This report explores the multitude of issues related to perimenopause and menopause in Australia and consider measures to adequately support women during this phase of their lives.  The evidence told a compelling story that in Australia, women do not always receive adequate support to manage their symptoms, both in the health system and in their workplaces. 

Previous inquiries by the committee have highlighted the substandard level of care that some women may experience in their health journey and evidence indicates that the level of awareness in the community is very low.

During the inquiry, the committee listened to the stories of hundreds of women, heard from academics, clinicians, businesses, public health bodies and government departments.

Key recommendations

• The Department of Health and Aged Care commission research to establish a comprehensive evidence base about the
  impacts of menopause and perimenopause on women in Australia.
• The Australian Government launch a national menopause and perimenopause awareness campaign, providing information and resources for women and communities across Australia.
• The Australian Government commission research to undertake a comprehensive study to assess the economic impacts of menopause which clearly delineates the impact of symptoms of menopause on women’s workforce participation, income, superannuation, and age of retirement. 
• Australian workplaces develop perimenopause and menopause workplace policies in consultation with their employees. 
• The Australasian Menopause Society regularly review and update their guidance for medical practitioners around best practices in the treatment and management of mental health symptoms.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care, including the Therapeutic Goods Administration, consider action to address the shortages of menopause hormonal therapy (MHT) in the Australian market and consider options to secure sufficient supply, including a review of the supply chains and pricing trends of MHT, with a view to enabling universal affordable access to treatment and care.