Thousands of women across NSW experiencing severe or complex symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are benefitting from improved access to specialist care, with the rollout of the network of statewide Menopause Services now complete.
On World Menopause Day, the Minns Labor Government is announcing all four of the major menopause hubs located in in South Eastern Sydney, Hunter New England, South Western Sydney and Northern Sydney local health districts (LHDs), and 12 referral sites are now operating across the state.
More than 6,600 women in NSW have been able to access support through the statewide Menopause Services since the first site launched in Far West LHD in July 2023. During this time, almost 14,000 service events have occurred across the sites.
This year's theme for World Menopause Day is lifestyle medicine. It aims to improve women's health and wellbeing by raising awareness about the symptoms of menopause and the support options available.
The Minns Government has committed $37.3 million over four years from 2023 to improve access to expert advice for women experiencing severe or complex menopausal symptoms and address the associated health risks.
This initiative supports the NSW Government's commitment to strengthening women's health services by delivering timely, specialised care closer to home, reducing the need for women to travel long distances during a significant stage of life.
The network of menopause services provides access to multidisciplinary clinical teams. These enable women to address complex health needs associated with menopause, which include increased risk of heart, bone and mental health problems as well as diabetes.
Nursing or Allied Health Clinical Care Coordinators provide assessment, triage and care, supporting referral to multidisciplinary team members for management. Women have access to nursing, physiotherapy, psychology or psychiatry, dietitians and medical specialists.
General practitioners, specialists and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women to a specialist menopause service, with both in-person and virtual consults available, empowering women to choose how they would like their care to be delivered.
For more information visit Menopause services or the Agency for Clinical Innovation Statewide menopause service directory.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"On World Menopause Day, I'm proud to announce the network of statewide Menopause Services is now complete, enabling women to easily access holistic, specialist menopause care across NSW.
"The network of menopause hubs and referral sites across NSW ensures that all women, including those in rural and regional areas, can receive expert care and support close to home.
"One in four women will experience severe symptoms associated with menopause. These services are critical to ensuring they can access the care they need, improving their quality of life.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:
"Today's announcement is an important one for women across New South Wales who are experiencing complex or severe menopause symptoms.
"With menopause services now available around the state through this network, these women can receive the expert support they need to manage their symptoms.
"This World Menopause Day, we're fulfilling our promise to women to support their health and wellbeing. I also want to encourage women to take charge of your health - you shouldn't have to suffer in silence, help is available."
