"I accidentally discovered I was in perimenopause during lockdown. I thought my symptoms might be related to COVID-19 but my doctor told me I might be in menopause. That’s when my complex journey understanding my body and perimenopause began. Women’s health is often ignored and our symptoms stigmatised - it’s time we talk about them openly and build a community to care for one another."  - Peri Pauser, Julia 

This is why, we, a group of diverse women who have experienced our own menopause journey have come together to help ease the path for others navigating this phase of life. 

We are calling on the Federal Health Minister to implement a comprehensive peri/menopause education program so that GPs can better support women, including those from diverse backgrounds and with differing accessibility needs. World-class training already exists - we just need our politicians to prioritise women’s health.

Peri/Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, signifying the end of reproductive years and the onset of various physical and emotional changes. It affects approximately half the world's population, including millions of women in Australia. The Perimenopause phase can last between a few months-10 years prior to Menopause (1 year after last period). 

Despite this, the knowledge and understanding of peri/menopause among medical practitioners in our country remain alarmingly inadequate. This leads to underdiagnosis which impacts women due to delays in receiving appropriate care. 

• Under Diagnosis: Many women's menopause symptoms often go undiagnosed due to the lack of proper education, resulting in unnecessary suffering and delays in appropriate treatment.
• Symptoms related to peri/menopause can be highly distressing and significantly impact a woman's overall well-being. By enhancing doctors' knowledge of peri/menopause, we can ensure better patient care and improve the quality of life for millions of women.
• This education can improve women’s mental health- Peri/Menopause is associated with hormonal fluctuations that can trigger mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Education based on scientific evidence would enable doctors to recognise and address these mental health aspects effectively.
• Peri/Menopause Hormonal Therapy (MHT) Benefits: The controversies surrounding Menopause Hormonal Therapy (MHT) have left many GPs uncertain about its benefits (especially during the perimenopausal phase) and risks. An education program can equip them with evidence-based knowledge to make informed decisions and provide suitable options for patients.

Concise, evidence-based peri/menopause education will benefit all women, including those who are vulnerable, have diverse backgrounds, and reside in remote regions with limited access to healthcare.

We respectfully request the Hon. Mark Butler MP to take the lead in implementing a comprehensive peri/menopause education program.

Taking immediate action can raise awareness about menopause, improve healthcare quality, remove the stigma around it, and demonstrate our commitment to women's health and well-being.

We urge all relevant stakeholders, medical associations, and community. members to join us in supporting this crucial initiative.

Follow our story over at instagram @peripausers