'Being left high and dry': 'Major' concern Deb Knight has for Aussie women

In the internet age there's an instant answer to any number of "how do I" or "why won't" or "what is this" questions.

If you're wary of relying on Dr Google, self-help books can be a more researched option, and I find I'm turning to the written page once again as I start a new health journey.

The wonderful author Kaz Cooke helped me during pregnancy with her brilliant Up the Duff guide, and she's with me now as I navigate 'The Menopause', as she calls it in her latest best-selling tome It's The Menopause.

IN PICTURES: All the glamorous looks on the 2025 BAFTA Awards red carpet

I'm yet to dive into actress Naomi Watts' take in her new book Dare I Say It, described as a 'frank, funny and informative guide to menopause and ageing', but I'm not surprised it's smart and funny Aussie women leading the charge on the topic with some dark Aussie humour.

You need to be able to have a laugh in what can be a confusing and confronting time - particularly when there's a shortage of treatment options.

READ MORE: Prince William's special message for BAFTAs amid notable absence

At 52 years of age, I'm deep into menopause territory - or at least I think I am.

This is the tricky thing about 'the change', as we've euphemistically called the previously taboo topic that is a natural part of life: no two women experience menopause or perimenopause the same.

For the record, I'd never heard of the term perimenopause, which is the period leading up to menopause, until society and the medical community started to speak about the subject more openly and frankly.

There's no magic switch that's flicked to show your body can no longer bear children, unlike with the arrival of the monthly period that signals the start of being able to conceive.

Some women keep menstruating while going through the early stages of menopause.

Other women who use birth control don't have periods at all, so have no clear gauge of whether the big M has happened or not.

READ MORE: Queen Mary spotted shopping at popular Tasmanian markets

A lot of the other symptoms can also be part of everyday life, so are hard to pin down as signals of menopause.

Brain fog: comes with the territory when you juggle a career and family and a busy life.

Mood swings, lack of sleep and loss of sex drive: as above. Hot flushes: is it menopause or just because it's a hot and humid summer?

Hair on your chinny chin chin: something most women, young and old confront, in good light or in front of a magnifying mirror.

The fact I can no longer see anything up close without glasses could be a saving grace for some of the changes brought on by ageing.

READ MORE: Former child star found dead aged 24

The one symptom that is undeniable, in my case at least, is weight gain.

Through a combination of genetics and playing a lot of sports as a child and teenager, I've managed to maintain a relatively constant weight for much of my adult life, even returning to a similar body shape after each of my three children.

I continue to exercise most days, try to cut back on alcohol, and haven't changed what I eat, but the kilos are steadily creeping higher, and gathering right round my stomach.

READ MORE: The comfy minimalist ballet flat you've been searching for

Elasticised waist bands on clothing are my friend.

It's a similar complaint from a lot of my friends of a similar age – why am I putting on weight around my tummy when I'm not doing anything differently?

It's the menopause, as Kaz Cooke would say.

Of course it's frustrating when the advice is that 'it happens to everyone', and that it's a simple fix – to move more and eat a healthy diet.

What if you're doing that already and the weight keeps coming?

It is good to know that you're not alone in your menopause journey and that the topic is no longer spoken of in hushed tones.

View gallery

Baby names inspired by some of the most iconic women in sport

But it is a major concern that one of the main treatment options for the symptoms of menopause, hormone replacement therapy, is in short supply, and the solution given to doctors is to stop prescribing for new patients.

What sort of solution is that?

Women already on HRT shouldn't be left with the uncertainty of sourcing the medicine, and women needing treatment shouldn't be forced to miss out.

Menopause is not just an inconvenience or a stage of life to suffer through.

Without treatment options, women are being left high and dry, which is unacceptable in a country like Australia in 2025.

In the meantime, the smart and funny writing of talented Australian authors on menopause can at least help to provide information and a much needed laugh.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.