Navigating Perimenopause: Why the Government Is Finally Paying Attention , and What You Can Read to Help Yourself

Laura Kinkead
Jul 4
3 min read

For decades, women in their 30s, 40s and 50s have been navigating a hormonal minefield with almost zero public conversation. You felt tired, foggy, ragey, anxious, dried out, wired-but-exhausted… and everyone just shrugged and said “welcome to getting older.”

But now, things are finally shifting, and it’s not just influencers and wellness brands talking.

In 2024, the Australian Government officially recognised that perimenopause and menopause have been underdiagnosed, under-treated, and under-supported, and decided to invest in fixing it.

So, What Did the Government Actually Do?

As part of their 2024–2025 Women’s Health Strategy, the federal government committed $12.8 million to:

Raise awareness of perimenopause and menopause symptoms through national campaigns
Educate healthcare providers (hello, finally!) so GPs better recognise and treat symptoms
Fund research into midlife women’s health needs
Create resources and tools to help women identify, track, and manage symptoms
Develop workplace support guidelines for women experiencing symptoms at work

This is huge.

It signals that your experience is real and that society is finally catching up to what women have known all along: this life phase can be mentally, emotionally, and physically disruptive. But with the right information and support, it can also be transformative.

But Awareness Isn’t Enough - You Need Tools, Too

The truth is: doctors are still catching up, and most women are left to figure this out on their own.

That’s why reading trusted, relatable, expert-written books is one of the best things you can do. Below are some of the top recommended books for navigating perimenopause and menopause, written by women who get it and backed by science.

Must-Read Books for Perimenopause

1. “The Hormone Repair Manual” by Dr. Lara Briden (AU/NZ author)

This is the bible for anyone going through perimenopause. Dr. Briden is a naturopathic doctor based in New Zealand, and she explains hormone shifts in a way that’s practical, empowering, and zero BS.

Best for: Women wanting natural strategies and deeper understanding without being overwhelmed.

Order it here: https://amzn.to/4evuGEa

2. “The New Menopause” by Dr. Mary Claire Haver

A fresh, straight-talking, up-to-date guide by a US-based OB-GYN who believes women deserve better than “it’s just part of ageing.” She covers weight changes, brain fog, sleep, HRT, and her well-known “Galveston Diet” approach.

Best for: Women who want a clear action plan with both science and lifestyle tips.

Order it here: https://amzn.to/44KATIZ

3. “The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause” by Dr. Louise Newson

Dr. Newson is one of the most trusted voices in menopause care globally. Her guide is ideal if you’re navigating the healthcare system and want to know your options, especially around HRT.

Best for: Women who want straight answers from a medical expert with no fluff.

Order it here: https://amzn.to/4kkmPuo

4. “Cracking the Menopause” by Mariella Frostrup & Alice Smellie

This one’s witty, British, and relatable. A mix of expert interviews and real-life experiences, it's like having a conversation with your smartest friends, who also happen to have done the research.

Best for: Women who like humour and honesty with their hormone talk.

Order here: https://amzn.to/4noBS98

Final Word: You’re Not Broken - You’re Becoming

Perimenopause is not a disease. But it is a health shift that deserves proper attention. Between the rising awareness, increased funding, and brilliant women writing life-changing guides, you don’t have to go through it confused and alone anymore.

Knew You Society is here to be part of that shift. We’re building a space where real information, real support, and real products actually help, not just “empowerment slogans” that sell snake oil.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.