World Menopause Day: Understanding menopause and available support
October is World Menopause Month.
On Sunday 18 October we recognise World Menopause Day, a global awareness initiative dedicated to increasing understanding of menopause and highlighting the support available for those navigating this stage of life. While menopause is a normal stage of life, experiences can vary significantly from person to person.
Understanding the stages of menopause
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. It typically occurs in three stages:
Perimenopause
- The transition leading up to menopause
- Usually lasts 4-8 years
- Hormone levels fluctuate, causing symptoms such as irregular or heavier periods, hot flushes, brain fog, fatigue, sleep difficulties and mood changes
For some people, these symptoms may be mild, while for others they can significantly impact day-to-day life. If symptoms are affecting wellbeing or quality of life, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional. There are both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options available to help manage symptoms. The most appropriate option will depend on a range of factors, including a person's symptoms, medical history and individual preferences.
Make an appointment with a member of the True team to discuss any symptoms, concerns or questions here.
Menopause
- Menopause is your last menstrual period
- In Australia, the average age is around 51
Postmenopause
- Reached after 12 consecutive without a menstrual period
- Hormones settle into a new low baseline
- Regular health checks and conversations with healthcare professionals remain important
Every person's menopause journey is unique. Some may experience few symptoms, while others may experience more significant physical, emotional or psychological changes.
About the Menopause Network
The Menopause Network is a supportive community for people navigating perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. As part of True Relationships and Reproductive Health, the network provides a safe space to connect with others, access reliable information and participate in conversations about menopause and healthy ageing.
Members can access:
- regular community meet-ups across Queensland
- educational workshops and events
- a growing library of resources and information
- opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar life changes.
The Menopause Network also offers a range of merchandise, including hats, tote bags and t-shirts, designed to help start conversations and raise awareness about menopause.
By talking openly about menopause, we can help break down stigma, challenge misconceptions and create a more supportive environment where women feel empowered to understand the changes they're experiencing and make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Find out more about the Menopause Network
Ready to chat about your symptoms? Book in a chat with us
