Overview
- Marking World Menopause Day, the Australian Medical Association urged a national framework with clear goals and treatment timelines, calling menopause a window to address risks such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.
- The federal National Menopause initiative includes training for GPs and health workers, public education campaigns, support for menopause-friendly workplaces and culturally tailored resources for migrant and Indigenous women.
- Workforce effects are significant, with a 2021 study finding 83% reporting negative job impacts, nearly 60% struggling to manage work, more than 40% considering retirement or a break, and ASFA estimating earlier retirement with substantial losses in superannuation.
- Clinical burden remains high, with up to 80% experiencing symptoms, a Monash study reporting almost 40% of perimenopausal women have debilitating vasomotor symptoms, and perimenopause often lasting four to ten years beginning in the 30s or 40s.
- Gaps persist for multicultural communities where stigma limits diagnosis and treatment, even as some employers such as Deloitte Australia, St John WA and Red Cross Lifeblood adopt menopause-friendly policies and accreditation.