More support available for women in Western NSW experiencing severe menopause symptoms

The District’s new Specialist Menopause Referral Service aims to provide assistance and support for women whose symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or those women who face additional complications from other medical conditions.

Anne Smart, WNSWLHD Menopause Care Coordinator, said the new service has been established as part of NSW Health’s menopause network, which has four hubs and multiple referral sites across the state, and is networked with the South-Western Sydney LHD hub.

“This service is eye-opening and will be potentially life-changing for many women experiencing severe or complex symptoms in communities across our vast region, which includes some of the state’s most remote and most vulnerable populations,” Ms Smart said.

"The Specialist Menopause Referral Service will promote flexibility and choice in the way women in Western NSW access support to manage severe menopause symptoms, and by improving access locally will significantly reduce the need to travel for care.

“Supporting person-centred care and giving women the choice to access to the right care, in the right place, and at the right time will make a stark difference in the lives of women, their families, and communities.”

General practitioners, specialists and nurse practitioners are able to refer women to the service for advanced care. Care Coordinators will assist with triage and navigate care locally, supporting the medically-led, multi-disciplinary hub team of nursing and allied health professionals to provide holistic support.

Nicolla Giddings, WNSWLHD Senior Manager Women’s Health and Violence Prevention, said the Specialist Menopause Referral Service will deliver care using a hybrid approach, with a largely virtual service coupled with face-to-face consultations when they are required.

“Every woman is different, and every woman experiences different symptoms of menopause. But many women experiencing severe or complex symptoms will endure in silence which can seriously impact their health and wellbeing,” Ms Giddings said.

“Severe symptoms of menopause don’t discriminate either, and our new Specialised Menopause Referral Service provides free, inclusive access to advanced care for women from all backgrounds and walks of life.

“A really important aspect of the service is also to support capability building within our local community practice networks, by working together with GPs and referring clinicians to also enhance their knowledge of menopause advanced care requirements.”

More information on the Specialist Menopause Service is available on the Western NSW Local Health District website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/wnswlhd/services/womens-health/specialist-menopause-service