The real deal on menopause

What did the survey reveal about menopause and how can it help us separate fact from fiction?

Dr White: The findings left us in no doubt that menopause affects some women badly – 26% of midlife women experiencing menopause symptoms said these symptoms made daily activities hard. However, another 38% experiencing symptoms said they had no impact at all on their daily activities and 36% said they had not experienced symptoms in the past five years.

We need to speak that truth quite loudly. Many companies trying to sell products, and even some well-intentioned people, promote the idea that menopause is problematic for everyone. They base this idea on poor data or stories from selected women.

It’s getting harder to cut through the ever-increasing noise from social media influencers and companies. I worry that there will be some substantial unintended consequences if we don’t talk about menopause based on what the evidence tells us.

What is a healthier way to think about menopause?

Dr White: We need to see it as a natural phase in a woman’s life that will, for a small number, be a difficult experience.

We certainly don’t need to characterise it as being a difficult experience for most people, which is the narrative now. Most women will find the symptoms annoying but manageable, and some will breeze through with no impact at all.

We need all women to understand that there are treatments and support available to manage bothersome menopausal symptoms, and we need flexibility, understanding, and support from family, employers and the community as women go through this inevitable phase of life.

And whether you’re experiencing symptoms or not, menopause is the perfect opportunity to see your doctor. Get your health checks up to date, learn how you can reduce your risk of chronic disease, take time out just for you and set yourself up for good health in later life.

What needs to change to better support women who struggle physically and emotionally during menopause?

Dr White: We need to do more to educate and support health professionals to provide great care and advice.

The research shows that women are generally happy to go to their doctor about menopause and most feel reassured after that experience. However, we need to get ‘most’ to ‘all’ women.

Every woman who goes to her doctor with menopausal symptoms needs to get excellent care – every time – and the option for treatment if her quality of life is being affected.

Were there any concerns raised by the survey results?

Dr White: We were quite alarmed about the small but significant number of women under the age of 44 who experienced symptoms they thought were due to menopause but did not go to see a doctor.

It’s really important for younger women (aged under 45) experiencing hot flushes, for example, or anything unusual to go talk to their doctor. Premature and early menopause needs proper attention and treatment, and it’s also important to rule out any other issues.

The impact of symptoms attributed to menopause by Australian women from Jean Hailes 2023 National Women’s Health Survey was co-authored by the Australasian Menopause Society, Women’s Health Research Program (Monash University) and Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.