Australian Women's Health
Menopause Symptoms: What's Normal, and How to Navigate Your Journey
Estimated reading time: 7–9 minutes
Nearly 7 million Australian women are currently in perimenopause or menopause. Understanding this natural transition—and knowing how to use Medicare and our health system—is essential for maintaining long‑term wellbeing.
Executive Summary
Key insights and takeaways from this guide:
The average age of menopause in Australia is about 51, with most women transitioning between 45 and 55.
Around 80% of women experience moderately to severely bothersome symptoms, yet many do not receive effective, evidence‑based treatment.
From July 2025, new Medicare items fund dedicated menopause and perimenopause health assessments with your GP.
Menopause is a window of opportunity to protect heart, bone and metabolic health—structured check‑ups matter.
Key Messages
Menopause is a natural life stage, usually occurring between 45 and 55, not a disease or personal failure.
Symptom experiences range from barely noticeable to highly disruptive; all are valid and deserve respectful care.
New Medicare items now support longer, structured menopause and perimenopause health assessments.
Most women with bothersome symptoms are not on effective, guideline‑based therapy, highlighting a major treatment gap.
Navigate this guide
01 Understanding menopause and perimenopause
02 The spectrum of symptoms
03 Structured health check‑ups
04 Engaging Medicare and empowering your journey
Understanding menopause and perimenopause
What is menopause?
Menopause is reached when you have had no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months, not due to pregnancy or another medical cause. In Australia this most often happens between 45 and 55, with an average age of 51.
Nearly 7 million Australian women are currently navigating perimenopause or menopause, shaping their work, relationships, and daily life.
The perimenopause journey
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, usually lasting 4–6 years, where hormone levels rise and fall unevenly. These fluctuations can trigger a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive and sexual health changes.
The spectrum of symptoms: every journey is unique
Research suggests up to 80% of Australian women experience vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats), often over several years. Others mainly notice mood shifts, poor sleep, joint aches, brain fog or changes in sexual function.
Understanding your symptoms
Symptom experiences vary dramatically. Some women move through menopause with minimal disruption, while others face significant challenges that affect work, relationships and mental health. Both experiences are normal; what matters is whether symptoms feel manageable for you and whether you are getting the support you need.
Common symptom areas include:
Vasomotor: hot flushes, night sweats
Genitourinary: vaginal dryness, discomfort with sex, bladder changes
Physical: joint and muscle pain, headaches, weight change, sleep disturbance
Psychological and cognitive: mood changes, anxiety, low motivation, brain fog
Beyond symptoms: the importance of structured check‑ups
Menopause is more than hot flushes. Falling oestrogen can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and metabolic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. This makes midlife a crucial time to review screening, lifestyle and long‑term risk.
Key areas to review with your GP
Cardiovascular health: Blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and lifestyle factors.
Bone health: Osteoporosis risk, falls risk and whether bone density testing (DEXA) is appropriate.
Metabolic health: Weight, waist circumference, blood glucose and sleep.
Despite this, only a minority of women with significant symptoms receive effective treatment or a structured health plan. This is where the new Medicare menopause health assessments can help change the story.
Engaging Medicare to support your menopause journey
What the new menopause health assessment is
From 1 July 2025, Medicare funds a dedicated menopause and perimenopause health assessment with your GP. This assessment is designed for women with symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
It is a longer, structured consultation—at least 20 minutes—that allows time for a comprehensive discussion rather than a rushed script review. In most cases it can be used once every 12 months, providing an annual checkpoint on symptoms and long‑term health.
What is usually covered
A menopause or perimenopause health assessment typically includes:
• A detailed history to understand your life stage, symptoms and overall wellbeing
• A basic physical examination, such as blood pressure and weight
• Discussion of appropriate investigations and screening (for example cervical screening, mammogram, bone density) as clinically indicated
• Consideration of treatment options, including lifestyle strategies and, if suitable, medical treatments
• Preventive health and lifestyle advice spanning heart, bone and mental health
Women who are formally registered with a regular general practice may also benefit from more coordinated follow‑up and continuity of care.long
How to ask for and use this assessment
Many women are unsure how to “engage Medicare” rather than simply booking a standard short consult. The steps below translate policy into practical action.
