Women across NSW have better access to specialist care for severe or complex menopause and perimenopause symptoms, with the full rollout of the state’s Menopause Services network now complete.

Announced on Friday to coincide with World Menopause Day, all four major menopause hubs – located in South Eastern Sydney, Hunter New England, South Western Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health Districts – are now operational, along with 12 referral sites across the state including Orange and Broken Hill.

Since the first service opened in the Far West Local Health District in July 2023, more than 6600 women have accessed specialist support, with almost 14,000 service events delivered.

This year’s World Menopause Day theme, lifestyle medicine, highlights the importance of awareness, education and access to care for women navigating the physical and emotional impacts of menopause.

The NSW Government said it has invested $37.3 million over four years from 2023 to expand access to expert care, particularly for women experiencing complex symptoms or heightened health risks during menopause. The initiative aims to deliver timely, specialised care closer to home, reducing the need for women to travel long distances.

The network provides access to multidisciplinary teams, supporting women with increased risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and mental health challenges associated with menopause. Services include nursing, psychology or psychiatry, physiotherapy, dietetics and medical specialists.

Eligible women may be referred by general practitioners, specialists or nurse practitioners. Both in-person and virtual consultations are available, giving women greater choice in how they receive care.

The milestone marks a significant step in strengthening women’s health services across NSW during a critical stage of life.

NSW operates a network of 12 referral sites, each linked to one of four major hub services. Referral sites in Western NSW include:

• Western NSW Specialist Menopause Service, 1530 Forest Rd, Orange. Phone 1800 008 422.

• Far West Menopause Service: Broken Hill, FWLHD, 176 Thomas St, Broken Hill. Phone 1800 931 959