Thrive Sports & Exercise Medicine

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Thrive Sports & Exercise Medicine

Dr. Louisa Barter specialises in Sports & Exercise Medicine and Women's Health.

As a GP with a Postgraduate Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine (PGDipSEM), she brings 15 years of experience in General Practice, Family Planning, and Female Health.

19/07/2025

It was such a pleasure to speak on ’Perimenopause and osteoarthritis’ at the OA summit in Auckland yesterday. My day started off with and absolute treat of a sunrise run on Takapuna beach with two of the other presenters, Caryn and Jill, both absolute legends in their fields. The day was super interesting and inspirational, hearing from researchers, professors, doctors, dieticians and patients on all things osteoarthritis related and looking towards the future research opportunities and management of OA. Thanks for the opportunity for allowing me to share the effect our hormones play on OA for our Wahine and highlight some of the unique cultural aspects of Wahine Maori.

14/07/2025

Bit of an opportunity for someone. I’ve had a last-minute cancellation this Friday 18th July at 10:30am - my only opening before mid-August. If you’d like to take this spot, get in touch and I’ll get you in: https://www.thrivesportsmed.nz/contact. Be great to see you 😊

10/07/2025

Ko Au Ko Mahina

Join us for a special evening at Rotorua’s Wai Ariki Spa – a luxury retreat of deep cultural significance and healing. Set among the restorative waters, ‘Ko Au Ko Mahina’ offers the chance to pause, reflect, and connect with others
navigating the changes of perimenopause.

Led by a team of trusted women’s health professionals – Dr Louisa Barter, Sarah Croucher, Fran Tague, and Roshni Mistry – you’ll gain insight into the physical, emotional, and lifestyle shifts that come with this stage of life. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or already deep in it, this is time for you – to learn, to feel seen, and to gather tools to help you thrive.

Saturday 23rd August 2025 6:15pm

For further information or to book your ticket contact:
Wai Ariki Spa
Ph: 07 349 7111
Email: info@waiariki.co.nz
Book here:
https://www.wai-ariki.co.nz/event/ko-au-ko-mahina-embracing-the-cycles-within/

04/07/2025

Join me at a Rotorua Library 6pm on 10th October 2025.

19/06/2025

Matariki is a time to reflect on the past and those who have passed on, to celebrate the present and to look ahead and plan for the future. Mānawatia a Matariki from my whānau to yours. 🌟

19/05/2025

This article really sums up what a tough time some women have during perimenopause!
We don’t actually need to suffer this much, there are plenty of options to help us through this time both medical and non medical.
If you are looking for some help and support I’m here for you!
Read the article here:
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/05/20/horrific-womens-descriptions-of-menopause-eye-opening-say-researchers/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKYmmNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHs3e-aIr5rsa7nuAo3ku6rj3bXCfXA6p1xrkhDV-cpswaJcdGA5jc4I4E4Ek_aem_1dfG9STDuhH25OMuGrKH6w

10/05/2025

Me te mea ko Kōpū ka rere i te pae
“The beauty of a woman is like Venus rising above the horizon”

Today, we acknowledge the powerful role of mothers — and the many ways that connection shapes us.

Whether you are a mother, have a mother, had one for a time, or carry that role in other ways, today is a moment to recognise the deep relationships that influence our growth, resilience, and wellbeing.

Let’s honour the strength, care, and complexity of these bonds — and the way life’s seasons, including hormonal changes and caregiving roles, shape our health. In Māori culture, wāhine hold central roles within whānau — as nurturers, leaders, and guardians of wellbeing. Today is a reminder to care for ourselves, too, with the same aroha we so often give to others. 💕

27/04/2025

Does your feed feel flooded with advice on strength, conditioning, and perimenopause? 🙇‍♀️ There’s so much out there, it’s tough to know what really works and what’s right for you.

Every woman’s journey through perimenopause is different. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all plan—especially when it comes to exercise and looking after your body.

As a doctor specialising in sports and exercise medicine AND women’s health, I can help you figure out what actually suits your needs, your body, and your goals—so you can move confidently through this stage of life.

If you’re feeling confused about where to start or just want some advice that’s made for you, get in touch. Let’s cut through the noise together.

— Dr Louisa

12/03/2025

Fran, Sarah and I spent a lovely evening talking with the local Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Prescribers of Rotorua and Taupo about Pelvic health, peri-menopause diagnosis and holistic management, the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause and menopause in the workplace.

Thanks for having us ladies!

Here’s Sarah channelling her inner ‘Dr Vonda Wright’ and sharing the best exercise for women in midlife for longevity!

Now let’s go lift heavy!
💥 💪

07/03/2025

Celebrating International Woman’s day by gathering local wāhine together to support each other for a walk / run this morning in our beautiful ngahere (forest)!

02/03/2025

And that’s a wrap! A room full of Wahine from across Aotearoa dedicated to understanding how to help others traverse peri-menopause and beyond.
The speakers validated what I have already been sharing with my patients, that specific lifestyle changes, diet and exercise, sleep and decreasing stress are super important during this phase of life. And not only that they also complement the use of hormone supportive medications as part of our ‘menopause toolkit’. Providing overall so many benefits to good health and longevity.
So let’s eat well, lift heavy, exercise smarter and take time to look after our bodies, minds and souls so we can live the life we deserve! 💪❤️

01/03/2025

All set up and ready to go at the for the So Hot Right Now NZ virtual stream

Address

1221 Haupapa Street
Rotorua
3010

Opening Hours

8:30am - 1:30pm

Website

https://www.thrivesportsmed.nz/

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