Australia has reached a key milestone in women’s health with the launch of the tender process to develop the nation’s first clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause. The announcement coincides with World Menopause Day on 18 October, underlining the Albanese Government’s commitment to improving healthcare for women at all stages of life.
Recent findings from a Senate inquiry highlighted significant knowledge gaps among healthcare professionals in the management and treatment of perimenopause and menopause. This lack of familiarity can undermine confidence in advising patients, particularly on menopausal hormone therapy, and may lead to delays or inconsistencies in care, negatively affecting women’s health and wellbeing. Symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, including sleep disruption, mood changes, concentration difficulties, and reduced quality of life, remain a major challenge for many women.
The national guidelines aim to provide evidence-based, high-quality, and consistent information for healthcare professionals. They will be developed in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Standards for Guidelines and require NHMRC approval. This initiative forms part of the broader $800 million Women’s Health Package, which has already improved access to perimenopause and menopause assessments through Medicare, with more than 32,000 consultations delivered since July 2025, and enhanced access to IUDs, contraceptives, and menopause treatments under the PBS. The package also includes the expansion of endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics to offer additional support for perimenopause and menopause.
Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Rebecca White MP, said: “It’s undeniable that menopause symptoms can impact women’s daily lives as they deal with the mental and physical changes.
“And while there is plenty of evidence-based information available on menopause, our aim is to provide consistent health professional education, awareness and support to improve diagnosis and clinical care.
“The development of national evidence-based perimenopause and menopause guidelines will help medical professionals diagnose, treat and care for women earlier and in a consistent, holistic way.”
The tender for developing the guidelines is open until 2pm (AEST), 27 October 2025, and further details can be accessed via AusTender. The guidelines are expected to strengthen clinical care, ensuring women across Australia receive timely, consistent, and evidence-based support during perimenopause and menopause.
