Women across the State could soon find it easier to recognise and understand the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause with the Department of Premier & Cabinet’s Women NSW launching a new online toolkit.
Welcoming the Menopause Resources and Support Toolkit the Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor said the Toolkit provided links to clear and accurate information, including locations of State Government funded clinics.
Mrs Taylor said that around one in five women experienced severe or prolonged menopause symptoms, and many suffered in silence.
“In previous generations, women were expected to deal with perimenopause and menopause privately,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It’s important for women’s health and wellbeing that we break down social stigmas around discussing and seeking treatment for perimenopause and menopause.”
She said women lived around a third of their life after menopause, and they were still working, caring and giving back to their communities.
“We cannot afford to ignore the very real effects of menopause for women,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We need to remember menopause is normal,” she said.
“I want women to know that they no longer need to keep calm and carry on, together we can smash the taboo!”
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said that similarly to Women NSW’s Return to Work Toolkit and its Women’s Financial Toolkit, the Menopause Toolkit offered useful advice and resources.
“There are a number of negative health outcomes that can occur during menopause including depression, osteoporosis, weight management issues and increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Having a free online toolkit that identifies the many symptoms and risks of menopause and more importantly, informs women when and where to get help, can be lifesaving,” he said.
“The toolkit is in addition to the 16 menopause services, including four hubs, to be set up in NSW, which will also offer virtual consultations where needed.”
Mr Hazzard said the State was also developing an education and awareness campaign about perimenopause and menopause, offering resources for GPs and employers.
Women NSW’s Menopause Toolkit can be accessed at this PS News link.
