Even though all women experience menopause, nearly half (44%) of women don’t feel comfortable talking to their employer, a quarter (25%) don’t feel comfortable talking to their work colleagues and one in five (22%) don’t feel comfortable talking to their children about menopause, according to a 2024 study by Astellas Pharma Australia.

The stigma surrounding women's health can have significant impacts, says CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health Dr Sarah White. "It can delay diagnosis and treatment, contribute to mental stress, and prevent women from seeking necessary care, which can lead to a deterioration in health outcomes," she says.

Starting open conversations about menopause is a crucial step in breaking the stigma and fostering understanding. Whether with your doctor, loved ones, or colleagues, these discussions can ensure you receive the support you need during this time.

With your doctor

  • Prepare ahead: Make a list of symptoms, concerns and questions before your appointment to guide the conversation.
  • Be direct: Bring up menopause directly if your doctor doesn’t mention it. Start with, "I think I might be experiencing menopause symptoms, and I’d like to discuss it."
  • Ask for information: Request up-to-date information on menopause treatments and lifestyle changes. If unsatisfied with the response, consider seeking a second opinion or a women’s health specialist.

With family and friends

  • Start small: Share how you’re feeling, whether it's physical symptoms or emotional changes. You might say, "I’ve been experiencing some changes lately that I think are related to menopause, and I’d like to talk about it."
  • Educate gently: Share resources like articles or podcasts to help them understand menopause and what it means for you.
  • Encourage empathy: Let your loved ones know how they can support you, whether by listening, offering help or being patient during difficult moments.

In the workplace

  • Request a private meeting: Arrange a one-on-one meeting with your manager or human resources (where relevant) to discuss your needs, such as flexible hours or menopause leave.
  • Focus on facts: Use factual information to explain how menopause may affect your work. For example, "Menopause can bring challenges like fatigue or hot flushes, and having some flexibility in my schedule would help me manage these better."
  • Promote awareness: Advocate for policies that support all employees, such as menopause leave or sensitivity training. Talk about menopause with your colleagues to normalise the topic and create a more supportive environment.

By starting these conversations, you can help reduce the stigma surrounding menopause and build a network of understanding and support that makes it easier to navigate for everyone.

Find reliable menopause information

Finding reliable information and support is crucial when navigating menopause. There is a lot of health misinformation out there. Reliable information will help you on your journey and also give you confidence to speak to your partner, family and workplace. Here are some helpful and trustworthy resources to guide you:

These resources are designed to empower you with knowledge, support and community as you navigate menopause. By educating yourself and those around you, you can help reduce the stigma and create a more understanding and supportive environment for all women.

Want more? Read Have a Women’s Health Issue? Here’s How to Get the Advice You Need.

© Prevention Australia
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