A new hub has opened in Wallsend for women who experience severe or complex symptoms during menopause.
NSW Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park announced the menopause hub on Tuesday, saying it would help women whose symptoms had not responded to previous treatments.
Mr Park said up to one in four women "endure severe and debilitating menopause symptoms".
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the hub would be "potentially life-changing for many women in our community".
The hub's official opening marked Women's Health Week, which NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said was a good time to "break the menopause taboo".
The hub has a team of medical specialists, such as women's health nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and clinical psychologists.
Women will need a referral to the hub from a GP, specialist or nurse. Telehealth will be available, particularly for those in rural areas.
Dr Phoebe Walsh, a staff specialist at the hub, said "there's been a big gap in menopause services for a long time".
Dr Walsh said this followed "fear around hormone replacement therapy" from a study about 20 years ago that was later found to be flawed.
"Women stopped talking to their GPs about symptoms of menopause because of that fear," Dr Walsh said.
"That led to a lot of women suffering in silence, having their symptoms dismissed or told they have to put up with it."
Dr Walsh said there had recently been "a big push to talk about menopause again".
"Newer treatments are available. We've been trying to get the message out there that hormone therapy is very safe and effective," she said.
"Hormone therapy is not the most appropriate option for every patient and individualised treatment plans are necessary. Non-hormonal options are available as well."
Most women reach menopause from age 45 to 55.
Hunter New England Health executive Elizabeth Grist said the hub would be "crucial for those experiencing perimenopause or early menopause, such as those undergoing post-cancer treatment".
For some women, menopause can be triggered by cancer treatment or other medical conditions such as endometriosis.
Hormonal changes - as women approach menopause - can cause hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood disorders and weight gain.
Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone thinning.
NSW Health states that one in three women over 50 will experience a fracture in their lifetime due to poor bone health.
Women going through menopause are also at increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Dr Walsh said menopause often occurred when women were at the peak of their careers, while managing teenagers at home and older parents.
"We want to keep women feeling well, protect their bones and prevent cardiovascular disease as they get older," she said.
Ms Harrison, the Charlestown MP, said menopause symptoms could be limited for some, but debilitating for others.
Ms Hornery said the hub would make a "huge difference to the lives of women suffering".
