Almost 1.2 million Aussie women say they know more about changing a tyre than menopause, while two in five (40%) women currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause say they don’t understand what’s happening to their bodies.
New research from Priceline Pharmacy has uncovered a widespread menopause knowledge gap in Australia with only one in three Australians (31%) confident in recognising its symptoms and health impacts — despite millions living through it.
The research, conducted by YouGov, found that despite affecting half the population, menopause remains taboo. Two in five (40%) women currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause don’t feel confident in understanding what’s happening to their bodies. Almost 1.2 million (1.181 million) women say they know more about changing a tyre and 1.7 million know more about football than perimenopause and menopause.
Key findings from Priceline Pharmacy’s research include:
- Australians are largely in the dark when it comes to menopause and perimenopause.
- Just 31% of Australians feel confident in their understanding of menopause, symptoms and health impacts.
- Two in five (40%) women say they lack confidence around menopause, with 11% feeling no confidence whatsoever.
- Why? Because we’re not being taught.
- Half (50%) of Australians say they haven’t been taught about menopause or don’t know who or where to turn to for support.
- Only 37% of Australian women could confidently explain to someone the difference between perimenopause and menopause.
- Symptoms are widely misunderstood.
- On average, Australians can name just 7 of 34 symptoms.
- One in six (17%) Australians can’t name a single menopause symptom.
- Many confuse menopausal symptoms such as symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, fatigue, or brain fog, with stress (40%), poor sleep/lifestyle (31%) or mental health issues (31%).
- One in three (32%) women are unable to link common symptoms to menopause
- People don’t know where to turn to for help.
- Half (51%) of women currently experiencing perimenopause or menopause have kept their experience private or avoid discussing it with others, including family, friends and even a healthcare professional.
- Three in five (59%) Australians either don’t know who or where to go for information about menopause or its symptoms, or wish they had more information or guidance on how to support someone going through it.
Addressing the knowledge gap
Priceline Pharmacy has launched Anything Menopause — an Australian-first initiative delivering expert training for Priceline Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants in partnership with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.
The program ensures every woman, or anyone supporting her, can walk into Priceline Pharmacy and get trusted advice, recommended products and free health checks. Women and their families can also access an online education hub for further information, advice and support.
“Despite being a major health transition impacting half the global population, menopause is still shrouded in silence, stigma and lack of information or misinformation,” said Mel Gannon, Priceline Pharmacy Head of Pharmacy Services.
“We’re thrilled to be providing more accessible support for Australian women going through menopause – whether that’s through expert advice, tailored product recommendations or simply creating a space where they feel seen and supported,” she said.
The partnership with Jean Hailes has also delivered additional menopause training for GPs via Priceline Pharmacy’s sister company InstantScripts. The service offers online consultations with female doctors to provide tailored treatment plans and ongoing support from the same doctor, ensuring continuity of care for women navigating this life stage.
“It’s so important that women feel prepared, not scared, about menopause,” said Dr Sarah White, CEO Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. “Jean Hailes has led menopause education in Australia for more than 30 years, and our partnership with Priceline Pharmacy will ensure this information reaches millions more women as they enter and navigate menopause.
“Access to evidence-based health information is essential for empowering women to thrive in menopause and beyond, and we’re excited to partner with Priceline Pharmacy to deliver that information to women in their communities.”
In-store SiSU Health Stations at Priceline Pharmacies will now also feature menopause-specific support, recognising the increased risk of heart disease and other key health factors at this life stage. To find out more, visit priceline.com.au/anything-menopause