A random sample of Australian women aged 18 plus were asked about their experience with bothersome symptoms they attributed to menopause, including the life impacts of these symptoms, whether they had discussed these bothersome symptoms with a doctor and, if they had not, why not.

The severity of symptoms that Australian women attribute to menopause in this report are similar to those previously published in scientific literature. However, the proportion of Australian women missing days of work, or taking leave or an extended break from work, is lower than some estimates being used to model and address the impact of menopause in the workplace.

The report authors reiterate that each woman’s experience of menopause is unique and there are both protective and harmful factors that influence a woman’s experience of symptoms. A substantial minority of women need therapeutic interventions to alleviate menopausal symptoms, and the same proportion need no support at all, but all women need a clinical assessment at midlife to assess and manage their risk of chronic disease.

Key recommendations:

• A better understanding, by the general public, about the verified symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, as well as evidence-based options for treatment of symptoms, is needed.
• Community awareness and GP education about premature and early menopause is critical to ensure that  women reduce their risk of chronic disease.
• GPs must be able to provide responsive menopause management as women become more knowledgeable and proactive about menopause. GPs also need to be educated about the need to assess all women at midlife for increased postmenopausal risks, such as chronic disease and bone loss.