A new government investment of $300,000 will go towards supporting millions of women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The funding from the Albanese government will be provided over the next three years to the Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) to expand its training and resources for health professionals.
“Perimenopause and menopause are a reality for millions of women, yet for decades medical misogyny has meant their health needs have been overlooked and dismissed. We are serious about changing that,” said Rebecca White MP, the assistant minister for health and aged care, assistant minister for Indigenous health and assistant minister for women.
“Too many women have suffered in silence. This funding will enable the AMS to give healthcare professionals the tools they need to provide women with evidence-based, compassionate care they deserve.”
The government funding to the AMS will support updating clinical guidance and factsheets, delivering webinars and expanding the Menopause Essentials Update program with new events focused on both regional and metropolitan communities.
It will also support placements for healthcare professionals to attend the annual AMS Congress over the next three years, ensuring they have ongoing access to the latest expertise and research.
The Labor government has also made it easier for women to access care through Medicare. Since 1 July, more than 32,000 assessments for menopause and perimenopause have been delivered under new Medicare items.
This builds on the Government’s landmark Women’s Health Package, an investment of almost $800 million to support women’s access to cheaper IUDs, more contraceptives and menopause treatments on the PBS, and delivering more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across the country.
“The Women’s Health Package is going a long way to addressing the sex and gender bias that women have experienced in the healthcare system for too long. We are making sure women’s health is no longer put in the too-hard basket,” said White.
Speaking to the importance of the government’s latest $300,000 investment, AMS president Dr Christina Jang said it’s a “significant step forward for midlife women’s health”.
“By working together, we can ensure that healthcare professionals across Australia receive the latest evidence-based education and resources, supporting better care for all Australian women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.”