Menopause missing in GP school
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An official inquiry has found menopause is still a mystery to many doctors, but medical schools can fill the gap.
A Senate inquiry has recommended that menopause and perimenopause be explicitly taught in Australian medical schools to improve healthcare for women, who are often misdiagnosed or dismissed by medical professionals.
The inquiry, launched almost a year ago, focused on the health and economic impact of menopause on Australian women.
Women told the committee they had frequently been offered ineffective treatments or wrongly diagnosed.
One witness said that her GP revealed the extent of his medical training on menopause was simply that women were either “mad or sad”.
The inquiry report highlighted the need for more comprehensive medical education around menopause, not only at the undergraduate level but throughout postgraduate training as well.
The committee recommended that the Australian Medical Council work with Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand to ensure that all medical university programs include specific modules on menopause and perimenopause.
These modules would prepare future doctors to provide informed care, reducing the instances where women feel dismissed or misunderstood when seeking help.
The report also urged the federal government to launch a national awareness campaign aimed at educating both the public and medical professionals about menopause.
This campaign would be developed in consultation with experts and women who have lived experience of menopause.
The goal would be to improve general knowledge of menopausal symptoms and available treatments, as well as to promote a more compassionate and informed approach within the healthcare system.
In addition to addressing medical education and public awareness, the inquiry emphasised the need for workplace reforms.
It called for more flexible working arrangements for women undergoing menopause, recommending that the government consider amending the Fair Work Act to ensure women can request flexibility at work.
The committee further encouraged Australian employers to develop workplace policies that specifically address the needs of employees experiencing menopause.
These policies would not only offer flexibility but also create an environment where the symptoms and challenges of menopause are better understood and accommodated.
The report stressed that economic consequences related to menopause, including reduced workforce participation, lost productivity, and impacts on superannuation and retirement, must be thoroughly researched.
It recommended that the government commission a comprehensive study to understand how menopause affects women's careers, income, and financial security.
Additionally, the inquiry noted that workplace data collection could be improved, suggesting reforms to allow the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) to resume gathering data on how employers are supporting menopausal employees.
In terms of healthcare, the inquiry identified a need for better support, particularly for women in rural and regional areas.
It recommended expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners in these areas to provide more accessible menopause care.
The committee also advocated for a review of Medicare item numbers relevant to menopause consultations, suggesting that these be expanded to cover longer appointments and mid-life health checks. This would ensure that women experiencing menopause have adequate time and access to discuss their symptoms and receive the necessary care.
Supply shortages of menopause hormonal therapy (MHT) were another key issue identified.
The committee recommended that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) take action to address these shortages and explore options to secure a consistent and affordable supply of MHT products.
The report also called for a review of the pharmaceutical supply chain and pricing trends, with the aim of making MHT universally accessible to all women who need it.
To further improve care, the report recommended that mental health impacts of menopause receive greater attention in the treatment guidelines provided to medical practitioners.
Recognising the emotional and psychological toll menopause can take, it proposed that the Australasian Menopause Society regularly review and update its best practice guidelines for managing mental health symptoms related to menopause.
Finally, the inquiry encouraged the Australian government to leverage international best practices in menopause care and work closely with state and territory governments to improve healthcare services for women going through the menopause transition.
This would include the implementation of a National Menopause Action Plan, ensuring that Australia stays at the forefront of menopause care and support.