Dr Beth Messenger

MB BS 2000 London; Dip SRH 2017

I first began working at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (then Family Planning) in 2006. I started out as a clinic doctor in Lower Hutt and Wellington, before becoming Locality Medical Advisor. Then in 2018 I became Medical Director (previously National Medical Advisor).

My favourite thing about working here is making a difference in people's lives. I can help one person in front of me in clinic, but in my role as Medical Director, I can help all our clients.

When it comes to menopause care, I've been providing hormone therapy almost since I started at Family Planning, so I've seen first-hand the increase in uptake and the change in attitude around this treatment. People have gone from being very wary of the risks of hormone therapy, to embracing the life-changing benefits it can provide. Finding the right combination of treatment to manage each person’s symptoms can be really rewarding as a doctor, as is learning about emerging treatment options for when the standard treatments don't deliver the anticipated relief.

• Menopause

Female / Wāhine

English