It’s time we talked about menopause. And together, that’s exactly what we’re doing. On Friday 18 October 2024 to celebrate World Menopause Day, more than 120 women gathered in Sydney’s beautiful Park Hyatt to talk menopause. Prevention Australia and HCF, Australia’s largest-not-for-profit health fund, presented a breakfast, expert talks and a chance to ask all those menopause questions you’ve been dying to ask.
World Menopause Day is about raising awareness for women, says Prevention Australia editor Zoe Meunier.
“It has been a wonderful day and everyone here has been so grateful to be in a room where everyone understands what they are going through, no topic is off limits. We’ve got some credible advice and most importantly women are being heard because, sadly, when it comes to menopause that just doesn’t happen often enough."
We heard from personal trainer Michelle Bridges and menopause specialist Dr Fatima Khan.
They discussed the physical and mental changes many women go through but still find it difficult to talk about, from brain fog and bone health through to changes in libido and sex life.
"I was clueless going in [to perimenopause] but I feel like I’ve armed myself with so much knowledge now and I know there are a lot of ladies out there that don’t have that education yet but through something like what we’ve done today, they will get themselves the tools they need. I think there’s a lot you can do and a lot of women don’t realise that,” says Bridges.
"With the correct mindset, midlife can be a time to recreate, reinvent and reconnect to our true purpose, which can be liberating," says Dr Fatima Khan.
Sponsors of the day included Promensil, Boost Lab, Let’s Be Frank Skincare, Edenvale Alcohol Removed Wines, Fem 21, Tasmanian Walking Co and WelleCo. Attendees left with a goodie bag worth more than $300. The guests included Yumi Stynes, Dr Joanna McMillan and Erika Heynatz.
The Morning Show featured the day, with presenter Jamie Malcolm speaking to Zoe Meunier, Dr Fatima Khan and Michelle Bridges about the importance of a better understanding of menopause for everyone (see below).
For more resources on menopause, listen to the Thriving in Menopause podcast or read our science-backed articles on Prevention Australia’s menopause hub.
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