Support

All over Aotearoa and the world, people are going through menopause/ruahinetanga - a normal, inevitable and important stage of life for women, many people who identify as non-binary, and some trans men. If perimenopause or menopause is affecting the quality of your life, or the life of someone close to you, there are many things you can do.

Learn about menopause

Knowledge is power. Learning about menopause can be reassuring, help you make lifestyle changes to support your health and wellbeing and/or connect you with the best health professional. Everyone’s experience of menopause is different so everyone’s needs are different. It’s important to find solutions and philosophies that work for you. Just because something works for your best friend doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

Talk to your friends, partner, family and colleagues

Through any change, stage or challenge in life, we need people on your team. Start by talking to your most understanding friends and family first. Sharing your experience with them and what you need (at different times) can make a big difference. Many partners want to say and do the right thing but sometimes don’t know how. They might worry about getting it wrong. The opinion article I wrote for International Women’s Day 2024 includes some useful tips for men and anyone else on your team. It’s sometimes easier and more fun to learn about menopause together e.g. you could watch the eye-opening documentaries: Sex, Myths and the Menopause and Sex, Mind and the Menopause together. Both episodes are available on-demand for free by logging in to TVNZ+.

Talk to a GP and other qualified health professionals with a special interest in menopause

Make an appointment with a GP or health professional who is well informed about menopause and the latest research. It’s best to work with someone who knows about the many solutions available - not only Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)/Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT), not only supplements, not only lifestyle changes. If possible, make a double appointment so you have enough time to cover everything. If you don’t feel heard or get the solution you need, consider seeing a different GP or a menopause specialist (see below). Depending on your needs, it’s handy to have other qualified experts like a physiotherapist, pyschologist, counsellor, naturopath, nutritionist, personal trainer, yoga/pilates instructor etc on your team too.

Talk to a menopause specialist

Some doctors and health professionals in New Zealand have a special interest in menopause and women’s health. The Australasian Menopause Society (AMS) lists its members in New Zealand by region. If the AMS doctor is a GP, contact them directly to see if you can refer yourself for an appointment. Some specialists (e.g. gynaecologists or endocrinologists) require a referral from your GP.

If you need to talk to someone right now

If you live in New Zealand and are worried about your mental health but can’t reach your GP, practice nurse or another healthcare provider, please call Te Haika 0800 745 477. You can also free call or text 1737. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor or peer support worker. Both help lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.