Perimenopause and menopause

Menopause occurs when the reproductive capacity of a person ceases, signified by the absence of a menstrual period for one year. 

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to, and just after, the final menstrual period. Perimenopause usually starts in a person's 40’s but can start earlier or later. Oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate during this time, causing changes to menstrual period frequency and regularity, and many start experiencing a combination of physical, emotional or mental health symptoms. Perimenopause typically lasts for 4 to 6 years, however, can last between 2 and 10 years.

The average age of menopause in Australia is 51; however, early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) affect approximately 1 in 15 people born with ovaries (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 2026). Early menopause is when menopause occurs before age 45. Early entrance into menopause can be associated with different or varying intensities of symptoms and can amplify risks to health and wellbeing. POI is when menopause occurs before age 40 and is typically attributable to underlying medical or genetic conditions which may impact reproduction (Jean Hailes for Women’s Health n.d). Medical treatment or surgery can also cause early or premature menopause, which is known as medically induced menopause (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 2026). 

A review of the literature and stakeholder consultations identified 8 data gaps relating to perimenopause and menopause in Australia, along with a series of priority areas for data development to start addressing these gaps (Table 7). These gaps and priority areas for data development have directly informed the development of the Data Strategies for the 5 Priority Topics.

Table 7: Perimenopause and menopause: critical data gaps and priority areas for data development

Data gap

Priority areas for data development

1. Use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in Australia, including costs, accessibility and barriers to access

Monitor access to and use of MHT across Australia to:

  • understand reasons for its use
  • identify barriers to its use
  • improve understanding of access to and use of MHT among priority populations
  • monitor costs and affordability of MHT use.

2. Experiences of perimenopause and menopause, including symptom severity and duration, and impact on quality of life

Collect national data that consistently monitors perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including:

  • severity and duration
  • impacts on daily activities, relationships, mental health and other health conditions
  • variation in symptoms and severity by population groups.

3. Impact of perimenopause and menopause on workforce participation and engagement

Collate data on impacts of perimenopause and menopause on workforce engagement and absenteeism (separate to other mid-life stressors), particularly in female-dominated industries (for example, nursing, teaching, early childhood).

4. Relationship of perimenopause and menopause with health and wellbeing across the life course

Identify and monitor the impact of reproductive conditions and other health conditions on experiences of perimenopause and menopause.

5. Health care provider knowledge, training and confidence to support people presenting with perimenopause- and menopause-related health needs

Identify and monitor health care providers delivering appropriate care, including:

  • evidence of providers having undertaken formal training on perimenopause and menopause
  • confidence and capacity of health care providers to treat or manage symptoms
  • knowledge and attitudes of providers about MHT and menopause.

6. Availability and accessibility of services for perimenopause and menopause care

  1. Collate national data on access and service provision, including wait times to access specialist menopause services and out-of-pocket costs to access services.
  2. Monitor geographic distribution of health care providers and specialist services.

7. Experiences of early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency and medically induced menopause

Collate national data on early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency and medically induced menopause and monitor changes over time with respect to:

  • relationships with other health conditions (including associated reproductive conditions)
  • age of onset.

8. Health literacy

  1. Measure and monitor health literacy on perimenopause and menopause.
  2. Measure and monitor access to trustworthy and appropriate (culturally, linguistically, practically) information resources.

Additional data development priorities

The following data gaps were also identified but were considered a lower priority for data development at this time:

  • determine how culture, language and background influence understandings of perimenopause and menopause and how people do or do not access health care services, considering:
    • cultural safety
    • cost and opportunities for subsidies
    • stigma and attitudes
  • identify the physical and psychosocial needs of people experiencing early menopause, premature ovarian insufficiency and medically induced menopause
  • measure awareness of clinical guidelines and monitor alignment to care standards and clinical guidelines 
  • monitor the number of workplaces with supportive policies (for example, menopause leave)
  • determine the impact of perimenopause and menopause on income, superannuation and finances.

Previous page
Next page