This World Menopause Day, we need to celebrate how far we have come in making the menopause a workplace issue but understand that there is still a lot more to do.

Three years of menopause support

This World Menopause Day marks three years since Wellbeing of Women launched our Menopause Workplace Pledge. The campaign was set up to support the many women who were trying to deal with difficult menopause symptoms at work, as well as employers who did not know how to help.

Women were beginning to talk about their symptoms, thanks to valuable awareness-raising by celebrities such as Davina McCall but still felt nervous sharing their experiences in a professional environment. Fast-forward three years, and a lot has changed.

Growing workplace support for menopause

Awareness and support surrounding menopause in the workplace are on the rise, as seen by over 3,000 employers signing up to support their workers via our Menopause Workplace Pledge. The Government will introduce menopause action plans, which will set out how large businesses can support their menopausal employees.

Guidance on dealing with employees going through the menopause has been published by the British Standards Institution and The Equality and Human Rights Commission. While celebrating how far we have come, we must confront the remaining challenges with honesty.

Women who feel unsupported at
work may have to take days off
and even end up leaving their jobs.

Menopause support challenges remain

Much of the change has been made by large companies that are able to commit money to schemes that support staff adjustments for menopausal symptoms. Engaging small to medium businesses (SMEs) has been harder as they face more complex challenges, ranging from financial to operational constraints.

However, addressing menopause in the workplace is not just a matter of employee wellbeing; it’s also good for business. Women who feel unsupported at work may have to take days off and even end up leaving their jobs. As well as losing an experienced staff member, the average cost of replacing an employee in 2014 was estimated to be £30,000.

Small steps make a big difference

By taking small, manageable steps toward offering better support, SMEs can create an inclusive work environment that retains talent and improves overall productivity. Culture change is a key factor in creating long-lasting change, and that is easier in an organisation that has fewer employees where managers can start open and honest discussions with staff.

Speaking openly with women from all communities

However, we should remember that open discussions must be appropriate for all women. This includes women from marginalised communities, where stigma around the menopause can be an even greater challenge. Conversations must be culturally appropriate so that everyone is encouraged to speak up if they need support.

On a national level, the same coalition of business, government and campaigners needs to highlight the value of supporting menopausal women across organisations of all sizes. Additionally, they should provide more support for them to do so.

The post Making workplaces menopause friendly for everyone beyond World Menopause Day appeared first on Health Awareness.

Lifestyle changes, coupled with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women of menopausal age.

The risk from cardiovascular events increases considerably in women as they enter the menopause. However, Dr Yassir Javaid, a GP with a career-long interest in cardiology, remains concerned about a lack of awareness of this risk.

Menopause and cardiovascular risk

While cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognised as a leading cause of death among men, the scenario for women is often underperceived. “Far more women are likely to die prematurely in middle age from cardiovascular disease, predominantly of heart attack and stroke, than from breast cancer,”¹ says Dr Javaid.

Men can suffer atherosclerosis, where their arteries ‘fur up,’ around 10 years before women and often by age 50. But once women hit menopause and their oestrogen levels drop, their arteries can fur up more quickly. By age 65, men’s and women’s arteries are similar in terms of the degree of atherosclerosis.² Menopause ‘heralds’ the phase where women’s cardiovascular risk increases sharply and catches up with men. Dr Javaid believes healthcare professionals (HCPs) need to be more aware of that.

Figures show that post-menopausal
women can have a two-to-six-fold
increase in CVD risk.

Detrimental physiological changes

Physiological changes that occur during menopause as a result of oestrogen reduction can trigger detrimental cardiovascular effects. These include weight gain (particularly around the abdomen where metabolically active visceral fat can lead to increased blood pressure and cholesterol), type II diabetes and atherosclerosis.³ Dr Javaid emphasises the importance of lifestyle interventions such as exercise, diet, weight loss and stopping smoking to mitigate the physiological changes the menopause instigates.

Figures show that post-menopausal women can have a two-to-six-fold increase in CVD risk and that 51% of all deaths in women aged 45–69 are attributable to CVD.⁴ Meanwhile, women may not even consider taking HRT, as 24% report a lack of HRT knowledge and awareness.⁵

Protecting arteries

Acknowledging that HRT, particularly transdermal oestrogen HRT, can alter cardiovascular risk as well as help with bone protection and symptom relief, Dr Javaid underlines the importance of HCPs engaging with women as they approach the menopause.

He says: “We have data to suggest that early use of HRT soon after the menopause in relatively healthy women can potentially slow down, or protect those arteries, in that vulnerable 10–15 year period and has a potential for altering the cardiovascular trajectory.⁶

“We are now at a stage where we should be considering the menopause a trigger for a formal cardiovascular risk assessment in women.”

