The recent Senate Inquiry into perimenopause and menopause has shone a much-needed light on the challenges many women face during this critical stage of life. The Inquiry revealed that menopause isn't just about hot flushes and night sweats—it's about mental health, physical well-being, and how those things impact women's ability to stay in the workforce.

The Inquiry included seven public hearings, where organisations and individuals were given the opportunity to share their personal experiences. One of the most significant themes that emerged was the overwhelming difficulty many women face when trying to balance work and their menopause symptoms. The result? Many felt forced to step back from their careers, or in some cases, leave the workforce entirely.

The Untold Stories of Women in the Fitness Industry

What struck me most while reading the findings and listening to the stories from these hearings was how closely they align with what I've been hearing from women in our own industry—the fitness industry.

We know that menopause can be a significant factor in early retirement or career changes, but what I've seen among fitness professionals has been particularly concerning. Many women, who are often at the peak of their careers in their 40s and 50s, suddenly find that their bodies no longer move how they used to. They're experiencing joint pain, muscle fatigue, and mental health challenges they may not even realise are related to perimenopause or menopause.

I've spoken to fitness professionals who have made the tough decision to retire early because their bodies couldn't keep up with the demands of teaching classes, training clients, or managing their studios. Some of them thought it was just the wear and tear of the industry catching up with them. But in reality, many of these symptoms are closely linked to the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause: More Than Just Hot Flushes

One of the misconceptions that became clear during the Senate Inquiry—and one that I see echoed in the fitness industry—is that menopause is often reduced to hot flushes and night sweats. But we know it's so much more than that. Women experience a wide range of symptoms that can severely affect their work lives, such as:

• Chronic joint and muscle pain

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Cognitive issues like brain fog and memory problems

• Anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges

In an industry like fitness, where physical and mental endurance is a key part of the job, these symptoms can feel impossible to overcome. Many women don't even realise that these issues are tied to perimenopause. Instead, they push through until their bodies force them to stop. It's heartbreaking to think how many experienced, talented fitness professionals may have been able to continue working with the proper support.

What Could Have Been Different?

One of the recurring themes that came out of the Senate Inquiry was how much women wished their workplaces had recognised their struggles earlier and provided support. They talked about how small adjustments—like flexible work hours, better conversations about their health, or even just being asked if they needed help—might have made all the difference.

In the fitness industry, we must think about how to start having those conversations.

For example:

• Can we offer more flexible scheduling for fitness professionals who are experiencing perimenopause?

• Are there ways to modify their teaching or training duties to make them more manageable during this life stage?

• What about creating a culture where it's okay to talk about menopause without shame?

The truth is, these individual stories add up. Every woman who steps back or retires early because she didn't feel supported by her workplace is a loss—not just for her, but for our entire industry. These are women with years of experience, expertise, and passion. And with the right support, they could have stayed in the workforce, mentoring the next generation and continuing to inspire others.

How Can We Do Better?

The Senate Inquiry has opened the door for broader discussions about how we support women through perimenopause and menopause. As an industry, fitness professionals should be leading the way in promoting health and well-being—not just for our clients, but for ourselves.

We must start thinking about how menopause education and support can become a standard part of our workplace policies. It's not just about being "nice to have "—it's essential if we want to keep experienced women in our workforce and help them thrive.

By learning from these public hearings and the voices of women who have shared their experiences, we can take steps to ensure that menopause doesn't force women out of their careers. We have the power to change the narrative. Still, it starts with recognising the reality of menopause and taking action to support the women who are experiencing it.

What This Means for Future Fitness Professionals

For those just entering the fitness industry—especially our students at Women's Fitness Education (WFE)—the Senate Inquiry findings are a critical reminder of the challenges many women face, but they also highlight a huge opportunity. As future fitness professionals, you'll work with women across all stages of life, including those going through perimenopause and menopause. Understanding how these life stages impact physical and mental well-being will make you a better trainer and position you as an advocate for women's health.

By learning how to support clients—and yourselves—through these transitions, you'll be at the forefront of a more inclusive and empathetic fitness industry. This is your chance to be part of the change that ensures women are not forced to leave the workforce or stop prioritising their health simply because of menopause.

With the right knowledge, tools, and mindset, you can help shape an industry that supports women at every age and stage of life.

Article Written by Mish Wright