The menopause is sometimes called 'the change of life' as it marks the end of a woman's reproductive life. Most women become menopausal naturally between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with the average age of onset at around 50 years. Some are plunged into menopause due to surgery. Perimenopause, the lead up to the menopause, starts at different ages. People going through perimenopause may notice signs of progression toward menopause, such as menstrual irregularity, sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

Around 80% of women ,or people going through menopause, will experience menopausal symptoms at some time. 20% get moderate to severe hot flushes or night sweats. Up to 50% of women in their early 50’s get significant symptoms but unfortunately only 15-20% are on effective treatment. Most perimenopausal  and menopausal symptoms last around 3-6 years, but for some they may go on for decades. It can be severe enough for people to have to leave work and the incidents of menopause discrimination are very real.

Menopause and perimenopause has been a taboo subject for a long time. So much so that some women don't know any of the basics from the above paragraphs. In New Zealand, there is no education on menopause during school years. Information available at your GP is often from the internet and continued education for GPs is also limited. 

Education in schools and homes is important so that everyone knows about this normal stage of life. Training and resources for our GPs are essential as they are our primary health professionals. We also need more informed and supportive workplaces that recognise the issues menopause create for women.

This petition is calling for an urgent Select Committee process by the Government to increase spending in the education about menopause and the treatment options available to women.

Please join me in calling on the Ministers responsible for Health, Work and Education to #MakeMenopauseMatter by ensuring:

1. Mandatory menopause training for all GPs and medical students.

2. Menopause awareness and support in every workplace.

3. Menopause to be included in the curriculum in schools.