{"id":687,"date":"2025-06-02T10:48:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T00:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/stagingpartyline\/?p=687"},"modified":"2025-06-05T09:52:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T23:52:28","slug":"country-to-coast-queensland-phn-brings-womens-midlife-health-to-centre-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ruralhealth.org.au\/partyline\/country-to-coast-queensland-phn-brings-womens-midlife-health-to-centre-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"Country to Coast Queensland PHN brings women’s midlife health to centre stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On a warm evening in Rockhampton, more than fifty clinicians, community workers and locals gathered at the Empire Apartment Hotel, buzzing with something often missing from conversations about women\u2019s health \u2014 energy, honesty and a sense of momentum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event, Choice and Change: Supporting Healthy Ageing for Women, launched Country to Coast Queensland Primary Healthcare Network\u2019s (CCQ) 2025 Clinical Society series and signalled a bold shift in how Central Queensland is approaching menopause, perimenopause and the often-overlooked health needs of women in midlife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a conversation that should\u2019ve started years ago,\u201d said a local a practice nurse with a strong background in women\u2019s health. \u201cWe know over half the population goes through menopause, but too often women feel confused, dismissed or even ashamed. Tonight is about changing that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drawing inspiration from the 2024 Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause, the evening brought together local health professionals committed to reshaping midlife care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr Haller opened with a walk-through of a modern, evidence-based midlife consultation. Rather than focusing solely on hot flushes or irregular periods, she highlighted a broader approach \u2014 one that includes mental health, bone density, cardiovascular risk and the importance of simply listening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen aren\u2019t just coming in with one issue,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re coming in with sleep trouble, brain fog, relationship stress, anxiety. If we only treat the symptoms, we miss the full picture.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physiotherapist Mischa Bongers from Pelvic Fix Physiotherapy emphasised the foundational role of movement, muscle strength and pelvic health in ageing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHealthy ageing isn\u2019t just about living longer \u2014 it\u2019s about maintaining independence, confidence and comfort in your own body,\u201d she said. Mischa\u2019s practical advice covered everything from bone health and falls prevention to bladder control, bowel function and sexual wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, Endocrinologist Dr Thomas Ulahannan unpacked the science behind menopause symptom management, demystifying hormonal and non-hormonal therapies. He addressed confusion stemming from the Women\u2019s Health Initiative study and helped build confidence in prescribing evidence-based treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importantly, the tone of the evening was collaborative. \u201cThere was no one-size-fits-all solution,\u201d said one local nurse. \u201cWe\u2019ve been given a toolbox \u2014 strategies we can adapt to our communities and patients.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A closing panel discussion drew on local expertise and explored ways to sustain momentum, improve access and better integrate support for women\u2019s health across regional teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attendees left with more than knowledge. \u201cI\u2019ve worked in health for 25 years,\u201d shared one participant. \u201cThis is the first time I\u2019ve seen menopause being discussed with respect, curiosity and urgency.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For CCQ Chief Executive Julie Sturgess, Choice and Change is more than a professional development event series\u2014it\u2019s a regional call to action. \u201cBy uniting GPs, specialists, allied health professionals and the broader healthcare community, our Clinical Society events are proving that meaningful change starts locally, with conversation and collective action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen in our region deserve care that\u2019s up to date, empathetic and easy to access,\u201d said Ms Sturgess. \u201cAnd thanks to nights like this, we\u2019re getting closer to making that a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choice and Change: Supporting Healthy Ageing for Women has now been held in nine towns across the CCQ region, sparking similar discussions and reinforcing regional primary care\u2019s commitment to community-led, life-stage health. 

For enquires and support, contact the Country to Coast Queensland team: email educationandworkforce@c2coast.org.au<\/p>\n

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