[1] Kaczmarek, M. (2015). On the doorstep to senility: physical changes, health status and well-being in midlife. Anthropological Review, 78(3), 269–287. https://doi.org/10.1515/anre-2015-0017
[2] Harvard Health. (2013). 10 myths about heart disease.
[3] British Heart Foundation. (2023). Menopause and your heart.
[4] Nichols, M. et al. (2014). Cardiovascular disease in Europe 2014: epidemiological update. European heart journal, 35(42), 2950–2959. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehu299
[5] Bazeley, A. et al. (2022). Menopause and the Workplace. The Fawcett Society.
[6] Hodis, H. N., & Mack, W. J. (2022). Menopausal hormone replacement therapy and reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease: It is about time and timing. The Cancer Journal, 28(3), 208–223. https://doi.org/10.1097/PPO.0000000000000591

New models of care could help women with the menopause

Tina Backhouse

General Manager UK & Ireland, Theramex

New models of care, such as nurse or pharmacy-led menopause clinics, may offer support and effective solutions for women going through this life change.¹

Women are continuing to face healthcare access inequities for menopause symptoms. GPs often do not have the training to address menopause, and gynaecology services frequently have long waiting lists.² Yet, experts believe new models of care, coupled with individualised approaches to therapy, may offer women effective solutions during their menopause journey.¹

Menopause education and support

Tina Backhouse, general manager (UK and Ireland) for Theramex — a healthcare company specialising in women’s health covering fertility, contraception, menopause and osteoporosis is acutely aware of the issues women face. She says: “There is a perception that every woman gets menopause care, but the reality is that still, only about 15% in England are getting treatment³ and, on average, it takes women several visits before menopause is diagnosed.² 

Some GPs, she suggests, need to be adequately trained to spot menopause symptoms.² “That is strange considering that women make up 51% of the population⁴,and every woman will go through the menopause.”

Women from certain ethnic groups
could face additional challenges
when going through menopause.

Gender health gap

Backhouse says a gender health gap remains for women over gynaecological issues.⁵

Women from certain ethnic groups could face additional challenges when going through menopause, which can make it difficult for them to access appropriate support or have their symptoms taken seriously.⁶ According to the World Health Organization, the UK has the widest gender health gap among G20 countries.⁵ However, there have been advances with menopause and perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause) being more widely talked about.

Individualised management approach

TV programmes, media articles and celebrities like Davina McCall have reshaped the conversation around menopause. “It’s great that this is happening, but the crux of the matter is that if they cannot get to see a healthcare professional, a woman’s health will be impacted,” says Backhouse, who points to the value of different models¹ for dealing with women’s health, such as nurse-led or pharmacy-led menopause clinics.

“Pharmacists are well-placed because they are in the community and see the medication women are taking.” While hot flushes and night sweats are common menopause symptoms, women may experience vaginal dryness and pain, anxiety, brain fog, muscle ache, weight gain, sleeplessness and skin rashes.⁷

“It’s different for every woman,” she adds. “That is why healthcare professionals must understand menopause and why treatment should be individualised for each woman. Ongoing education and support for healthcare professionals in women’s health is really important going forward.”

[1] Royal Pharmaceutical Society, Position Statement on Women’s Health, 2021
[2] The Fawcett Society, Landmark study: menopausal women let down by employers and healthcare providers, 2022
[3] gov.uk, Hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause symptoms to get cheaper HRT, 2023
[4] gov.uk, Male and female populations, 2023
[5] Winchester, N., Women’s health outcomes: Is there a gender gap?, House of Lords Library, 2021
[6] Theramex, Tackling unequal access to menopause care in the UK, 2024
[7] NHS, Common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, 2022

How hormone replacement therapy helps manage menopause symptoms

Dr Katie Barber

GPwER Menopause and Gynaecology Recognised BMS Menopause Specialist

A family GP and expert in women’s health highlights the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women going through the menopause.

Treatment for menopause symptoms must be tailored, as “no two women are the same,” according to Dr Katie Barber, a GP with special interest in women’s health. She believes an individual approach is paramount in how practitioners treat menopause, particularly with HRT.

Menopause symptoms and therapy

HRT replaces oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as women approach menopause and can improve quality of life. “HRT is one of the best treatments to eliminate menopause symptoms,” she adds.

While hot flushes and night sweats are common symptoms, she sees “more subtle menopause symptoms” in her specialist clinics including mood changes, anxiety, over-analysing, insomnia and fatigue. Dr Barber, also a British Menopause Society-recognised specialist, says women can also suffer vaginal dryness, loss of libido and urinary symptoms.

Window of opportunity

Other benefits of HRT — which can be taken as tablets, patches, gel, spray and via topical vaginal therapy — include a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly if initiated in the “10-year window of opportunity” at the onset of menopause, says Dr Barber.

