World Menopause Day: VMHPAA backs 2025 theme “Lifestyle Medicine” and calls for practical, evidence-based supports at work and in care
- Shane Warren
- Oct 18
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
18 October 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) marks World Menopause Day by endorsing the 2025 global theme set by the International Menopause Society - Lifestyle Medicine - and urging employers and services to embed practical, evidence-based supports for people experiencing peri-menopause and menopause.
We are heartened that The Australasian Menopause Society has echoed this theme, highlighting holistic, non-pharmacologic approaches such as sleep, movement, nutrition, stress management, and social connection as part of personalised care alongside clinical options when needed.
“Menopause is a normal life stage and workplaces and services should treat it that way,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “The 2025 focus on lifestyle medicine is a reminder that simple, evidence-informed steps - predictable breaks, heat-safe uniforms, flexible scheduling, supportive supervision, and access to qualified advice - can make a meaningful difference. Dignity, choice, and practical supports help people stay well and stay in work.”
VMHPAA’s practical call to action
Make workplaces menopause-friendly: provide flexible rosters, temperature control options, uniform alternatives, and private rest spaces; train leaders to talk about menopause confidently and respectfully.
Use lifestyle medicine as a foundation: prioritise sleep hygiene, physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress-reduction and recovery time, and social support co-designed with staff.
Offer informed care pathways: ensure access to evidence-based resources and qualified clinicians; support shared decision-making about non-pharmacologic strategies and, where appropriate, medicines.
Normalise conversation, protect privacy: add menopause to wellbeing policies, intake forms, and supervision agendas; ensure confidentiality and consent at every step.
VMHPAA will continue collaborating with partners across health, education, community services, and business to promote culturally safe, inclusive, and practical supports for people navigating menopause at work and in daily life.
Learn more: International Menopause Society’s 2025 resources and factsheets; Australasian Menopause Society’s World Menopause Day hub.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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