Kia ora and welcome

Kia ora and welcome. Thank you for being here.

Why this course was created

So many people struggle through perimenopause and menopause without the right information or support. This course was created to change that.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) (sometimes called Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)) can help with symptoms for many people. But finding the right treatment can be confusing.

This course will help you:

• understand your options
• know what to expect
• and learn how MHT works.



It’s designed to give you the tools and confidence to talk with your healthcare team and make decisions that work for you.

You know your body best. This course is here to support you in your journey.

1️⃣ How the course works

Here are some helpful tips to get you started.

• MHT and HRT mean the same thing. We’ll use both terms.
• The course works best on a laptop or computer. You can use a tablet or phone, but some images might be hard to see.
• Look out for:
  • Yellow boxes – real quotes from patients.
  • Green boxes – important facts.
• If you see a word with an asterisk (*), its meaning will be explained at the bottom of the page.
• There are optional videos with each lesson. If you prefer reading, you can skip the videos or download the transcripts.
• You can take breaks, move around the course, and return anytime.
• You’re welcome to ask questions using the comment section under each lesson.
• This course aims to be inclusive. We acknowledge that experiences like perimenopause are not exclusive to women. We strive to use language that includes all genders.
• When we mention your doctor, we also mean your wider healthcare team, including nurses, physios, health coaches, and more.

2️⃣ What to expect from this course

This course gives you a clear, practical understanding of:

• What’s happening with your hormones
• What MHT is, and how it can help
• The risks and benefits of treatment
• How to get started, adjust doses, and manage side effects
• When to speak with your doctor

You’ll learn at your own pace, with lots of support along the way.

Whether you’re just starting to wonder about hormones or already taking MHT, you’ll find useful tools and tips here.

3️⃣ How to get the most out of the course

Use this course however works best for you. We suggest you:

• Dip in and out – Follow your curiosity.
• Take a deep dive – Some topics are more detailed. You can return to them anytime.
• Use the worksheets – These help you reflect, plan, or explain things to your doctor.
• Ask questions – It’s okay to be unsure. You’re not alone. We are all here to learn.
• Learn in your own way – Whether you’re here for yourself or supporting someone else, the course will meet you where you’re at.

There’s no rush. This is your space to learn and feel more in control of your health.

All about us

This course was created by Dr Sam, a passionate advocate for better menopause care.

It’s based on years of experience working with patients, answering common questions, and helping people feel like themselves again.

The course also weaves in ideas from whakapapa (ancestry) and whenua (connection to the land), which remind us that our health is deeply personal and connected to who we are and where we come from.

Your journey is your own, but you’re not alone. This course is here to walk beside you.

💙 A note from Dr Sam

This course was created to help more people access the right hormone therapy for them.

So many of the women I see are living with symptoms that could be improved, sometimes dramatically, with the right hormonal support. But the key word here is right. It’s not just about having hormones - it’s about understanding what your options are, what to expect, and how each treatment works.

My goal is to give you the confidence to navigate your own hīkoi (journey) alongside your healthcare team. You are your own expert.

Let’s dive in.

Ngā mihi (thank you),
Dr Sam

This course is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health, medications, or medical conditions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information provided in this course.

Inclusive Language Note
For the sake of clarity and ease during this course, we use the term “woman” to describe those experiencing perimenopause and menopause. We acknowledge and respect that not everyone who goes through these transitions identifies as a woman, and we deeply value the diversity of gender identities and lived experiences. This language choice is simply to make the content easier to follow, not to exclude anyone. Any feedback is welcomed.