The Menopause in Aotearoa New Zealand: Knowledge and Experiences Accessing Care report was launched at a research webinar on 20 October by its author Ragnar Anderson, Senior Policy and Research Advisor at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa.
The report, based on an online survey carried out in 2025-2026, looks at what people knew about menopause before their symptoms began, where they went for information and care, and what were their experiences with their healthcare provider, including barriers they faced and eventual outcomes.
The majority of respondents reported that they had high, moderate or basic knowledge of menopause before experiencing symptoms, but:
Many people aren’t aware of the breadth of menopause symptoms – with many only knowing about hot flushes
There’s a lack of knowledge about menopause treatment – more than one-third of respondents were unaware of treatment options
One-third of respondents found it somewhat difficult to get an appointment for menopause care
Many people spoke to their GP about menopause, but experiences were mixed
60% felt their concerns and symptoms were taken seriously
43% of people felt their healthcare provider was knowledgeable about menopause
Decades-long misunderstandings of the risk of hormone therapy persist
There’s a need for training and guidance for healthcare providers on menopause treatment
60% of those that received menopause treatment felt it improved their quality of life
Certainly the experience of menopause has received increased attention over the past several years. But this research shows that many people don't know about all the many varied perimenopausal symptoms, and how they can be very impactful on people’s lives, their health and wellbeing – nor about the possible treatment options.”
Ragnar Anderson, Senior Policy and Research Advisor
If people aren’t aware of the symptoms of perimenopause, they can go unmanaged for years. Meanwhile, hormone therapy is a really effective treatment for menopause – we know it works well for most people. And there are other effective treatments too. So it's disappointing to see that so many people still don't know about – or aren't able to get – the treatment that could significantly improve their quality of life."
Dr Beth Messenger, Medical Director.
Survey respondents’ personal experiences form an important part of this report. A selection is included below that illustrates the key themes:
Many wished that they had known more about menopause, including the wide range of symptoms, when they might begin, and possible treatments.
"[I wish I knew t]hat my symptoms were related to menopause! I was in my early 40's and it wasn't on my radar. Menopause - to me - was something that happened to old people. I didn't seek treatment for menopause but I was struggling with fatigue, weight gain, lack of interest in sex. I'd raised these symptoms with my GP but they were often dismissed as stress related. Even when I started getting irregular periods and my GP suggested a Mirena, menopause wasn't mentioned. Looking back now, I can see so many things that are related to menopause. I'm just used to "putting up" with things. I wish I'd been able to - or my GP had - put all these things together. I wish I'd known all of the symptoms earlier. Things might've made sense - and been able to be acted upon - earlier.”
Respondents were asked to report on the types of treatment that they had been offered to address their menopause symptoms. HRT was the most commonly offered treatment, followed by the hormonal IUD (Mirena).
Some respondents noted the positive outcomes from HRT and a few specified the significant improvements in their symptoms including improved sleep, less joint pain, and fewer mood swings.
“[Hormone therapy] has changed my life. I had at least thirty-five menopause symptoms. Urogenital of course, but also brain, skin, hair, gums, immunity, nails, warmth to my hands and feet, colour came back to my cheeks so I didn't look like death warmed up, balance – I kept banging into door frames, tables and chairs, memory, concentration, motivation, energy, sex drive and satisfaction. [Now I’m experiencing] pleasure in life in general, strong fingernails, thinning hair thickening up, scaley skin has become soft and moist, vagina and vulva working normally, no more urine infections.”
“I think the treatment from my GP has made me very wary of seeking medical help. I feel conditioned now to think I'm being demanding or deluded.”
Several respondents reported repeatedly trying to get help for their symptoms but struggling to receive treatment.
“There did not seem to be anyone interested and no advi[c]e was given for alternative services. I tried 5 times in ten years and was never helped once. Still struggling with symptoms.”
Several respondents commented on the high price of specialised care for menopause. Many felt that this type of care was necessary as they found their GPs did not have the necessary knowledge to address their symptoms.
“That NZ is very behind on research and GPs are hit and miss with support. Such a shame I’ve had to pay so much for specialist care.”
Many respondents wished that they had known the benefits of seeking and receiving care earlier.
"That starting treatment earlier is actually better and most health care providers will ignore all your symptoms and that you know how your body should feel. If they don’t think you’re the right age they rely on hormone testing which fluctuates and everybody’s normal is different. I wish I knew I’d have to continue suffering until I was the right age for a doctor to help."
Others called for improved education for all people, with education provided in school and for the general public; many noted that this would help women recognise their symptoms and understand the range of available treatment options.
“EDUCATION FOR ALL! Education for women, men, for doctors, just everyone! If we know that it's something all uterus owners go through then we'll feel less isolated and depressed. If doctors know more about it then we can get appropriate treatments in place for good long-term outcomes.”
The report makes the following recommendations based on its findings and respondent feedback:
Increase and improve education for General Practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare providers.
Develop Aotearoa-specific evidence-based menopause best practice guidance for health professionals.
Increase available menopause medications, both funded and unfunded.
Improve and expand access to menopause education for all people.
Fund the training and provision of specialist level menopause care within the public healthcare system.
Conduct more research that explores the diversity of menopause beliefs, values, and experiences is required.
Learn more about:
Book your 45-minute initial appointment with one of our menopause clinicians. We'll come up with a tailored treatment plan which could include hormone therapy.
