Menopause: a Constellation of Symptoms, Not Just Hot Sweats....

Building on my previous blog about vaginal dryness, I want to address a broader issue: menopause is often misunderstood and underserved in Australia. Many women struggle to access appropriate assessment and treatment, and the quality of menopause-related healthcare (and information) is often substandard or plain unproven , unsupported bollocks.

Lack of education of Health Professionals

Why Are Menopausal Women Underserved?

• Lack of Education Among Health Professionals: Many clinicians have limited training in menopause care, which urgently needs to be addressed.

• Limited Access to Services: Women often find it difficult to access the right support and treatment options.

• Mixed Messages and Conflicting Information: There’s a lot of confusion, with conflicting advice and misinformation circulating widely.

  
  

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Because of concerns about hormone therapy (MHT)—including fears about cancer risk and overprescription—only about 15% of women experiencing menopause are prescribed hormone therapy.

As a result, many turn to self-help and complementary or alternative medicines. Practitioners like myself are often the first point of contact for women seeking non-hormonal options.

I prescribe complementary and alternative medicines for women who choose not to, or cannot, use hormone therapy. These treatments can work well for some, but like all options, they may not be the best fit for everyone.

If you choose this path, make sure you consult with a well-educated practitioner so you can make informed decisions about your health.

What Should You Do?

• Don’t Rely on Hearsay: Avoid following advice from underqualified influencers or jumping on the latest overpriced supplement trend.

• Seek Educated Guidance: Whether you choose to see a practitioner like myself or your GP, make sure you get advice from someone with proper training and experience.

  
  

Choose a well educated one!

The Importance of Education.

Improving the lives of women at menopause and beyond starts with education.

This includes public information campaigns, better sexual and reproductive health education, and accurate information in the media. Much of the misunderstanding around menopause symptoms comes from a lack of awareness and open discussion—issues that often start as early as primary and secondary school.

So, make yourself comfortable—grab a cuppa or settle in on the bus—and have a read. Here are some resources to explore further (just click on the images below):

Education is key to improving the lives of women at menopause and beyond.