HRT oestrogen also helps bone density and improves glycaemic control. Yet, in the UK, only 15% of eligible women are receiving it.¹ Barriers include risk concerns or lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals. However, since qualifying as a GP in 2002, Dr Barber has observed growing awareness, with menopause included in more medical school curriculums.

For the majority of women under 60
with no significant contraindications,
HRT is a fantastic option.

HRT suitability

Dr Barber emphasises that conversations must focus on individual patients and their specific circumstances. “The conversation I have with a fit and healthy 46-year-old with no relevant medical history will be different to a 46-year-old whose mum, sister and aunt have had breast cancer. However, for the majority of women under 60 with no significant contraindications, HRT is a fantastic option.”

Seek advice from menopause experts

Acknowledging concerns over breast cancer, she stresses the risk is lower than that posed by lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity.² Even if women have concerns or contraindications, they should not feel the HRT avenue has been cut off.

She explains: “A lot is about what the risk and benefit might be for them and giving the right choice on what is safe and effective. It should be tailored to the patient and not generalised because no two women are the same.”

Dr Barber encourages women to seek menopause advice, and don’t hesitate to ask who the menopause specialist is within a practice to get a different opinion. If HRT is not appropriate due to pre-existing medical conditions, she adds that other non-hormonal menopause treatments are available.

EVOR_UK_EN_20331_v1 October 2024

[1] gov.uk. (2023). Hundreds of thousands of women experiencing menopause symptoms to get cheaper HRT.
[2] Women’s Health Concern. (2015). Understanding the risks of breast cancer.

The post Why the menopause should trigger a cardiac risk assessment appeared first on Health Awareness.

As we celebrate World Menopause Day 2024, the profile of menopause has never been higher. The UK is at the forefront of this life-changing movement.

While we celebrate women and menopause, we must also continue to tackle the stigma and shame that remain for many, especially at work.

Factors affecting workplace menopause stigma

Because of debilitating symptoms like hot flushes and poor concentration, many go part-time, avoid promotions or leave their jobs. By downgrading or even abandoning their careers, gender pay and pension gaps widen. 

So, despite progress in some areas, including new legislation and guidelines, why does this deep-rooted stigma and embarrassment remain around what is an inevitable and usually natural life transition? We, at Menopause Café, think it’s twofold.

Firstly, it could be engrained misogyny around women’s reproductive issues like puberty and menstruation. Secondly, there is gendered ageism. Women fear that speaking out is an admission that they’re getting old, and that’s not generally celebrated. They’re scared it makes them look weak, less able to do the job or to bag that promotion.

As well as encouraging and
facilitating discussion, we
must also embrace diversity.

Facilitating menopause discussions

Employers can host Menopause Cafes. Last year, over 360 were held across the world, in workplaces and public spaces, online and in person, from the UK and USA to Zambia, Bahrain, Switzerland and Australia. They empowered over 3,600 participants to drink tea together and talk menopause.

Other employers and public spaces are promoting the Menopause Awareness Ribbon — a visible sign that people of all ages and genders are open to conversations around menopause. However, as well as encouraging and facilitating discussion, we must also embrace diversity.

Celebrating wisdom, diversity and positivity

By the time women experience menopause, they have amassed a wealth of personal and professional experience and expertise. While a 20-year-old woman might learn something faster, women who have experienced menopause have wisdom. If we really value equality and inclusivity, let’s pair up the age stages, mix older people with apprentices, develop the female workforce and retain and value the diversity that will otherwise be lost.

We should also remember the positives of menopause. While menopause can be vicious, many sail through it or even celebrate it. If we only ever talk about the bad bits, there’s a real danger of worsening the discrimination against older women, so let’s balance the topic through open discussions and everyday conversation. Yes, we’re certainly talking about it more, but, employers, let’s get better at turning that talk into action.

The post Why menopause stigma persists and how employers can address it appeared first on Health Awareness.

The mother-daughter founders of a wellness brand aim to empower women to embrace menopause and ageing by alleviating symptoms such as hot flushes and brain fog.

While Elizabeth Court is too young to have gone through menopause herself, she recognises how debilitating its symptoms can be. “My mum went through menopause, although it was only later I realised how much she struggled,” she says.

Effective menopause care approach

“Society doesn’t talk about menopause enough.” It’s why Court and her mother want to empower women with the tools and confidence to embrace menopause and ageing. It’s why Court and her mother co-founded skincare and wellness brand, elénzia – to empower women with the tools and confidence to embrace menopause and aging.

Among other products, the company produces supplements (with collagen, vitamins and clinically proven botanicals) formulated to support women through menopause. “We wanted to address the gap in effective wellness products,” explains Court. “We knew that evidence-backed, targeted ingredients — proven to work through clinical trials — were out there. We wanted to use these to create products with science, efficacy and wellness at their heart.”

