While menopause is a natural stage of life, for many women navigating the symptoms of menopause can be a distressing experience, one that leaves them feeling isolated and emotionally drained. According to the Australasian Menopause Society, roughly half of women who go through menopause will experience severe symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches, brain fog, loss of word memory, body aches, pains and even insomnia. Adding to the issue is the fact that around one in five women experience severe or prolonged menopause symptoms, which can greatly affect their sense of wellbeing, lifestyle and even interfere with their career ambitions.
Looking to change how women experience menopause and ensure support is offered along the way, NSW will soon open two health hubs dedicated to treating severe menopause symptoms, including bone density loss and incontinence. The two menopause health hubs have already opened at The Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick and the Royal North Shore Hospital in North Sydney. Another is scheduled to open at Campbelltown and Hunter New England in 2023.
Talking all things #menopause with Jackie and Alex who shared their journey today at the @royalforwomen. Women going through menopause deserve better support and now they are getting it with the NSW Gov’t opening four dedicated 'Menopause Hubs': https://t.co/Wj9FMpDpvf @NSWHealth pic.twitter.com/uOJI6om46S
— Gabrielle Upton MP (@gabrielleupton) November 18, 2022
It’s hoped that more menopause-specific health hubs will open across NSW, with the government planning on opening another twelve by the end of 2023. It marks a $40.3 million commitment over the next four years to help those experience severe symptoms of menopause, with the input of clinical experts.
As NSW Treasurer Matt Kean explained, “These networked hubs and services will be staffed by doctors, allied health professionals and nurses who will support women across NSW by providing the most up-to-date, specialised care.”
He added, “For women who are experiencing severe symptoms or are going through menopause early, such as after cancer treatment, these services will provide much-needed support, advice and care during a very challenging time.”
In order to access the hubs, women will need to go through their GP. The hubs will then provide holistic menopause care, including urinary incontinence management, weight management advice, exercise and nutrition. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Gabrielle Upton, said, the hubs will provide support to women at an otherwise isolating stage of their life.
“The NSW Government is providing substantial investment to support women going through severe menopause and it’s fantastic to see this hub open at the Royal Hospital for Women to support women in our local community,” said Upton.
We’re establishing brand new menopause treatment hubs at Royal Hospital for Women, Royal North Shore Hospital, a rural hub in the Hunter New England region and in Campbelltown. ✅ pic.twitter.com/odSjxjxfY0
— Matt Kean MP (@Matt_KeanMP) November 18, 2022
It’s a sentiment echoed by Minister for Women and Regional Health, Bonnie Taylor, who said “many women suffer these symptoms in silence and do not seek the support and treatment they need.”
As Taylor added, “We want to break down the social stigma around talking about menopause and encourage women to share their experiences.”
As a result, Taylor has also announced the launch of an awareness campaign to feature alongside a Menopause Toolkit, which provides women with information about perimenopause and menopause, as well as information about accessing health services in NSW. It’s hoped that by accessing these resources, women will feel empowered to seek treatment for their health symptoms.
