As more women speak openly about the challenges of menopause, new data suggests many are entering this life stage unprepared and at greater risk of chronic disease.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around one in four women aged 45 to 64 say menopause symptoms impact their daily lives. The WA Menopause Clinic reports that about 70 per cent of women over 45 do not feel well informed or prepared for menopause.
Health experts warn that hormonal changes during menopause can increase the risk of weight gain, insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Many women find themselves navigating significant physical changes with limited support or guidance.
For 58-year-old Western Australian woman Kathryn, menopause brought unexpected health concerns. After experiencing post-menopausal weight gain, she was diagnosed with elevated cholesterol and pre-diabetes, prompting her to seek help.
“I wanted to reduce my high cholesterol and elevated glucose levels,” Kathryn said.
Through the Better Health Company’s Better Health Coaching Service — a free telehealth lifestyle coaching program available to Western Australians — Kathryn worked with a health coach to build sustainable habits around nutrition, exercise and daily routines.
“The coaching was great for accountability and motivation,” she said. “Knowing I’d be checking in with someone regularly helped me stay on track and frame my goals realistically.”
Over the course of the program, Kathryn made simple but powerful changes to her lifestyle: reducing sugar and fats, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, learning to read food labels and introducing regular jogging alongside her daily yoga practice.
The results were significant. Kathryn lost 9 kilograms, reduced her BMI from overweight to the healthy range, reversed her pre-diabetic status and lowered her cholesterol levels.
“I’ve dropped two clothing sizes and feel fit, strong and capable,” she said. “Menopause is a tricky physical and emotional transition, but taking control of my diet and exercise means I feel like I’m on the other, better side of it.”
Kathryn said the phone-based coaching format made the program accessible and easy to fit around her lifestyle.
Programs like the Better Health Coaching Service are helping to bridge gaps in preventative health care, offering free, private telehealth coaching that supports people to build healthier habits and reduce their risk of chronic disease.
Kathryn said the experience has left her feeling empowered about the future.
“I have more pep in my step and I’m really thinking about how I manage the ageing process positively, proudly and intentionally.”
About the Better Health Coaching Service
The Better Health Coaching Service is a free WA Department of Health-funded phone-based program that supports adults to build healthier habits, prevent or manage chronic disease, and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Participants receive up to 10 one-on-one phone sessions over six months with a qualified health coach.
For more information, visit betterhealthcoaching.com.au/wa-home/ or call 1300 822 953.
