Menopause: It’s Time We Talked About it

World Menopause Month

We talk about the weather in Mackay. We talk about the sugar price, the reef, the school run, and even the potholes; but one topic that often stays off the table is menopause.

For something that every woman will go through in her lifetime, menopause is still surrounded by silence. Many women describe it as something you “just get on with.” But this natural transition can bring changes that affect your energy, mood, sleep, relationships, and confidence, and you don’t have to simply endure it.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, when oestrogen and progesterone levels decline. These hormonal changes can lead to hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, and changes in skin, weight, and libido. The pelvic floor can also be affected, sometimes leading to bladder leaks, pelvic heaviness, or discomfort during intimacy. For many, these changes arrive gradually, often catching women off guard, especially when busy juggling work, family, and everything in between.

But here’s the good news: knowledge, movement, and support make a world of difference.

Exercise is one of the most effective and evidence-based ways to ease many menopause symptoms. Regular movement can reduce the frequency of hot flushes, improve sleep, boost mood, and help maintain muscle and bone strength, both of which naturally decline during this stage of life. Strength training and weight-bearing exercise protect against osteoporosis, while cardiovascular exercise keeps your heart and brain healthy. Even a brisk walk through the Botanic Gardens, a yoga session, or a dip at the lagoon can help balance hormones and lift your spirits.

It’s also important to remember that menopause isn’t just a physical change, it’s emotional too. Hormonal shifts can influence mood and anxiety levels, and that’s where connection matters. Sharing experiences with other women, joining local classes, or simply opening up the conversation with friends can make the transition feel less isolating.

As a pelvic health physiotherapist, I often see women who tell me they wish they’d spoken up sooner. They’ve been dealing with bladder leaks, discomfort, or pelvic heaviness for years, assuming it’s “just part of getting older.” But common does not mean normal and help is available. A pelvic floor check can identify muscle changes, guide safe exercise, and restore strength and confidence.

Menopause is not the end of vitality — it’s the start of a new season. With the right tools, movement, and support, women can feel stronger, calmer, and more empowered than ever.

This World Menopause Month, let’s bring the conversation out into the open. Ask questions. Talk to your GP or physiotherapist. Move your body. Prioritise your health.

Because in a town that talks about everything else, it’s time we started talking about menopause too; with honesty, laughter, and the confidence that comes from knowing there’s help and hope available.

Five Ways to Thrive Through Menopause

• Move your body daily – Walking, swimming, or strength training all help balance hormones and boost energy.
• Build muscle, protect bone – Include weights or resistance bands to keep bones strong and reduce fracture risk.
• Prioritise rest and relaxation – Quality sleep and stress management can ease mood swings and brain fog.
• Stay connected – Talk openly with friends, family, or your GP; you don’t have to go through menopause alone.
• Nourish yourself – Eat balanced meals with protein, calcium, and whole foods to support long-term health.

   Lauren Neill
   Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

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