The Times Australia
Health

.

Australian women will soon be eligible for a menopause health check. Here’s what to expect

  • Written by Susan Davis, Chair of Women's Health, Monash University

The federal government has recently pledged to create a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments. It’s due to be available from July 1[1].

The announcement featured in the government’s response[2] to the Senate inquiry[3] into menopause, released last week, though was first flagged earlier this month as part of the government’s pre-election funding package for women’s health[4].

So what is a menopause health assessment? And how will it improve the health care women receive during this stage in their lives?

Why we need this

Outside reproductive health, women’s health care has generally been modelled on the needs of men. A prime example is the government-funded midlife health check[5] for people aged 45 to 49. This is intended to identify and manage risks to prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The recent Senate inquiry[6] into issues related to menopause and perimenopuase highlighted that the timing of this health check is not fit for purpose for women. This is because at menopause[7], which occurs on average at the age of 51 in Australia[8], women’s health profiles change.

Women gain tummy fat[9], their cholesterol levels go up[10], and glucose (sugar) metabolism becomes less efficient[11]. All these changes increase a woman’s risk[12] of heart disease and diabetes.

Vast numbers of women are given a clean bill of health at this midlife health check in their late 40s. But when they subsequently go through menopause, they can go on to develop heart disease and diabetes risk factors[13], which may go undetected.

Some women also go through early menopause[14]: around 12% between the ages of 40 and 45, and around 4% before 40.

Those women who experience menopause before age 45 are known to be at significantly higher risk of heart disease[15] than other women. But, by the time women with early menopause qualify for the midlife health check, crucial metabolic changes[16] may have silently occurred, and the opportunity to intervene early to address them may be missed.

A male doctor uses a stethoscope on a female patient.
Changes that happen at menopause can increase a woman’s risk of developing a chronic disease. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock[17]

What will a menopause health check involve?

The federal government has committed A$26 million[18] over two years to fund the new menopause health assessments, as part of a $64.5 million package designed to improve health care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

Some $12.8 million[19] will also be dedicated to a menopause-related community awareness campaign.

My own research has shown women understand menopause means the loss of fertility, but often have little knowledge of the health changes[20] that occur as part of the menopause transition. So increasing health literacy around menopause is much needed.

Similarly, for the introduction of these menopause-specific consultations to be effective, women will need to know what these health checks are for, if they’re eligible, and how to access a menopause health check.

The new menopause health checks will be provided by GPs. Exactly what they will involve is yet to be clarified. But I would anticipate they will include a combination of the assessment and management of perimenopause and menopause, overall health and wellbeing, and assessment of risk and prevention of future ill health, notably heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Upskilling health-care providers

Equally, health-care providers will need to understand the impact of menopause on long-term health and how best to mitigate against disease risks, including the role of menopausal hormone therapy[21].

My research has shown health-care providers lack confidence[22] in delivering menopause-related care, indicating a need for more education around menopause.

In line with this, the Senate inquiry[23] called for the upskilling of the medical workforce in the field of menopause through medical school training, postgraduate specialist programs, and ongoing education of clinicians.

A middle aged woman doing a yoga class outdoors.
Women in Australia will soon be able to access menopause health assessments. Sabrina Bracher/Shutterstock[24]

While the government cannot mandate what is taught in medical schools or the content of specialist training programs, its response to the inquiry[25] encourages these institutions to incorporate menopause in their curricula.

Further, part of the government funding will go towards expanding a professional development program on managing menopause offered by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health[26].

A good start, but still not enough

The government’s new funding, and the new menopause health checks in particular, recognises that women’s health is strongly dictated by major biological events, such as menopause, as opposed to age.

This is good news. But we need to do more to equip health professionals to provide the best menopause care to women in these health assessments and beyond.

Adding new menopause modules to medical school and specialist training programs will ensure greater awareness of the impact of menopause on women’s health and wellbeing. However, awareness alone won’t ensure high-level training for the complex care many perimenopausal and menopausal women need.

The opportunities for medical graduates to gain hands-on clinical experience in menopausal medicine are mostly limited to the select few who get to work in a hospital specialist menopause clinic during their training.

Notably, there’s no credentialed training program in menopause medicine in Australia. Meanwhile, the North American Menopause Society does offer a credentialed program[27].

The challenge has been that menopause does not belong to one medical specialty. This is why we need an accredited training program – for both GPs and medical specialists – to ensure a truly skilled workforce able to deliver gold standard menopause care.

But without further federal funding to set this up, it will not happen.

References

  1. ^ from July 1 (www.health.gov.au)
  2. ^ government’s response (www.health.gov.au)
  3. ^ Senate inquiry (www.aph.gov.au)
  4. ^ for women’s health (www.abc.net.au)
  5. ^ midlife health check (www9.health.gov.au)
  6. ^ Senate inquiry (www.aph.gov.au)
  7. ^ menopause (www.cell.com)
  8. ^ age of 51 in Australia (www.menopause.org.au)
  9. ^ gain tummy fat (www.cell.com)
  10. ^ cholesterol levels go up (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  11. ^ becomes less efficient (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  12. ^ increase a woman’s risk (www.cell.com)
  13. ^ risk factors (www.cell.com)
  14. ^ early menopause (www.imsociety.org)
  15. ^ higher risk of heart disease (jamanetwork.com)
  16. ^ crucial metabolic changes (www.imsociety.org)
  17. ^ Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  18. ^ A$26 million (www.health.gov.au)
  19. ^ $12.8 million (www.health.gov.au)
  20. ^ knowledge of the health changes (www.tandfonline.com)
  21. ^ menopausal hormone therapy (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
  22. ^ health-care providers lack confidence (www.tandfonline.com)
  23. ^ Senate inquiry (www.health.gov.au)
  24. ^ Sabrina Bracher/Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  25. ^ response to the inquiry (www.health.gov.au)
  26. ^ Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (www.jeanhailes.org.au)
  27. ^ credentialed program (menopause.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/australian-women-will-soon-be-eligible-for-a-menopause-health-check-heres-what-to-expect-249499

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...

My shins hurt after running. Could it be shin splints?

If you’ve started running for the first time, started again after a break, or your workout is more intense, you might have felt it. A dull, nagging ache down your shins after...

Metal Roof Replacement Cost Per Square Metre in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for Australian Homeowners

In recent years, the trend of installing metal roofs has surged across Australia. With their reputation for being both robust and visually appealing, it's easy to understand thei...

Why You’re Always Adjusting Your Bra — and What to Do Instead

Image by freepik It starts with a gentle tug, then a subtle shift, and before you know it, you're adjusting your bra again — in the middle of work, at dinner, even on the couch. I...

How to Tell If Your Eyes Are Working Harder Than They Should Be

Image by freepik Most of us take our vision for granted—until it starts to let us down. Whether it's squinting at your phone, rubbing your eyes at the end of the day, or feeling ...