Menopause: you don't have to just put up with it

Sunday 18 October is World Menopause Day. Menopause is a normal stage of life. That doesn't mean you have to put up with symptoms that are getting in the way of yours.

What menopause actually is

You have reached menopause once you have gone 12 months without a period. In Australia the average age is 51. Most women reach it somewhere between 45 and 55.

The years leading up to it are called perimenopause. Periods often become irregular and symptoms can start well before they stop. According to healthdirect, you can have menopausal symptoms for 5 to 10 years.

More than hot flushes

Hot flushes and night sweats are the best known symptoms. They are far from the only ones. Others include:

• trouble sleeping

• headaches or migraines

• aches and pains

• itchy or dry skin

• anxiety, low mood or mood swings

• difficulty concentrating

• forgetfulness

Experiences vary a lot. Jean Hailes for Women's Health says around 1 in 4 women have no symptoms at all. Around 1 in 4 have severe symptoms that interrupt daily life. For the rest, symptoms range from mild to hard to manage.

Aches and pains count too

This year the International Menopause Society has chosen chronic pain at midlife as the World Menopause Day theme. Joint and muscle pain are easy to put down to getting older or a busy life. If they have crept up around the same time as other changes, they are worth mentioning to your GP.

When it's worth seeing your GP

Book an appointment if symptoms are getting in the way of your sleep, your work, your relationships or how you feel day to day. You don't need to wait until they are unbearable.

Also see your doctor if:

• you have any vaginal bleeding after 12 months without a period

• you are worried about your mental health

Treatment options

There is no single right approach. What suits you depends on your symptoms, your health history and your preferences.

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is sometimes called HRT. Jean Hailes describes it as the most effective medicine for managing symptoms. It isn't right for everyone, which is why it is a conversation to have with your GP.

Non-hormonal prescription medicines may help if hormone therapy is not right for you.

Regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep and managing stress can ease symptoms too. Many supplements and herbal remedies are promoted for menopause. healthdirect notes there is no strong evidence that they work. Let your GP know about anything you are already taking.

Making the most of your appointment

It can help to jot down a few things beforehand:

• which symptoms you have and how often

• how they affect your sleep, work or mood

• the date of your last period

• any medicines or supplements you take

If you would like information in a language other than English, the Translating and Interpreting Service is on 131 450.

To make an appointment at Your Health Griffith, call 02 6962 7661 or book online through HotDoc. For health advice from a registered nurse at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

Source

• International Menopause Society, World Menopause Day 2026: Chronic Pain At Midlife, read 9 October 2026: imsociety.org

• healthdirect, Menopause, last reviewed November 2025: healthdirect.gov.au

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health, Menopause: jeanhailes.org.au