Menopause symptoms can begin before 40, ORF reports

About one million women in Austria are going through menopause, and symptoms can start in their late 30s or early 40s, ORF reports. World Menopause Day on October 18 highlights the health challenges women face and the importance of their long-term health.

Hot flushes and sleep problems are common symptoms, but joint pain, tinnitus, dry eyes and a burning tongue can also occur. These symptoms are not always immediately linked to menopause, says gynaecologist Hans Concin.

“It is a woman’s basic right for her menopausal symptoms and long-term health to be taken seriously,” Concin said. He said greater awareness was important as knowledge about menopause grows in science, society, politics and business.

Menopause involves hormonal changes. From around age 35 or 40, progesterone levels can fall significantly, while oestrogen levels may fluctuate. A decline in testosterone can also play a role. Concin said women should understand what might be behind their symptoms and discuss them with a doctor so they can make informed decisions with medical professionals.

The hormonal changes can affect long-term health, including bones, the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Personal health and family history also matter, Concin said, including a family history of heart attacks or osteoporosis, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar levels. He also cited stroke and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease as risks to discuss with medical professionals where relevant.

Care during menopause may involve several medical specialties, depending on a woman’s symptoms. Cardiologists may be involved for heart problems, while urologists or pelvic floor physiotherapists may help with incontinence. Rheumatologists or orthopaedic specialists may be consulted for joint pain. Concin said care was increasingly interdisciplinary, involving specialties such as internal medicine, gynaecology, orthopaedics, endocrinology and diabetology.

Menopause also affects working life, according to the 2024 Austrian MenoSupport Austria study, which surveyed 1,720 employed women. About 23 per cent had taken sick leave at least once because of menopausal symptoms, and roughly one in five had reduced their working hours. Meanwhile, 69 per cent wanted a workplace culture that was more supportive of women going through menopause, and 72 per cent wanted greater awareness among managers.

The women’s health platform Wechselweise.net is calling for better medical care and support. Its proposals include more extensive menopause training for doctors, a recognised qualification for specialists in the field, and hormone consultations covered by public health insurance. It says a recognised qualification would help women find qualified support, while access to sound hormone advice should not depend on being able to pay for private treatment.

“Fortunately, gender medicine is making rapid progress. We are increasingly understanding where women’s bodies differ from men’s and what menopause means for women’s health,” said Veronika Pelikan, founder of Wechselweise.net.