Perimenopause: The Momentum Is Building — And We’re Part of It

There’s good news. Huge things are starting to move in the perimenopause space — in research, in policy, in awareness. And for women everywhere, that means this long-overlooked phase of life is getting the attention it deserves. At the same time, there is still a long way to go. But, here’s what’s changing — and what each of us can do to help make the rest happen sooner.

What’s Changing — The Good News
1. Government & Policy Shift in Australia
In 2024–25, the Australian Government allocated $64.5 million over three years specifically to improve access to specialist care for women’s health, with a focus on perimenopause and menopause. This includes funding for awareness campaigns, health professional training, and improved services. 

A Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) health assessment service for menopause/perimenopause has been introduced — meaning women can access consultations more formally through Medicare. 

The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) applauded new funding: $26.3 million for menopause health assessments, $4.4 million over three years for developing national clinical guidelines and professional development for health workers, plus $12.8 million for a national awareness campaign. 

2. Research & Inquiries Leading the Way
The Senate Committee’s inquiry into “Issues related to menopause and perimenopause” released a landmark report with bipartisan support. Among its many recommendations: more research into the economic impacts (how symptoms affect work, retirement, income, superannuation), improved workplace policies, better access to treatment, and medical education reforms. 

Research Australia, COTA Australia, and other advocacy groups have helped ensure that lived experience is informing policy, and that voices from diverse and marginalised groups (e.g. First Nations women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people) are part of the dataset and conversation. 

3. Public Awareness & Cultural Change
More media coverage. More stories from women speaking out. The stigma is loosening — perimenopause is becoming part of public conversation, not hidden in private whispers. Workplace conversations are shifting. Employers are more openly acknowledging that symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, mood shifts, sleep disruption matter, and that supporting employees through this phase is not “nice to have,” it’s part of retaining talent and equity.
 
What Still Needs to Happen
Even with these advances, there are gaps — and some urgent ones.

It is one thing to recommend, or announce funding; it’s another thing to see the money flowing, services built, and outcomes tracked, especially for women in rural / remote regions, or from more marginalised groups.

Many medical professionals still receive minimal education on perimenopause/menopause in their training. There’s a big need for standardised, evidence-based training, and ongoing professional development so GPs, specialists, psychologists, allied health know how to recognise, assess, and treat symptoms well.

Flexible work, menopause-friendly workplace policies, options for leave or adjustments, and destigmatised conversations in HR and management — these are still patchwork at best. Many women report that their symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood at work.

Hormonal therapies, alternative therapies, support services (mental health, bone health, sleep, etc.) need to be affordable, accessible, and based on good evidence. Addressing supply constraints, cost burdens, and ensuring equitable access is key.

We still don’t have good enough data on how perimenopause affects different groups: First Nations women, LGBTQIA+ women, women in remote areas, women with disability or chronic illness. How do symptoms vary? How are outcomes different? How to best tailor support?
 
What You / We Can Do — Women Helping Women
Here are actions individuals, communities, and organisations can take. We all have a role.

Share your story — when you feel safe to do so. Public stories de-stigmatise. They help others feel less alone and push institutions to pay attention.
Ask for what you need — at work, with your GP, with your support network. If a doctor dismisses symptoms, ask for referrals, second opinions. If your workplace lacks understanding, suggest simple adjustments.

Educate others — friends, family, colleagues. Sometimes the ignorance is not malicious but just because perimenopause has been under-addressed for so long. The more people know, the more pressure for change.
Support advocacy & policy efforts — sign petitions, contribute to public consultations, support organisations doing the work (research bodies, women’s health groups).

Look after yourself — it’s often the small, consistent self-care moves that help symptoms feel less overwhelming: nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, and when needed, professional help.

Mentor and lift up other women — especially those who might be more marginalised or less visible (younger women who will face perimenopause later, women in regional areas, etc.). Share resources, connect them with medical professionals you trust, help them navigate this transition.

At VANTA COACHING, we believe perimenopause is not a pause — it’s a pivot. A chance to reset, reclaim strength, sharpen purpose. We see the movement growing: policy, research and awareness are all aligning. But lasting change comes when each woman knows she has tools, knowledge, and community.

On World Perimenopause Day (22 September) and beyond, our mission is:

To equip women with clarity on what’s happening in their bodies and minds.
To create spaces where conversations are real, honest, and respectful.
To help women lead with their full power through this phase — not despite it.
 
If you're a woman experiencing perimenopause, commit to one action: telling one trusted person about it; asking your doctor one question; trying one lifestyle change.
If you have a platform — social media, workplace, community — use it to raise awareness, share facts, reduce shame.
If you are a healthcare provider / manager / employer: seek out training, update policies, listen to lived experience.
Because when we do this together, the change is not just around the corners — it’s here now.

There’s already momentum. Governments are funding new programs. Research is being done. More people are speaking out. But it wasn’t inevitable — it’s the result of pressure, stories, science, and courage.

And there’s room for more. For you. For your voice. For your experience.

This perimenopause year, let’s not wait for change — let’s be the ones pushing. Because the next era of women’s health deserves nothing less.