What is perimenopause and menopause?
Menopause is the end of menstruation (having periods) in a woman’s life. It is a natural part of life and occurs at the end of the reproductive years.
If you have not had any menstrual bleeding for 12 months then you could have reached menopause. For most women, this occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. For other women, menopause can begin as early as 40.
Many women experience varied symptoms before reaching menopause and this is called perimenopause.
The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause are different for everyone and it’s important to understand what is happening in your body so you can ensure you manage the symptoms effectively, maintaining a healthy and happy life.
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checker
The NSW government, in partnership with Jean Hailes for Women's Health, has developed a simple to use Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom checker. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms and it is worrying you, this checklist will help you facilitate discussions with your doctor.
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checker
Who is Jean Hailes?
Jean Hailes for Women's Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving women's health across Australia through every life stage.
They work in public health, research, clinical services and policy, priding themselves on producing practical and easy-to-understand information for women and for health professionals.
In 2016, the Australian Government formally announced Jean Hailes as the national digital gateway for women’s health and wellbeing.
What other support is available?
NSW Government-funded menopause clinics
Seeking support from your General Practitioner should be the first step in obtaining information about treating the symptoms of menopause.
For most women, the support provided by their GP will be sufficient.
In some cases, where menopause symptoms are complex, your GP may refer you to one of the intensive support options.
In 2022, the NSW Government committed $40.3 million over 4 years (2022-23 to 2025-26) to establish up to 16 new services for women experiencing severe symptoms of menopause. Find out more.
NSW Government-funded Women’s Health Centres
Women’s Health Centres (WHCs) offer unique value to consumers, practitioners and the NSW health system. The centres provide a multitude of primary health and wellbeing services.
Additional information resources for support
Below you'll find a range of resources that delve into the topic of menopause and perimenopause including the common symptoms and misconceptions, as well as the management options available.
You can also find a list of support lines and how to get in touch with doctors that specialise in menopause.
Jean Hailes - English and translated resources on menopause and reproductive health
Jean Hailes for Women's Health produces a wide variety of free health information resources for women and health professionals, including an easy-to-read booklet, multilingual resources and resources for Aboriginal women.
Australasian Menopause Society – A community of doctors with special interest in women's reproductive health
Members of the Australasian Menopause Society Limited (AMS) are doctors and other health care professionals who each have a special interest in women's health in midlife and menopause and the promotion of healthy ageing.
Infographics on menopause symptoms, Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and more.
Information for women with an intellectual disability
Download easy-read guides that show you the signs of menopause and what you can do to feel better.
Menopause easy-read (digital) (PDF 715.21KB)
Menopause easy-read (print) (PDF 5.29MB)
Family Planning NSW – NSW's leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services
Family Planning NSW is funded by the Commonwealth, NSW Government and Local Health Districts.
You can contact their nurses at Talkline on 1300 658 886 or email here for more information. This is a free and confidential service.
You can find further information on menopause by visiting the Family Planning NSW website.
Health Direct – the national virtual public health information service
Health Direct is Commonwealth-funded service with a 24-hour hotline (1800 022 222).
The website includes a symptom checker so you can get advice on when to seek medical attention.
Healthtalk Australia - university research and up-to-date information about conditions, treatment and support
Healthtalk Australia is a consortium of researchers based at RMIT University, the University of Sydney, Monash University and the University of NSW (UNSW) conducting qualitative research into experiences of health and illness.
Here you'll find information on early menopause and a question prompt list.