When booking the appointment
Ask for a long appointment and say you want to discuss perimenopause or menopause symptoms and long‑term health.
If you have a usual GP, ask to see that doctor for continuity.
What to bring
• A symptom tracker or diary (sleep, mood, hot flushes, periods, pain, sexual health)
• A list of medicines and supplements, including over‑the‑counter products
• Your top priorities—for example, sleep, mood, brain fog, pain, or sexual discomfort
This preparation helps you and your GP use the Medicare‑funded time well.
During the consult
You can gently guide the conversation by saying things like:
“I’ve heard there is a dedicated menopause health assessment under Medicare. Am I eligible, and can today’s visit cover both my symptoms and long‑term risks?”
“I’d like to understand my options, including lifestyle approaches and, if appropriate, medical treatments. I’m looking for a clear, evidence‑based plan.”
If you feel rushed or dismissed, you can ask for another appointment to finish the discussion, request a written summary of your plan, or seek a second opinion with a GP who has a special interest in menopause.
Ongoing Medicare‑funded support
For some women, menopause interacts with other long‑term conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease or depression. In these situations, your GP may:
• Create or update a chronic condition or team care plan so you can access Medicare‑subsidised allied health visits, if you meet the criteria
• Use longer consultation items alongside your menopause assessment when more time is needed
Ask your GP how often you should return, and which parts of your care are Medicare‑rebated versus out‑of‑pocket.
Empowering your journey
With the right knowledge and support, this transition can be navigated successfully. Menopause is increasingly recognised as a natural part of healthy ageing that deserves preparation, compassion and high‑quality care.
Your action plan
Track your symptoms
Use symptom scoring tools or an app to record changes in periods, sleep, mood, hot flushes, pain, sexual health and daily function. This creates a clear picture you can share during your Medicare‑funded assessment.
Seek comprehensive care
Request a long appointment and ask whether a dedicated menopause and perimenopause health assessment is suitable for you. This allows for a thorough evaluation of symptoms, health risks and personalised treatment options.
Consider lifestyle interventions
Evidence supports the six pillars of lifestyle medicine—balanced nutrition, regular movement, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection and avoiding risky substances like excessive alcohol—as part of comprehensive menopause care.
Access trusted information
Prioritise evidence‑based resources from reputable organisations such as national women’s health bodies, menopause societies and government health portals when researching your options. These sources help you distinguish between marketing and medicine.
Remember
Your menopause journey is uniquely yours. Whether you experience minimal symptoms or significant challenges, support is available—and the expanded use of Medicare for dedicated menopause assessments reflects growing recognition of this important life stage.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Reach out to your healthcare provider, connect with supportive communities and advocate for the comprehensive care that every woman deserves during this natural transition. ** This does not constitute medical advice. But is educational only. Speak to your health professional.
References and Trusted Resources
Medicare Benefits Schedule – Menopause and perimenopause health assessment (item 695):
https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.
Menopause and perimenopause health assessment services – factsheet (Department of Health and Aged Care):
https://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/
mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-Menopause-and-perimenopause-health-assessment-services
MBS billing for health assessments – overview (Services Australia):
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mbs-billing-for-health-assessments
Chronic condition management plans (Services Australia):
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
requirements-for-chronic-condition-management-plan
July MBS changes and women’s health items explained (RACGP newsGP):
https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/
professional/detail-of-new-women-s-health-mbs-items-explained
New menopause MBS items: what GPs need to know (Primary Health Network):
https://nwmphn.org.au/news/new-menopause-mbs-items-what-gps-need-to-know
Menopause – overview and symptoms (Healthdirect Australia):
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/menopause
A guide to menopause and when to see a doctor (Healthdirect):
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/guide-to-menopause
Premature and early menopause (Healthdirect):
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/early-menopause
Managing menopausal symptoms without medication (Healthdirect):
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-menopausal-symptoms-without-medication
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – Menopause information hub:
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (national digital gateway):
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au
Australasian Menopause Society – consumer and health professional resources:
https://www.menopause.org.au
Australasian Menopause Society (Healthdirect partner page):
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/
australasian-menopause-society
Menopause – Better Health Channel (Victoria State Government):
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always discuss your own situation and Medicare eligibility with your GP or another qualified health professional.
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