Menopause and perimenopause are significant yet often misunderstood phases in a woman’s life. To address the lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate support surrounding menopause in Australia, a Senate inquiry was launched on November 6, 2023. Led by the Senate Community Affairs References Committee, the inquiry sought to explore the wide-ranging impacts of menopause on women’s health, workplace participation, and society. Over 290 submissions were received from women with lived experiences, healthcare professionals, academics, and organisations. Public hearings took place across Australia between June and August 2024.
Key figures in the inquiry included Senator Penny Allman-Payne, who chaired the committee from March 2024, and Senator Marielle Smith, who served as Deputy Chair. The inquiry highlighted not only the physical and emotional challenges women face during menopause but also the economic consequences and societal stigmas that persist.
The committee’s findings were released and tabled in Parliament in September 2024, culminating in 25 key recommendations aimed at improving healthcare, workplace policies, and overall societal awareness of menopause. These recommendations represent a major step forward in addressing the gaps in support and ensuring that women across Australia can navigate menopause with dignity, respect, and adequate resources.
Why the Inquiry Matters
The Senate inquiry into menopause and perimenopause was a much-needed response to the widespread neglect and misinformation surrounding this phase of life. Despite affecting over 51% of the population, menopause is still treated as a taboo subject, leaving many women to struggle in silence.
The inquiry uncovered that menopause is not just a biological event; it has significant social, emotional, and economic consequences. From mental health struggles to reduced workforce participation, the impact of menopause is profound. Yet, community awareness remains low, and many women face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare, workplace support, and understanding from those around them.
Common Experiences of Menopause
Many women shared their personal stories during the inquiry, revealing the overwhelming physical and mental toll of menopause. While some experience mild symptoms, others endure debilitating hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, insomnia, joint pain, and “brain fog,” which can severely impact their quality of life.
Several women reported feeling unprepared for the onset of perimenopause, a phase that can start in the mid-40s and last for years. They expected menopause to be limited to hot flashes but were met with a wide range of confusing symptoms, many of which were misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare professionals. This left many women feeling alone, unsure, and often gaslit by their medical providers.
A significant issue identified was the lack of information and resources. Women spoke of having no clear guidance on what perimenopause and menopause would entail, and of being forced to advocate for themselves to receive adequate care. For those with early or medically induced menopause—due to cancer treatments or surgery—the impact was even more severe.
The Workplace Impact
The inquiry also highlighted the economic consequences of menopause. Many women in the workforce struggle with menopause symptoms, which can affect their job performance, reduce their income, delay promotions, and even push them into early retirement. Yet, menopause remains largely unrecognized in workplace policies.
Women shared stories of feeling pressured to “suck it up” and work through their symptoms without accommodations. There is a significant stigma surrounding menopause in the workplace, with many women choosing to hide their struggles for fear of judgment. This has led to a significant number of women stepping away from careers or facing reduced retirement savings.
Key Recommendations for Change
The inquiry’s 25 recommendations aim to create meaningful changes in healthcare, workplace policies, and societal attitudes toward menopause. Below are some of the key recommendations:
- Research on Menopause Impacts: The Department of Health and Aged Care should commission research to better understand menopause, particularly its differentiation from midlife stressors, its mental health impacts, and the experiences of diverse groups such as First Nations women and those in culturally diverse communities.
- National Awareness Campaign: A national campaign should be launched to raise awareness about menopause and perimenopause. This campaign would provide essential resources and information to women and communities, developed in consultation with experts and women with lived experiences.
- Menopause in School Curriculums: The Australian Curriculum should be updated to include information about menopause as part of menstrual health and reproductive cycles in Health and Physical Education classes.
- Economic Impact Study: The Australian Government should conduct a study assessing how menopause affects women’s participation in the workforce, their income, and retirement planning.
- Workplace Data Collection: The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) should collect data on the support available for employees experiencing menopause and perimenopause, and assess the usage and effectiveness of workplace policies.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Amendments to the Fair Work Act should allow women to access flexible working arrangements during menopause to accommodate their needs.
- Menopause Workplace Policies: Australian workplaces are encouraged to develop specific policies to support employees through menopause, ensuring a compassionate and understanding environment.
- Medical Education on Menopause: Menopause and perimenopause should be explicitly included in the training of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, to ensure that healthcare providers are adequately equipped to treat women going through menopause.
- Expanded Healthcare Access: The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) should be reviewed to ensure longer consultations and mid-life health checks are accessible for women during menopause.
- Affordable Treatment: The inquiry emphasised the need for affordable access to Menopause Hormonal Therapy (MHT), including reviewing the supply chains and ensuring MHT is covered under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Shifting the Conversation
The Senate inquiry has brought much-needed attention to the issue of menopause and its wide-ranging impacts. By raising awareness and implementing these recommendations, the goal is to create a society where women can navigate menopause with the support and resources they deserve.
By improving education, healthcare, and workplace support, Australian women from all backgrounds can transition through this phase of life with dignity, respect, and correct care.
Follow the conversation at Ageless by Rescu Podcast season 9 where we feature our mini series on women’s health and hormones to celebrate World Menopause Month.
