World Menopause Day: aches and pain at midlife matter

Sunday 18 October is World Menopause Day. Each year the International Menopause Society chooses a focus. For 2026 it is chronic pain at midlife.

Aches and pains are a common part of the menopause transition. They are also easy to brush off as just getting older. This year's theme is a reminder that pain at midlife deserves to be taken seriously and looked into.

Menopause and perimenopause

Menopause is the point when you have gone 12 months without a period. Most Australian women reach it between 45 and 55. The average age is 51.

Perimenopause is the lead-up. It starts when periods become irregular and can last several years. Symptoms often begin during this stage.

Common symptoms

Everyone's experience is different. Symptoms can include:

• hot flushes and night sweats

• trouble sleeping

• muscle and joint aches

• headaches or migraines

• low mood, anxiety or mood swings

• difficulty concentrating or forgetfulness

• vaginal dryness and urinary changes

Pain is worth raising

Ongoing aches and pain can affect your sleep, your work and how active you feel able to be. The International Menopause Society says women's pain has too often been dismissed rather than investigated. If pain is affecting your daily life, it is worth talking about. A GP can look at possible causes and what might help.

What can help

There is no single approach that suits everyone. Options to discuss with a GP may include:

• menopause hormone therapy (MHT), which can reduce hot flushes, night sweats and sleep problems

• non-hormonal prescription medicines when hormone therapy is not suitable

• regular physical activity, healthy eating and good sleep habits

• ways to manage stress

Supplements and herbal remedies have no strong evidence of benefit for menopause symptoms.

A Medicare health assessment for menopause

Since 1 July 2025, Medicare has included a menopause and perimenopause health assessment with a GP (MBS item 695). It is for people who have symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency, or who are being treated for them. It can be claimed once every 12 months.

As set out in the item, the assessment includes:

• a history to understand your menopausal stage and wellbeing

• a basic physical examination including blood pressure, height and weight

• considering tests or referrals where needed, such as cervical screening, mammography or bone density testing

• discussing treatment options with and without medicines, including their risks and benefits

• a management plan focused on your symptoms

• preventive health advice

Ask our team about it when you book.

When to see a GP sooner

See a GP if symptoms are interfering with your daily life. Any vaginal bleeding after you have gone 12 months without a period should always be checked. So should any other unusual bleeding.

To make an appointment with one of our GPs, call 02 9526 1233.

Source

International Menopause Society, World Menopause Day 2026, Chronic Pain At Midlife: imsociety.org

healthdirect Australia, Menopause (last reviewed November 2025): healthdirect.gov.au

MBS Online, item 695 Menopause and Perimenopause Health Assessment: mbsonline.gov.au

This article is general health information. It is not advice about your own circumstances.