- Minister for Health
The Andrews Labor Government is raising awareness about endometriosis and menopause, with new resources to encourage women to recognise the symptoms and speak to a doctor sooner.
Based on input from health professionals and women who live with these conditions, the Jean Hailes-produced booklets, videos and fact sheets are part of the Labor Government’s $6.6 million Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy.
The Labor Government has also delivered eight community-based women’s reproductive health hubs, a state-wide women’s sexual and reproductive health phone line and website, and a state-wide polycystic ovary syndrome clinic.
Together with professional education of nurses and doctors in women’s sexual and reproductive health, this strategy is increasing access to the support and services women need.
Better awareness of these often-misunderstood health issues will encourage women to raise their symptoms and concerns with a doctor, and access better management sooner.
Endometriosis is a common chronic reproductive health disease that affects around 200,000 Victorian women and girls. Studies suggest that endometriosis affects one in 10 women of reproductive age.
Often this condition goes undiagnosed for too long, with many women living with debilitating pain for years before they get a correct diagnosis.
There is no known cause or cure but there are a range of treatment options to manage its symptoms.
The resources are available in a range of languages, at jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/endometiosis and jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause. A link to the list of new resources is also on the Jean Hailes home page.
As stated by Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Too many women are suffering alone with these conditions for too long.”
“These new resources are designed to give more women the knowledge they need to seek out the right support sooner and start important conversations with doctors about management.”
“Empowering women to speak up and improving the knowledge of health professionals is vital to ensure health services can better meet the needs of women.”
As stated by David Lloyd, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health
“We congratulate the Victorian Government and Minister Mikakos on recognising the importance of raising awareness around endometriosis and menopause. These new resources help open up the conversation.”
“At Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, we believe in the power of education. It’s important for us to talk about our health and the health issues of those around us, both at home and in the workplace.”
