Federal Government Expands Menopause Support Services in Australia

Increased support for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause symptoms will be available from next month as the federal government expands existing services.

From July 1, dedicated menopause and perimenopause support will roll out into all 33 of the nation's existing endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.

The investment, slated at $40 million, will include broader support such as physiotherapy, dietetics and psychology to give women more coordinated care to manage symptoms and maintain their wellbeing.

There is at least one endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in each state and territory.

Menopause occurs when women have gone 12 months without their menstrual periods with no other medical reason for it, while perimenopause occurs during the years leading up to menopause, when hormonal changes and physical symptoms begin.

Tasmanian Lia Divirgilio has been receiving care from state-based family planning services, which the 48-year-old said has been "life-changing".

Struggling with menopause symptoms such as brain fog and hourly night sweats, she went to her GP and was referred to the clinic.

She has since been prescribed medications containing progesterone to alleviate her symptoms, and said without it, her life "would have gone quite downhill".

From hot flushes to dry skin

Catherine Moult, a senior medical officer at Family Planning Tasmania, said menopause and perimenopause present "a huge issue" to women in all aspects of their lives, including employment and parenting.

She described the symptoms as "really wide ranging".

"You can have symptoms such as brain fog, vasomotor symptoms, so, hot flashes and night sweats. You can have issues with dry skin, with joint pains, joint aches," she said.

Despite the average age of menopause in Australia being 51, Dr Moult said the condition can affect women of all ages, including some as young as 20.

"We really welcome this additional funding because it's going to build on the important work that we already do to support these women."

Federal Assistant Minister Rebecca White, who helps oversee the health and women portfolios, said there was "a lot of evidence that tells us that women are dropping out of the workforce when they're dealing with menopause".

Health department figures show that about one in two women reports mild to moderate symptoms, while one in four reports symptoms severe enough to affect daily activities.

"So, this is an investment in productivity of our economy, as well as in the life of the women who are living with menopause and perimenopause," Ms White said.

She said many women do not know where to turn for help or feel dismissed in the system, and the expanded clinics aim to fill that gap.

"We know that when women are able to access the healthcare that they deserve, particularly when it comes to menopause, they're able to continue being a great parent, a great partner, and a great employee, or running their own business, and that's what we want for every woman."