Navigating the stages of menopause
According to a recent study by our insurer, MetLife, 40% of women reported that menopause had a negative impact on their financial situation, and 59% believe that employers should provide support, services, or benefits for those experiencing menopause.1
CareSuper members and their families2 now have access to MetLife 360Health Menopause Support, which is designed to help manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms with personalised support from nurses specialising in women's health. Additionally, this valuable service is available to members and their families2 who are looking for information to better support the women in their lives.
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, moving from reproductive years to a new phase. Dr Nicole Avard, General Practitioner and co-founder of Metluma, sheds light on this journey and offers guidance on managing it effectively.
‘Perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause, typically begins in a woman's 30s or 40s. It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles due to fluctuating hormones. Symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, changes in libido, and issues like "brain fog." This phase can last from a few months to over a decade.3’
‘Menopause itself is defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, with the average onset age in Australia being 51.4 During this time, the ovaries produce less oestrogen and progesterone, which can intensify symptoms experienced during perimenopause.’
‘Post-menopause begins the day after menopause, with symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, weight gain, mood changes, and issues like “brain fog” potentially persisting. The risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other age-related conditions increases during this phase.5 Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management, is crucial.’
Dr Avard recommends ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, engaging in weight-bearing exercises, adopting a Mediterranean diet, and practicing mindfulness or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to manage stress. Prioritising sleep is also essential due to common disturbances caused by hormonal changes.
Menopause is not an ending, but a new beginning. With the right understanding and lifestyle adjustments, it can be a period of growth, empowerment, and renewal, leading to a healthier future.
MetLife 360Health
If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms and looking for support, CareSuper members and their family2 have access to MetLife 360Health Menopause Support. The service offers compassionate and personalised care from a women’s health nurse to help navigate this stage of life, with access to tips, tools including mental health diagnosis and advice6, nutrition support, fitness and exercise advice, and expert medical opinions. These services are provided at no extra cost to CareSuper members and are designed to meet you and your family’s2 health needs.
How to access 360Health
1 MetLife Impacts of Menopause on Women's Health and Wealth: Summary Report, 2024.
2 The term ‘family’ consists of a CareSuper member’s children, partner, parents and parents in-law.
3 Mayo Clinic, Perimenopause, May 2023
4 Healthdirect, Menopause
5 Bone health during the menopause transition and beyond. Karlamangla AS, Burnett-Bowie SM, Crandall CJ. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2018;45:695–708. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.012., Newson L. Menopause and cardiovascular disease. Post Reprod Heal 2018; 24: 44-9.
6 Mental Health Assist is only available in respect of persons 18 years old or above.
The original article was written by Dr Avard and has been edited for conciseness.
The term ‘woman’ when used in this article is inclusive of all individuals and may include transgender, non-binary or intersex.
While this content is based on resources that MetLife believes to be well-documented, MetLife is not responsible for the accuracy of this content, and you rely on this content at your own risk. Each person’s condition and health circumstances are unique, and therefore this content may not apply to you. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your licensed health care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and before starting or changing your health regimen, including seeking advice regarding what drugs, diet, exercise routines, physical activities or procedures are appropriate for your condition and circumstances.
360Health services are not provided by way of insurance (including health insurance) and the provision of these services is not dependent on the occurrence of an insured event under the policy. Access to these services will be at MetLife’s absolute discretion and MetLife reserves the right to discontinue or change the services at any time. The information provided is general information only and is not health or medical advice. If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately. All services except for Recovery Support are provided by a third party, Teladoc Health Pty Limited. Recovery Support services are only accessible to customers who are insured by MetLife and on claim or who intend to claim. Recovery Support does not extend to family.
This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you. We're giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and helpful. However, we can't guarantee its accuracy and take no responsibility for this content, including any errors or omissions.
CareSuper and MetLife have no involvement in the provision of the services provided by Teladoc Health and are not responsible for the nature or quality of those services. CareSuper does not recommend or endorse the above services or receive any financial benefit if you choose to use these services. Should you choose to use any of the above services, you do so at your own risk based on your own enquiries and on the terms and conditions, including as to your privacy, on which those services are provided by Teladoc Health. CareSuper respects your privacy and does not supply your personal details to Teladoc Health. The information provided is general information only and is not health or medical advice. If you have a health or medical concern, please seek professional medical advice immediately. You should always consult a licensed health care professional for the diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition and before starting or changing your health regime, including seeking advice regarding what drugs, diet, exercise routines, physical activities or procedures are appropriate for your particular condition and circumstances.
360Health services are not provided by way of insurance (including health insurance) and the provision of these services is not dependent on the occurrence of an insured event under the policy. 360Health Virtual Care is a service provided by Teladoc Health. Teladoc Health is a separate and independent entity to CareSuper and MetLife, and neither CareSuper or MetLife will be responsible for the nature or quality of services provided by Teladoc Health. Access to these services will be at MetLife’s reasonable discretion and is eligible for all CareSuper members and eligible clients who have received a specific code to activate the service. MetLife reserves the right to reasonably discontinue or change the services at any time.
Information correct as at 23 April 2025.