Today, at the Asia-Pacific Conference on Women's Mental Health Senator Larissa Waters will launch the Greens election policy on perimenopause and menopause.
As stated by Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters
"For too long, women experiencing menopause and perimenopause have suffered in silence.
"It's time for change. The Greens are committed to making menopause treatments more affordable and accessible, while also increasing awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public.
"We heard some horror stories during the Senate inquiry into issues related to perimenopause and menopause about the cost of medication which can be hundreds of dollars a month.
"We were told about one woman who was controlling her anxiety and depression with MHT until she could no longer afford it, she was forced to ask for Valium because it is PBS listed and $15 for a box of 50.
"The Greens will allocate $50 million annually to subsidise all TGA approved MHT and address medication shortages, ensuring women have access to and can afford essential treatments.
"We will also eliminate the PBS co-payment for menopause treatments already on the PBS.
"No one should be priced out of the healthcare they need. We must ensure that effective treatments are accessible to all.
"Other countries have already made MHT more affordable. The UK is offering a year's supply for $40, while Canada has allocated funding to British Columbia to make MHT free for its residents.
"We also heard during the Senate inquiry that doctors are only getting one hour of training on perimenopause and menopause in their undergraduate. This is patently inadequate because menopause impacts half of the population and it is a point where women become vulnerable to chronic diseases like osteoporosis.
"The Greens will ensure GPs can conduct comprehensive tests related to menopause, including essential bone density scans.
"One woman who asked her doctor if her symptoms could be from menopause said all he was taught in medical school was that menopausal women are either 'mad or sad'.
"The stigma surrounding menopause has left many women feeling isolated. By increasing awareness, women can feel empowered to seek the support they deserve. That is why the Greens will implement a $5 million national education campaign for the public and for doctors.
"The major parties have yet to propose substantial changes regarding menopause care, the Greens will prioritise women's health and ensure that women can access the support they need.
"If you want change, you have to vote for it. We are taking the lead on this critical issue, while Labor and the LNP have neglected it for far too long.
"The report from the Senate inquiry has provided a roadmap for the changes we need. It's time for the government to respond to these recommendations without delay.
"Women across Australia deserve better-better support, better treatment options, and better recognition of their needs, and the Greens will deliver that."
BACKGROUND
The Greens continue their commitment to improve women's health in Australia with a comprehensive plan to address the pressing, yet too long neglected, issues surrounding menopause and perimenopause.
This initiative follows the Greens initiated Senate inquiry and resulting landmark consensus report with 25 strong recommendations aimed at transforming how menopause is perceived, addressed and treated in this country.
The Greens will:
- Ensure more affordable and accessible menopause treatments with an allocation of $50 million annually to ensure that women have access to necessary treatments by:
- Subsidising TGA approved menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
- Purchasing more doses of MHT and making them more accessible across Australia.
- Purchasing alternative forms of MHT medications.
- Creating a new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item that allows GPs to conduct comprehensive tests related to menopause, including essential bone density scans.
- Removing the PBS co-payment for menopause treatments to reduce financial barriers for women seeking care.
To complement our health initiatives, The Greens will fund a $5 million national education campaign aimed at the public and at healthcare professionals. It will focus on:
- Educating GPs through an accredited training program on menopause and perimenopause, ensuring they are well-equipped to support their patients.
- Raising public awareness about menopause symptoms and treatment options to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations.
