Response to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee for inquiry into the

Through our work with members we aim to strengthen the contribution of nursing and midwifery to improving Australia’s health and aged care systems, and the health of our national and global communities. [...] As female-dominated professions, nursing and midwifery and subsequently our nurse, midwife and care worker members have a strong interest in issues related to both the provision of care for and experience of menopause and perimenopause. [...] the impact of menopause and perimenopause on caregiving responsibilities, family dynamics, and relationships; The burden of care responsibilities largely falls to women and for this reason the ANMF recognises that the intersection of work and care effects our membership on a daily basis. [...] the level of awareness amongst medical professionals and patients of the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause and the treatments, including the affordability and availability of treatments; A small Australian study (n=32) found that 75% of postmenopausal Australian women younger than 55 years of age are not using menopausal hormone therapy, which has been identified as the most effective treatm. [...] the level of awareness amongst employers and workers of the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, and the awareness, availability and usage of workplace supports; Most women are unwilling to discuss menopause related symptoms with line managers.