TUESDAY MAY 30, 2023: New data published today by Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, HCF, has revealed more than 70% of Australian women aged 45 and over do not feel well informed or prepared for menopause.

The findings of a survey of more than 1,600 Australians to understand societal perceptions of perimenopause and menopause, also found:

• The majority (92%) of Australians feels there are benefits to perimenopause and menopause being talked about more / being normalised
• More than a third of Australian women aged over 45 are concerned that talking about menopause in the workplace could have a negative impact on the perception of their productivity
• More than 50% of women sourced information from their GP/doctor about perimenopause/menopause, while 40% turn to female friends.
• Less than two in five (38%) women feel comfortable speaking to their partner about perimenopause and menopause. 

The report, titled Managing Menopause, has been released today to coincide with the launch of HCF’s fifth podcast season, called Menopause Matters. Hosted by former model and author of Queen Menopause, Alison Brahe-Daddo, the podcast features interviews with leading menopause experts like Dr Fatima Khan, Jean Hailes Medical Director Dr Elizabeth Farrell, workplace advisor Thea O’Connor and the relatable Australian voices of guests Jean Kittson and Kathy Lette.

The podcast unpacks the experience of this life-changing, yet entirely normal part of life and sheds light on issues faced by many women, including some of the best ways to manage symptoms, how to navigate careers, mental health and relationships during this time and the joys of life post-menopause.

HCF CEO Sheena Jack said women’s health was a key area of concern for the fund’s almost two million members, and the podcast would help change the broader women’s healthcare conversation for the better.

“Providing credible, quality support and advice on issues that really matter to our members is an important part of how we can help them navigate their health, alongside the clinical support they receive from healthcare professionals,” Ms Jack said.

“Our research clearly shows women are still not feeling well informed, educated or prepared for the changes they might experience during perimenopause and menopause. This podcast will help

Australians to open up important conversations to reduce the stigma associated with a very normal part of life, to help women feel more supported, informed and to seek the right care to live healthy lives, no matter what stage they’re at.”

While the type and severity of symptoms of menopause and perimenopause will vary between women, HCF offers eligible members a range of tools to help manage symptoms, alongside help from a GP or medical professional.

Listen to Menopause Matters at hcf.com.au/podcast/menopause-matters, on your device through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

The Managing Menopause Report can be downloaded from the HCF Media Centre.

For more information, visit HCF’s Women’s Health Hub.

Media contact: Rebecca Page 0439130400 rpage@hcf.com.au

ABOUT HCF

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers more than 1.9 million members with health and life insurance, and travel and pet insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar seven years in a row from 2016-2022. On average over the last 10 years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us

ABOUT THE SURVEY

HCF This consumer insights report details the findings of a survey of 1,604 Australian adults conducted on behalf of HCF Australia by YouGov.

The study was conducted online in April 2023, and included a boost sample of 500 women aged 45 years and older. Following completion of the interviewing, the data was weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.