IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AT MIDLIFE: Menopausal symptoms, mood, medications and sexual function A nationwide cross-sectional survey

This is a survey of 2020 women aged 40-65 from right across Australia. We asked women about their health and menopause. Overall, 13.3% of women had moderate-severe hot flushes and night sweat, 14.4% had moderate-severe depressive symptoms and one third had a reduction in libido severe enough to cause them concern. Symptoms often occurred together, with one in three women with moderate-severe hot flushes also experiencing depression. Very few women were using hormone therapy but one in four women were using medication for their mental health. We hope the results of this study will inform women and help doctors provide better care.