nib launches tool to support women through menopause

nib meno care has been created in partnership with renowned menopause specialist Dr Linda Dear, founder of Menodoctor.

The programme offers nib members expert advice and practical resources on everything from lifestyle strategies and natural therapies to information about available medical options, helping women take charge of their hormonal health and reduce potential long-term risks.

Menopause is a significant life stage that impacts both physical and mental health, yet, according to Dr Dear’s 2023 survey of 4288 women across New Zealand, 64% did not know the menopause symptoms they were experiencing were due to menopause.

As a certified menopause practitioner with years of experience, Dr Dear has seen first-hand how the right education tools and support can transform women’s health. Through this new partnership with nib, she intends to extend that support and help women navigate their health journeys.

Her survey found that 58% of respondents described their menopause symptoms as severe or very severe, with common health issues including sleep problems (80%), weight gain (74%), night sweats (71%) and body pain (70%). Many also experience psychological symptoms such as fatigue (79%), low mood (69%), memory problems (67%) and experiencing anxiety (64%).

nib chief medical officer Dr Rob McGrath says it’s clear there’s a need to provide comprehensive support, and the partnership with Menodoctor to develop meno care aims to achieve exactly that.

“nib has a suite of support tools available for its eligible members spanning bowel cancer screening to weight management support. These programmes aim to help members be proactive with their health to not only reduce health risks, but also promote long-term wellbeing."

"Menopause is a personal journey, and no two women experience it the same way. 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”, he says.

nib members can access nib meno care via the my nib NZ app from October 18.