Menopause HELP!

I would like to see the implementation of a national awareness program around the menopause and the peri menopause so that women can understand better the implication of the symptoms on their health and well-being. Coupled with some form of professional development training for GPs so they can assist women better in this area. My experience showed me that GP knowledge in this area is not at a level which ensures that NZ women receive the best care they can.

Why the contribution is important

Going through this journey myself, I can attest to the fact that there is not much information or support from GPs. I had to see a number of specialist doctors to get the help I needed and this was not an easy or cheap process.

by PauletteNorman on March 07, 2023 at 10:56AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.9
Based on: 18 votes

Comments

  • Posted by loocoo123 March 07, 2023 at 17:11

    Kia ora Paulette, as someone who is entering this phase of her life, I completely agree with you and support the assistance and improvements you are looking for. Specialist advice is often expensive, over-subscribed, and, if you live outside of the main urban centres, likely to be some drive away from home. Half the population of Aotearoa will experience peri-menopause and menopause, and a good proportion of those women may need specialist advice and support delivered in culturally aware and sensitive ways. Ka pai, Paulette!

  • Posted by FionaClayton March 07, 2023 at 21:11

    Completely agree. I now know thanks to private health care and specialist medical knowledge and my own grim determination , that the many symptoms I have experienced EXCEPT hot flushes was menopause. Women who don’t have this private healthcare access need GPs trained to join the dots. To not do so manifests as a huge loss to communities and the economy when this is not prioritised in the health system. It’s a matter of equity.

  • Posted by Lorax March 11, 2023 at 12:55

    Another agreement here - I had to walk away from my career despite repeated questioning. It is a shocking waste of training and productivity, and that’s not even mentioning the personal impacts.

  • Posted by Kiera82 March 14, 2023 at 01:11

    Agreed, hormone imbalance in anyone sucks and causes job losses and other issues in life, GPs need more training in this,

    Also, treat trans people in the same way because the brain is meant to run on one type of hormone and if it isn't then it and the body won't work properly together like it should, that's just my 2c as a trans person

  • Posted by taniakop April 10, 2023 at 15:10

    I totally agree Paulette there is poor understanding of Menopause and the symptoms women can have and suffer. A wholistic approach needs to be encouraged that covers all alternatives from medical/medicine to diet and practices that women can try - everything from yoga, meditation through to hormonal assistance. Discussion and awareness of what to expect needs to be encouraged so women are not left feeling like they are the only woman feeling like that. Also information about things to be looking out for such as the onset of osteoporosis due to hormonal changes.

  • Posted by RMc82 April 21, 2023 at 15:08

    This work needs to include all parts of the primary care workforce, Dr, nurses, health care assistants, Health improvement practitioners, Dietitians, Green prescription, physiotherapists, counsellors, pharmacists etc…. All primary care health workers can play a role here and in fact the roles for primary care allied health staff is much larger than GPs and could decrease the burden of perimenopause and menopause symptoms on existing workloads. First appointments could be with a specialty nurse who then engages other allied health etc for assistance with symptom management

  • Posted by lw April 23, 2023 at 07:49

    As someone entering perimenopause and with an interest in learning about hormones, I'm horrified to learn what I don't know and how life-changing peri menopause can be - and is - for so many women, and the impact it has on our lives, relationships, work, health and quality of life. The health impacts are eye watering and somewhat terrifying, and may can be prevented or lessened if we get the right support in advance and know what to be aware of.

    We need far more education and awareness - for women in what to expect, what help there is, when to talk to your doctor, what else you can do, etc, but also for the Dr's on how to better support 50% of the population through this second puberty and the very real health changes it brings with it.

    I went to see my Dr with severe PMDD due to hormonal changes at 39 and was starting to have what became suicidal thoughts and was just told I was "perimenopausal" and it was "just my stage of life".
    Thank goodness for my knowledge and privilege to find help elsewhere and afford supplements, a naturopath and therapy because it saved my life. Some simple dietary changes and supplements have me quality of life back.
    Me asking my GP was a cry for help that went unheard.
    Sadly I hear similar from most of my friends and colleagues similar ages or older than me - we're all suffering, and vast majority aren't aware the wide range of issues are all linked to perimenopause.
    We need to do better for women.

  • Posted by Fiona April 30, 2023 at 10:17

    I strongly tautoko this!
    My GP thinks because I am under 40 I am not perimenopausal. Thank goodness for my education as a health professional and my health literacy to be aware of my symptoms and to seek out additional specialist support. (and I am blessed to have the finances to be able to do so).
    I am well educated and I wish someone had had a conversation with me in my 20's that choice around fertility may be taken away from me and what my options are.
    The medical fraternity despite having many female practitioners is still based on male patriarchial views and needs to change.
    It's ok if GPs don't have the knowledge and training or confidence to deal with these queries, but first take women seriously when they ask and refer them to someone who can help.
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