New research uncovers Australian women are often reluctant to openly talk about menopause, despite its impact

• 82 per cent of women who have experienced menopause symptoms report impacts on quality of life, but up to nearly half don’t feel comfortable talking about it to people outside of close family and friends.
  

• Hot flushes, night sweats, tiredness and trouble sleeping were the most common symptoms reported.
  

• Ahead of World Menopause Day, women across Australia are uniting through a new Taking Control of Menopause initiative to bring conversations out of the shadows.
  

New research shows that despite 82 per cent of women who have experienced menopause symptoms reporting impacts on their quality of life, many don’t feel comfortable openly talking about what they are experiencing with those around them. This includes nearly half (44%) who don’t feel comfortable talking to their employer, a quarter (25%) who don’t feel comfortable talking to their work colleagues and one in five (22%) who don’t feel comfortable talking to their children about menopause.

The results also showed that while 8 out of 10 women feel comfortable talking to their doctors (84%), only 57 per cent of those who have experienced or are experiencing menopause have sought medical advice. When conversations with doctors do happen, 32 per cent of women don’t know what to ask.

The findings were captured in a quantitative survey of 1,000 women in Australia aged 40–65 commissioned by Astellas Pharma Australia Pty Ltd in September 2024.

Menopause can significantly impact quality of life. Among the women surveyed, hot flushes and night sweats were the most commonly reported symptoms. This was followed by tiredness, trouble sleeping, weight gain, mood changes, and brain fog and forgetfulness. Nearly 40 per cent of women who had experienced menopause reported it moderately (26%) or significantly (11%) affected their quality of life.

Dr Elina Safro, GP and Chair of the Education subcommittee of the Board of Australasian Menopause Society, says it is crucial for women to feel empowered to discuss menopause symptoms with their families, friends, employers and with their doctors. “Many women may hesitate to voice their concerns, but open communication, including sharing the impact that menopause may be having on one’s life, is key. There are many options available to support them, from lifestyle adjustments to effective, evidence-based medical treatments.”

The survey unveiled that lingering stigmas surrounding menopause may continue to affect women today. Two-thirds (67%) of the women surveyed said their mothers or other significant females in their lives never discussed menopause openly. And conversations, when they happened, were often shrouded in euphemisms such as “the change” or “the change of life”.

Journalist and women’s health advocate Shelly Horton has teamed up with women from across Australia to launch the Taking Control of Menopause initiative.

Shelly explains: “We’re seeing a growing, powerful shift in how menopause is spoken about and prioritised across Australia. Many women are already breaking away from historical stigmas, boldly sharing their experiences and supporting one another. We must build on this momentum. The Taking Control of Menopause initiative is all about amplifying these voices, supporting open conversations around menopause and connecting more women to vital support and information. This will help women prioritise their health.”

Along with sharing first-hand stories from women across Australia and resources, the Taking Control of Menopause initiative outlines three simple steps for women who would like support to start taking control of their menopause:

• Talk to your doctor about menopause symptoms
  
  
• Tell them about the impact it’s having on your life
  
  
• Ask them what options are right for you.
  
  

Anyone can visit www.takecontrolofmenopause.com.au to learn more about menopause.