Learning More at the All About Women Festival
(Part 2)
Attending the Feeling the Heat session at the All About Women Festival at Sydney's Opera House provided valuable insights into menopause, hormone health, and the latest research on treatment options. Because there was SO MUCH information and interesting perspectives, this is part 2 on my reflections from the day. You can jump back to my Part 1 post here.
Listening to the experienced speaker panel for "Feeling the Heat" including Dr Susan Lewis from Monash University, Grace Molloy from Menopause Friendly Australia and Dr Fatima Khan.
Here’s what I learned:
Understanding Hormone Changes in Menopause
- The average menopause age in Australia is 51, while perimenopause begins around 47.
- Between ages 30-50, oestrogen levels drop by 25%, leading to a range of symptoms.
- Testosterone follows a different pattern—it’s high in a woman’s 20s, drops during menopause, then increases again in the 60s, returning to a woman's 20's levels in their 70's - explaining the increased libido later in life.
- Low testosterone post-menopause is linked to low libido.
Silent Symptoms & Long-Term Health Risks
While hot flushes are well-known, menopause also brings silent symptoms that often go unnoticed:
- Bone loss: Women can lose 6-8% of bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Cholesterol & heart health: Rising cholesterol and blood sugar levels heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Evolution of Menopause Treatment
The discussion explored the historical context of hormone therapy (HRT), including the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative study that linked oestrogen to breast cancer. While this study created widespread fear and concern, current research has provided a more balanced understanding of HRT benefits and risks. Today, 30-40% of menopausal women use HRT, and it remains the gold-standard treatment for severe hot flushes. More awareness is needed around the safe and effective use of Oestrogen to support treatment. More doctors need to be upskilled and shockingly there were only clinical guidelines created for Menopause treatment for doctors with the last week of when the festival was held! (March 2025)
The $600 Million Menopause Package
Recognising the need for better menopause support, the Australian government has allocated $600 million to:
- Upskill doctors in menopause treatment.
- Provide patient support and research funding.
- Improve public education on perimenopause and hormone health.
Lifestyle Strategies for Menopause
Beyond medical treatments, the session emphasised lifestyle strategies to manage symptoms and improve long-term health:
- Exercise: Prioritising resistance training and weight-bearing activities for bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
- Sleep hygiene: Creating a 90-minute wind-down period before bed, incorporating magnesium and meditation.
- Nutrition: Ensuring adequate protein and fibre intake to support metabolism and energy levels.
- Social connection: Strengthening mental health and emotional resilience through community and friendships.
Why This Conversation Matters
The Feeling the Heat session reinforced how menopause is not just a transition—it’s a major health milestone that affects everything from bone health to brain function, heart disease risk, and overall well-being. With new funding, improved research, and a broader understanding of menopause, women can finally start receiving the support they deserve.
This conversation needs to continue, not just in medical spaces but in workplaces, communities, and homes. Menopause isn’t something women should struggle through in silence—it’s a life stage that requires knowledge, support, and empowerment.
Next steps...
If you're struggling with Perimenopause symptoms and are considering a broad self care plan including your doctor and other modalities such as Acupuncture, you can start a conversation with me about your concerns, here. I'm based in Brookvale and Warriewood on Sydney's Northern Beaches. I have been in private practice since 2003.
Further reading:
Menopause: Feeling the Heat discussion at All About Women (Part 1)
