World Menopause Day: Recognising Symptoms and Getting Support

World Menopause Day: 18 October

World Menopause Day falls on 18 October each year, marking a global effort to raise awareness of perimenopause and menopause and improve access to care. In Australia, the conversation is shifting. The federal government has been developing the country's first national clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause, aimed at giving GPs and other health professionals consistent, evidence-based guidance, according to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. New Medicare items introduced as part of a broader women's health package have also expanded access to menopause-related assessments over the past year.

Perimenopause and Menopause: What's the Difference?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and periods often become irregular. It can last several years. Menopause itself is reached when you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months. For most women in Australia, this happens in their late 40s to early 50s, though timing varies from person to person.

Common Symptoms to Look Out For

Symptoms can include hot flushes and night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, joint aches, and changes to your periods. Symptoms and their severity vary widely. Some women move through this stage with minimal disruption, while others find it significantly affects daily life.

Why So Many Women Have Felt Unsupported

A Senate inquiry highlighted knowledge gaps among health professionals in managing perimenopause and menopause, contributing to delayed diagnoses and inconsistent care for many women. That's part of why national guidelines and expanded Medicare support are being developed, to help close the gap between symptoms and the support available.

Talking to Your GP About Menopause

Your GP can talk through your symptoms and medical history and discuss the range of management options available, which may include lifestyle approaches, non-hormonal treatments, or menopausal hormone therapy. What's suitable depends on your individual health history, so it's worth having an open conversation rather than going by what's worked for someone else. This is also a good moment to keep the rest of your health on track, our recent posts on spring health tips and ADHD Awareness Month cover other seasonal check-ins worth raising with your GP. To book a time to talk this through, call Crown West Medical on (02) 4228 4155 or book through HotDoc.

FAQ

What age does perimenopause usually start? Perimenopause often begins in the 40s, though it can start earlier or later. It typically lasts a few years before periods stop altogether.

Is hormone therapy the only treatment for menopause symptoms? No. Management options range from lifestyle changes to non-hormonal medications and menopausal hormone therapy. Your GP can help weigh up what's appropriate for your circumstances.

Why is World Menopause Day important? It raises awareness of a life stage that affects roughly half the population, at a time when Australia is developing its first national guidelines to improve consistency of care.

Can I see my regular GP about menopause symptoms? Yes. Your GP is usually the first point of contact and can refer you to a specialist if needed.

This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please speak with your GP before making any changes to your health care.