Monash University researchers are working to achieve the goal of improved support and treatment for women experiencing serious physical and/or mental symptoms during menopause.
Professor Susan Davis, who heads the Monash University Women’s Health Research Program in the School of Public Health and Preventive medicine, is leading the four studies.
“The testosterone changes across midlife and the menopause have never been documented with accuracy or precision,” Professor Davis said. “Despite menopause affecting 51 per cent of the population, these hormone changes at menopause remain uncertain.”
Professor Davis, who developed the Practitioner’s Toolkit for Managing the Menopause, said the world-first Menopause Matters: The Australian Women’s Midlife Years (AMY) Study will provide critical information for healthcare providers and policy makers.
The project surveyed more that 8000 women aged 40-69 about menopause, their mood and wellbeing, sexual function, and paid and unpaid work.
“The findings will have a major socioeconomic impact beyond women’s health,” Professor Davis said. “It will enable workplace policies or amendments pertaining to female workers to be formulated based on sound information, such that outdated perceptions and/or negative social attitudes about menopausal women are not reinforced.
“Ultimately, this study will improve the health and well-being of women before, during the menopause transition and beyond, and ensure that they are able to continue to contribute to the community with equity and confidence.”
