Supporting Women Through Menopause

By Good Magazine

October 23, 2024

In recognition of the recent World Menopause Day, renowned menopause specialist Dr. Linda Dear, also known as the ‘Menodoctor,’ has partnered with nib health insurance to introduce a new, personalised health management programme called nib meno care. The programme is designed to support women navigating the stages of perimenopause and menopause, offering practical resources, expert advice and accessible education tools to help manage symptoms and improve long-term health. 

Linda, a certified menopause specialist based in Tauranga, has dedicated her career to breaking the taboo surrounding menopause and supporting women through this significant life stage. Her 2023 survey of over 4,000 women in New Zealand revealed that 58 per cent experienced severe menopause symptoms, yet 64 per cent did not recognise these as related to menopause. 

“Despite menopause being an inevitable part of many women’s lives, it remains a subject that is often overlooked or misunderstood,” says Linda. “This lack of awareness leaves many women feeling isolated during a time when their physical and emotional health is deeply impacted. Each woman’s experience of menopause is unique, and it’s essential that care reflects this individuality.” 

The nib meno care programme offers a variety of resources, from lifestyle strategies and natural therapies to medical options, enabling women to better understand their hormonal health. By partnering with nib, Linda aims to make expert advice more accessible to Kiwi women, helping them take charge of their menopause journey. 

Dr Linda Dear, Menodoctor.

The programme was developed in response to Linda’s survey, which highlighted some of the most common and severe symptoms women face during menopause, including sleep problems, weight gain, night sweats and body pain. The emotional toll is also significant, with fatigue, low mood, memory issues and anxiety being frequently reported. 

Dr. Rob McGrath, Chief Medical Officer at nib, emphasises the need for comprehensive support. “Menopause is a personal journey, and no two women experience it the same way,” he says. “That’s why we wanted to develop a tool to help women manage their symptoms on their own terms, by making expert support easy to access and apply.” 

nib meno care joins a range of health management programmes offered by nib, which include bowel cancer screening and weight management support. Through these initiatives, nib aims to help members proactively address their health concerns, reducing risks and promoting long-term wellbeing. 

Available now, nib meno care will be accessible to eligible nib members via the my nib NZ app

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