Resources for First Nations women
We are working in partnership with First Nations women and community health professionals to develop menopause and perimenopause resources.
This work is guided by the lived experiences and voices of First Nations women, ensuring information is culturally informed, relevant, and practical for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The information comes from yarning circles where First Nations women from regional and remote communities share their valued knowledge and lived experience of perimenopause and menopause, co-leading the design process.
Additional information and resources will be available on this website from August 2026.
Commissioned artwork by Karen Lee Mungarrja, Wiradjuri artist of the Tubba-Gah clan, Dubbo NSW.
Poster
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Wondering if you could be in perimenopause or menopause? – First Nations Poster
This poster provides information on different symptoms that you can experience if you are going through menopause or perimenopause.
Fact sheet
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Women's business: perimenopause and menopause fact sheet
This fact sheet tells you about a time of change in your bod . Doctors call it the "menopause transition".
Symptom checklist
Symptom checklist for perimenopause and menopause (developed in partnership with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and NSW Health).
Personal story
Hear from Karen about her journey through menopause and perimenopause.
Resources for health professionals
The following booklet and presentation have been developed to support health workers in providing care to First Nations women during menopause and perimenopause.
Menopause is sometimes referred to as ‘the change’ in some First Nations communities and marks an important stage of life. The booklet provides culturally informed information about why menopause occurs, common symptoms and changes women may experience, and what life can look like after menopause.
The resource was developed by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, in consultation with First Nations organisations across Australia, including Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service Penrith (NSW), Kalwun Development Corporation Ltd (Qld), Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (WA), Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (NT), Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NSW), and Winda‑Mara Aboriginal Corporation (VIC).
Menopause – ‘the change’ presentation
Access further information and resources for health professionals.
First Nations artwork
About the artist
We have collaborated with Karen Lee Mungarrja, a Wiradjuri artist of the Tubba-Gah clan from Dubbo, NSW, to create an original artwork used across communication resources for First Nations women.
At a young age Karen began creating art and later completed a degree in Fine Art and Visual Culture. Her work is featured in a range of public and private settings, including hospitals and schools.
Karen herself experienced perimenopause symptoms in her late 30s and at the time did not recognise what it meant. She had heavier periods, headaches, sore breasts and hot flushes, which became more frequent. Like many women, the symptoms were difficult to manage alongside work, study and raising a family. She later saw her GP, who confirmed the symptoms were related to perimenopause.
Reflecting on her experience, Karen encourages other women to speak to their health worker or doctor and to talk openly with others. Everyone experiences menopause differently, but it’s something women should go through together, not alone.
About the artwork
The artwork showcased across this website is grounded in Girinyalanha (which means ‘talk together’ in Wiradjuri) and centres on community, connection, and shared experience. It reflects the importance of women coming together to navigate perimenopause and menopause, rather than carrying it alone.
The work draws on cultural knowledge held within community through the use of traditional motifs and symbols representing identity (boab tree of life); healing (eucalyptus leaves); individuality (kangaroo paw); mental health (flannel flower); celebration (people dancing); strength, pride and unity (waratah); and unity and resilience (wattle). It also acknowledges the silence and underlying shame that sometimes exists around this time of life, gently encouraging openness, support, and understanding through conversation.
“This artwork is a story of community and women sharing their experiences through their change of life journey. We gather, we learn through conversation, and although we have differences, we are navigating the same journey. Together, we are not alone.”
More information
The following organisations provide information and resources to support the health and wellbeing of First Nations women and communities.
- Jean Hailes for Women’s Health: Provides trusted health information, advocacy and clinical expertise for women across Australia.
- Menopause Alliance Australia: Shares information about menopause for First Nations women, including cultural perspectives, health impacts, access to care and research.