For me, it is never just about skin. Every consultation begins with a thorough, comprehensive assessment before I write a prescription, pick up a needle or a laser, or offer skincare advice. I start with your cells and your metabolic health, because this is the foundation everything else is built on.

When I began working in aesthetic medicine about a decade ago, it soon became clear to me that the traditional "fill and freeze" approach was not enough for women beyond a certain age. Adding volume and relaxing lines could not address what was happening beneath the surface, so I went looking for a different answer. That search took me deep into integrated medicine. I learned how hormones, metabolism and skin influence one another, and how lasers and medical-grade skincare can stimulate the skin's own collagen rather than simply filling what has been lost.

Your assessment looks at insulin resistance, cholesterol, thyroid, iron, blood pressure and kidney function. It also takes a considered look at nutrition, movement, rest, alcohol and stress. A prescription or a supplement is rarely the whole answer. What makes the difference is the right medical care, clear explanation and steady support, so that your skin, your thinking and your physical health are all looked after together.

This approach takes time, and it is deliberate. If you are looking for a quick fix, I would gently suggest that another clinic may suit you better.

I'm Dr Jemima Grant (MBBS (Hons), BSc (Med)(Hons), BA, FRACGP, FACAM). I'm a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, with more than 20 years in general practice, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine (including its Diploma of Cosmetic Medicine), and a current member of the Australasian Menopause Society.

More importantly, I'm a working mum of three teenage boys, and I have lived experience of the challenges of hormones and metabolic health, including a difficult perimenopause. I've lived the struggle, and I get it. I know how it feels when the answers are hard to find. That experience made me curious. I have studied widely, collaborated with colleagues here and overseas, and above all listened to my patients. I am deeply interested in hormones, skin and longevity, and I take every woman's experience seriously.

You will always see me as your doctor, but you won't be doing this alone. In the clinic, I work with dermal therapists and registered nurses who share my approach, our in-house naturopath, Nadine Campbell, and a concierge who looks after your appointments so that every visit feels calm, unhurried and cared for. Every clinician on my team works to clinical protocols I have developed and refined over the past decade, is personally mentored by me, and takes part in ongoing training.

Beyond the clinic, I work alongside trusted local dietitians and health coaches. When you need it, I also refer you to trusted medical colleagues. Each person brings their own expertise, and together we make sure every part of your plan is supported.

Every woman begins with an integrated consultation with me. It gives us time to understand your concerns and your medical history, to investigate what may be driving them, and to agree a plan designed to hold up over the long term.

What we do: I take a full history of your skin, hormones and health, and do a basic examination (blood pressure, height and weight). I arrange any tests you need, such as blood tests, cervical screening, a mammogram or bone density. We talk through your options, both hormonal and non-hormonal, with their risks and benefits, and agree a personalised plan, including advice on exercise, nutrition, alcohol, sleep and stress.

How long: 60 minutes, in person.

Fee: $505.

Medicare rebate: $128.35 for eligible patients, so your out-of-pocket cost is $376.65. Medicare does not cover time spent on cosmetic advice.

What's included: a detailed history, assessment and screening tests relevant to your hormonal health, a written plan, and pathology and other investigations as required.

What to bring: your Medicare card. Please complete your new patient paperwork before your appointment, and email any recent test results to info@thriveskinclinic.com.au. If you have symptoms, please complete my menopause symptom score beforehand. Your score comes straight to us, and a copy is emailed to you.

If you are ready to make a long-term commitment to your health, I would love to work with you. Your first twelve weeks are structured so that nothing is rushed:

• Week 0: your integrated consultation with me.

• Around week 4: a follow-up to go through your results and fine-tune your plan.

• Week 12: a review to see how you're going and plan what's next.

• Alongside this, if you choose: the 12-Week Skin Reset, six Signature Treatments fortnightly with a medical skincare regime.

Follow-up fees: standard follow-up (10–15 minutes) $145; long follow-up (20–25 minutes) $255. Long follow-ups are by video and standard follow-ups by phone or video, unless you need a physical examination, and your annual review is in person.

After twelve weeks, you may choose to continue through INTEGRATE, my 12-month membership, opening soon. It includes a bespoke integrated consultation with me three times a year and a cosmetic medicine treatment, with the option of a monthly skin treatment. Your appointments are reserved for you, with concierge support throughout. Intake opens every four months when places become available, and you can register your interest at any time.

Register your interest in INTEGRATE

Cancellation policy: as a small independent business, we have a strict 48-hour cancellation policy. Your consultation fee is paid in full when you book. This payment is non-refundable, but can be transferred to a new appointment if you give at least 48 hours' notice. Cancellations within 48 hours, or not attending, forfeit the payment. We will remind you of your appointment by email 5 days before and by SMS 3 days before. See our Terms & Conditions.

Thrive Clinic is a private clinic and we do not bulk bill. Our doctors don't offer routine general practice consultations, GP Mental Health Plans or GP Management Plans, so please see your usual GP for these.

I can only see so many women in clinic, so I'll soon be sharing what I learn through my newsletter, launching with our new brand. Register your interest and I'll make sure you're on the list. I would also love to hear from you: email me the questions you'd like answered, and I'll do my best to address them.