Medibank strengthens perimenopause and menopause support in the workplace

Medibank has launched a new healthcare service to support employees navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Delivered by Viv Health, the program offers employees free and direct access to specialist menopause doctors, highly personalised and evidence-based treatment plans, and mental health and lifestyle support services via telehealth and at-home treatments.

Recognising the significant emotional and psychological impact these life stages can have, the program aims to provide holistic care that addresses both physical symptoms and mental wellbeing.

Medibank Group Lead – People, Spaces & Sustainability Kylie Bishop said that with more than one quarter of the company’s total workforce within the perimenopause-menopause age bracket, they needed to do something significant.

“The research shows that 60% of people who are going through perimenopause or menopause don’t feel supported at work. And when symptoms are severe, nearly 1 in 2 people experiencing menopause consider retiring or taking a break from work.

“Symptoms often appear during the peak years of people’s careers, affecting their physical health but also their overall wellbeing and their intention to remain in the workforce. Addressing mental health as part of menopause care is crucial to keeping people healthy and engaged.

Perimenopause and menopause is a life stage that touches so many people and symptoms aren’t well understood. People don’t talk about it nearly enough – it’s a taboo topic – and we want to change that.

Ms Bishop said the perimenopause and menopause service builds on Medibank’s extensive health and wellbeing offerings for employees, which already includes access to a free virtual GP service for employees and their dependents, 24/7 nurse triage service and 24/7 mental health service.

“We know that mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health for productivity and job satisfaction. Our aim is to provide comprehensive care that supports our employees through all stages of life.

“We believe organisations need to think more holistically about the impact they can have on the health and wellbeing of their employees and their families — including mental health challenges linked to life stages like menopause — which ultimately contributes to a healthier, more productive Australia.

“Our 2030 Vision is to create the best health and wellbeing for Australia, and being the healthiest workplace in Australia is a key marker of our success.

“Today’s announcement is another step towards achieving our vision and our commitment to improving access to healthcare,” she said.

Medibank Group Medical Director and GP Dr Shona Sundaraj, provides thoughtful tips for navigating menopause.

Educate yourself and others

Understanding what menopause is – and isn’t – helps reduce fear and stigma. There’s a lot of false information out there, lean on reliable women health resources like The Jean Hailes Foundation and educate yourself and family and friends who are supporting you

Learn about common symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances and memory fog.

Trusted information

Read from reputable sources or consult healthcare providers. Share what you learn with your loved ones. Normalising menopause helps create space for honest conversations.

Prioritise physical health

Lifestyle choices can ease symptoms significantly – back to basics is really important, good food, quality sleep and body movement, in particular strength training is crucial at this stage of life.

Exercise boosts your mood, maintains bone density and supports sleep. A balanced diet should focus on calcium, vitamin D, fibre and whole foods. Try to minimise intake of processed foods that will add to belly weight gain.

Sleep hygiene is important. Create a calming bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed. Talk to your doctor about hormone therapy, supplements or other treatments if needed.

Talk with friends and family

Don’t carry the emotional load alone, it also helps if your loved ones are aware of the changes you’re going through. Help them understand what support looks like for you – even if it’s just listening.

Practice self compassion

Menopause can be unpredictable, and some days will be harder than others. Just remember, perimenopause and menopause are normal stages of life and any woman that is in her 40s or beyond is going through it with you. You’re not alone.

Give yourself permission to rest, say no, or adjust plans. Remind yourself this is a phase, not a personal failing. This is a normal stage of life. Just like childhood, puberty, having children.

Empathy is important

Perimenopause and menopause doesn’t signify ageing, it’s a transition in life, we need to acknowledge that quite often women at this stage of their life are at the peak of their careers, whilst looking after teenage children and helping elderly parents. This can compound how women manage. Let’s create space, understanding and empathy for women in their 40s-50s.

Perimenopause and menopause doesn’t signify ageing, it’s a transition in life, we need to acknowledge that quite often women at this stage of their life are at the peak of their careers, whilst looking after teenage children and helping elderly parents. This can compound how women manage. Let’s create space, understanding and empathy for women in their 40s-50s.