The NSW Health should receive $40.3 million over 4 years (2022-23 to 2025-26) to establish up to 16 new services for women experiencing severe symptoms of menopause.
Women will be able to access these new services as they are established across NSW. The investment will start in July 2022, with the new services progressively established by late 2023.
Associate Professor John Eden, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Director Sydney Menopause Clinic, Royal Hospital for Women said most women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms are not receiving any treatment however these unpleasant symptoms can be safely and effectively managed.
Women should continue to seek care from their primary care practitioner to support the management of symptoms and risk arising from menopause.
The services will build on NSW’s successful Osteoporotic Refracture Prevention services to give women access to focused menopause care including access to allied health professionals for urinary continence management, exercise advice, nutrition and weight management advice.
The new services will work with the existing Osteoporotic Refracture Prevention services to identify women who would benefit from more specialised care in the treatment of their severe symptoms of menopause.
Accessibility will be improved by:
establishment of 4 hubs which will be larger services providing access to doctors, allied health or nursing staff
establishment of 12 additional services which will have a coordinator and range of allied health or nursing staff to support women in accessing appropriate care including support to make healthy behaviour changes. These additional services will be supported by the larger hubs.
Why is the government investing in these new services?
The NSW government has realised their obligation to improve access to services for menopause and bone health management.
Each year in Australia there is a fracture (broken bone) every 3.2 minutes due to poor bone health
One in three women over 50 will experience a fracture caused by poor bone health in their lifetime.
Women experiencing menopause are also at increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Menopause changes hormone levels and this results in an increased risk of osteoporosis which may not be diagnosed until a woman has a broken bone.
Who will be able to access these services?
Women aged 45 to 60 who are experiencing severe symptoms resulting from menopause and perimenopause.
What will I get access to?
Services will take a holistic approach to address severe menopausal symptoms and associated health risks including:
bone thinning
continence management
weight management
increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
How will I access the service?
Services will be available at either a local service or hub or through virtual care appointments.
What if I live in rural or regional NSW?
At least one hub and an additional eight services will be established in rural or regional local health districts.
Women who are unable to attend a service in person will also be able to access specialist care via virtual care at either a local service or hub.
What if I need help now with managing menopause symptoms?
Continue to seek care from your primary care practitioner to support the general management of symptoms and risk arising from menopause.
You may be referred to an existing service for further specialist management for more severe symptoms.
Where can I go for further information?
Speak to your local doctor or your specialist.
For information on menopause, visit the Australasian Menopause Society.
For information on the existing osteoporosis prevention program in NSW, visit Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention program.
If you are aged over 50 years and have experienced a broken bone following a slip trip or fall, you may be able to access an existing Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention Service.
