and maintain your well-being during this transition. Whether you’re interested in lifestyle changes, holistic approaches, or medical treatments, we’ll work together to find the right solutions for you.