Breaking the silence: Supporting women through perimenopause and menopause

October is Menopause Awareness Month, a time dedicated to addressing the silence and lack of support surrounding perimenopause and menopause—two critical stages in a woman's life. Despite the significant impact these transitions have on half the world’s population, many women still feel isolated or unsure of how to manage their symptoms. Advocates like Dr Fatima Khan, a Hormone and Menopause Specialist, and organisations like HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, are helping to change this by providing women with accessible, evidence-based information and practical support.

"Menopause affects half the world's population, yet so many women feel isolated due to a lack of conversation and understanding," Dr Khan said.

The statistics reflect the magnitude of the challenge. Am report from Jean Hailes reveals more than half (55%) of women report negative mental and emotional impacts due to menopause symptoms. The effects often extend beyond health, with one in three (32%) women experiencing strain in their relationships with partners. Concerningly, nearly one in four (24%) women do not consult a doctor about their symptoms, believing nothing can be done. These figures highlight the urgent need for better awareness and support, a call to action echoed by the Senate Inquiry into menopause in Australia, which found that women’s physical, mental, and workplace engagement is significantly affected by inadequate support.

Accessible support through HCF’s Menopause Matters podcast

In response to this need for better education, HCF is offering accessible resources to help women take control of their health during menopause. One such resource is the HCF Menopause Matters podcast, where Dr Khan was featured as the first guest. In her conversation with host Alison Brahe-Daddo, Dr Khan sheds light on the differences between perimenopause and menopause, offering clear, practical guidance to help women understand and manage their symptoms.

This podcast serves as a valuable ongoing resource for women looking for expert insights on everything from hot flashes to mood swings and mental health challenges. By featuring advocates like Dr Khan, HCF aims to ensure women feel empowered to seek the support they need during this transition.

Lindsay Carter, HCF’s Head of Brand & Content, emphasises how crucial it is to provide women with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. “HCF is proud to be part of this important conversation about a health issue affecting millions of women. Our goal is to create a supportive space where women feel encouraged to discuss menopause openly and access evidence-based information to make informed health decisions.”

Looking ahead: The upcoming Be Well podcast

In addition to the Menopause Matters podcast, HCF is proudly sponsoring the upcoming Be Well podcast, hosted by Sarah Di Lorenzo and Sally Bowrey. This series will also include an interview with Dr Khan, offering more practical advice on managing menopause. Through these platforms, HCF is continuing its commitment to being a trusted health partner by providing educational resources that empower women to take charge of their wellbeing.

Menopause Awareness Month: Shining a light on women's health

Menopause Awareness Month was established to combat the lack of information and support available for women going through menopause, helping to remove the stigma associated with this natural phase of life.

Events like World Menopause Day, celebrated on 18 October, and the 19th World Congress on Menopause, held in Melbourne this year, have drawn further attention to the importance of open conversations about women’s health.

Dr Khan’s involvement in these important conversations includes her recent participation in the HCF-sponsored World Menopause Day breakfast event in Sydney, where she spoke alongside fitness icon Michelle Bridges. Together, they highlighted the need for more awareness, support, and education around menopause.

As Dr Khan said, "These initiatives offer a valuable opportunity to break the silence and provide women with practical support for navigating this life stage.” 

By creating platforms for education and advocacy, HCF is helping to break the silence around menopause and ensuring that women have the tools and information they need to manage their health with confidence.

For resources on menopause and women’s health, visit HCF’s Women’s Health Hub. You can also listen to the HCF Menopause Matters podcast for expert insights on managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms by visiting hosted by the author of Queen Menopause, Alison Brahe-Daddo, by visiting hcf.com.au/podcast/menopause-matters and look out for the upcoming 10:10 Be Well podcast wherever you listen to your favourite shows.

 

REFERENCES:

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Australasian Menopause Society, Women’s Health Research Program (Monash University) (2023), The impact of symptoms attributed to menopause by Australian women, Jean Hailes website, accessed 11 October 2024.