Women in Australia are being encouraged to talk openly about perimenopause and menopause this World Menopause Day, with more support available to help them understand their symptoms and access the care they need.
The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to improve perimenopause and menopause care through cheaper medicines, dedicated health services, better information and training for health professionals.
As part of this commitment, the Government is providing $1.2 million to Jean Hailes for Women’s Health to continue delivering its Menopause Education Program for another two years until 2028.
The program provides free online training for health practitioners – GPs, nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, and other health professionals– to better treat, care and manage women’s health during perimenopause and menopause. So far, over 14,000 health professionals have enrolled in the course.
This investment forms part of the Government's landmark nearly $800 million Women's Health Package, which is delivering:
- Cheaper medicines: 540,000 women have saved $121 million across 3.43 million prescriptions for menopausal hormone therapies listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
- Affordable care: More than 100,000 bulk billed Medicare menopause health assessments delivered.
- Dedicated support: All 33 Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics now offer perimenopause and menopause care and support.
- Better information and awareness: Australia’s first national Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign, launched in May, is helping women recognise symptoms, understand treatment options and seek support. The website has attracted more than 860,000 views demonstrating the demand for evidence-based information.
Perimenopause and menopause can affect every woman differently, with symptoms ranging from hot flushes and sleep problems to anxiety, brain fog and changes to mental health and wellbeing.
This World Menopause Day women are encouraged to learn more about their symptoms, talk openly about their experiences and seek advice from a health professional.
For more information visit health.gov.au/perimenopause
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White
"For too long, stigma and silence around menopause have left women feeling embarrassed to talk about their symptoms or unsure where to seek support. We are changing that.
"Through our national awareness campaign, we are breaking down stigma, encouraging women to have open conversations with their family, friends and health professionals and making sure women know there is support and care available.
"We're investing in women's health to deliver real change, making menopause treatments more affordable, expanding access to care and giving health professionals the knowledge and skills to better support women.
"This World Menopause Day, I want every woman to know her symptoms matter, her concerns deserve to be taken seriously, and she doesn't have to navigate menopause alone."