WEDNESDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2024: HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, is proud to sponsor the national Join the Conversation campaign in partnership with Prevention Australia, aimed at raising awareness, fostering open discussions, and empowering women to navigate menopause with confidence.
HCF’s sponsorship reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting women’s health and wellbeing, reinforcing the fund’s role as a trusted health partner. The campaign will culminate in a World Menopause Day breakfast event on 18 October 2024 at the Park Hyatt Sydney.
“HCF is proud to be part of this important conversation about a health issue affecting millions of women,” said Lindsay Carter, HCF’s Head of Brand & Content. “Our goal is to create a supportive space where women feel encouraged to discuss menopause openly and access evidence-based information to make informed health decisions.”
Dr Fatima Khan, a Hormone Expert and Menopause Specialist, will speak at the event, highlighting the importance of awareness and support around this often taboo subject.
“Menopause will affect half the world’s population, yet many women feel isolated due to a lack of conversation and understanding,” Dr Khan said. “This initiative offers a valuable opportunity to break that silence and provide women with practical support for navigating this life stage.”
The recent Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause in Australia, which released its report1 in September, revealed the significant impact of menopause on women’s physical and mental health, workplace engagement and overall quality of life.
“The Senate Inquiry’s findings highlight Australian women are navigating menopause without adequate information or support,” said Ms Carter.
“HCF is on a mission to empower women to take charge of their health, supporting them to make more confident and informed decisions. Our sponsorship of the Join the Conversation campaign underscores our commitment to ensuring women have access to accurate health information and expert care,” Ms Carter said.
A report from Jean Hailes2 underscores this need, with more than half (55%) of women reporting negative impacts on their mental and emotional wellbeing due to menopause symptoms. One in three (32%) noted strain on their relationship with their partner, and concerningly, nearly one in four (24%) didn’t consult a doctor about their symptoms, believing nothing could be done.
To learn more about the World Menopause Day event, visit worldmenopauseday.com.au
For education content, people can follow Dr Khan on Instagram @menopausespecialist. You can also explore additional resources, including HCF’s Women’s Health Hub and Menopause Matters podcast, hosted by the author of Queen Menopause, Alison Brahe-Daddo, by visiting hcf.com.au/podcast/menopause-matters.
REFERENCES:
1. Parliament of Australia. (2024). Inquiry into issues related to menopause and perimenopause: Final report. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report
2. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Australasian Menopause Society, Women’s Health Research Program (Monash University) (2023), The impact of symptoms attributed to menopause by Australian women, Jean Hailes website, accessed 11 October 2024.
ENDS
Media enquiries to:
Joni Thomes 0475 576 738 or jthomes@hcf.com.au
Key Facts:
§ More than half (55%) of women report negative mental and emotional impacts due to menopause symptoms (Jean Hailes Report).
§ One in three (32%) women experience strain in their relationships with their partners due to menopause.
§ Nearly one in four (24%) women do not consult a doctor about their symptoms, believing nothing can be done.
§ The recent Senate Inquiry into menopause in Australia highlights the lack of adequate support for women, impacting their physical and mental health as well as their workplace engagement.
About us:
ABOUT HCF
HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers almost 2 million members with health and life insurance, travel, pet, home and car insurance. HCF has been awarded Outstanding Value Health Insurance by Canstar nine years in a row from 2016-2024. On average over the last ten years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. ** To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us
** 89.2% compared to 85.6% across the industry. Calculated based on the average of the past 10 years, sourced from APRA Statistics: Private Health Insurance Operations Reports 2014-23.
Contact details:
For interview requests, headshots, or for more event information, please contact Joni Thomes
M: 0475 576 738