Many women experience multiple
menopause symptoms daily, such as
lack of sleep, hot flushes, brain fog,
mood changes and ageing skin concerns.

Menopause symptom relief

Many women experience multiple menopause symptoms daily, such as lack of sleep, hot flushes, brain fog, mood changes and ageing skin concerns. “So, we knew we needed to create a supplement in two parts,” she says. “One part to address symptoms during the day; another part to address symptoms throughout the night and promote restful sleep.”

Her advice to anyone struggling through menopause is to visit their GP. “Family members have been prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), so I know it can provide fantastic results,” she says. “I also know people using HRT who still experience menopause symptoms. Plus, I know women who don’t necessarily want to use HRT. These are the people we want to help with symptom relief.”

Importance of a supportive self-care routine

While supplements can be beneficial, Court stresses the importance of a self-care routine for effective menopause symptom management. She recommends practices such as mindfulness and leading a balanced lifestyle. “Women have busy lives,” she says. “Having an element of small, consistent self-care habits within your day — even just taking time for a relaxing evening bath — is really important for your overall health and wellness.”

The post Why women need to be empowered with evidence-backed menopause care appeared first on Health Awareness.

If you’re experiencing menopause-related sleep disturbances, it’s important to recognise the symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence: make sure you see your healthcare provider.

Professor Nick Panay calls sleep “the universal vanquisher.” That’s because, after a good night’s sleep, you feel energised, refreshed, alert and ready to take on the world. Unfortunately, good quality sleep can elude many women going through menopause.

Impact of menopause-related sleep disturbances

Alongside hot flushes and mood symptoms, a bad or restless night’s sleep is common during this time of life. In fact, it’s estimated that between 40% and 69% of menopausal women experience some kind of sleep disturbance.

That shouldn’t be trivialised because lack of sleep can impact mood, anxiety, cognitive function, memory and general health. “It can affect many aspects of women’s lives,” says Prof Panay, President of the International Menopause Society, Consultant Gynaecologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Professor of Practice at Imperial College London. “It can impact them personally, socially and professionally. We know that work time and sometimes jobs can be lost through loss of sleep.” Relationships can suffer, too.

What sleep disturbance typically looks like

Sleep disturbance increases as women go through menopause and may persist for years and decades. Despite this, women and healthcare providers don’t always recognise sleep disturbance as a symptom associated with menopause, which therefore remains undiagnosed and untreated.

That must end, says Prof Panay, who believes it’s important to identify menopause-related sleep disturbance so that women understand what is happening to them and feel empowered to do something about it. He also recommends keeping a diary of symptoms so that these can be reported accurately to a healthcare professional.

Sleep disturbance associated with menopause is mainly characterised by difficulty staying asleep. For instance, in contrast to non-menopause-related insomnia where falling asleep is a key issue, menopause-related sleep disturbance doesn’t necessarily make it harder for women to fall asleep but may cause women to wake up frequently in the middle of the night. “It may disrupt their sleep so that their sleep quality is poor,” notes Prof Panay. “As a result, they wake up feeling tired and not satiated by their sleep.” They may also wake up too early.

It’s estimated that between 40% and
69% of menopausal women experience
some kind of sleep disturbance.

Factors causing menopause-related sleep disturbances

There are many reasons why menopause-related sleep disturbances happen. Changes in female hormone levels associated with menopause may cause sleep disturbance — by impacting an area of the brain that regulates body temperature and sleep, causing hot flushes at night and disrupting the pathway that modulates sleep.

It’s recognised that sleep disturbance is particularly common for women who undergo surgical menopause, where their ovaries are removed, rather than natural menopause. “This may be because of the more profound and rapid withdrawal of hormones that occurs if the ovaries are removed,” says Prof Panay. It is however estimated that many instances of wakefulness are not accompanied by hot flushes, suggesting that other factors can contribute to sleep disturbance associated with menopause.   

Report symptoms to your healthcare professional

Wider recognition of the association between sleep disturbances and menopause is needed as sleep disturbances remain undiagnosed. Prof Panay’s advice to anyone experiencing menopause-related sleep disturbance is simple. “Don’t suffer in silence,” he says.

“You should see your healthcare professional, such as your GP or clinical nurse specialist; discuss your individual problem; and find the best management plan that works for you.” He also recommends seeking menopause information from NHS England and Women’s Health Concern, the patient arm of the British Menopause Society.

Crucially, it’s important to ensure that any menopause-related information — including information on sleep disturbances — is balanced and evidence-based, insists Prof Panay. “The way we empower women to look after their menopause is for them to receive the right information about it,” he says. “They’ll then feel confident that they can utilise it to discuss their symptoms.”

PP-PF-WHC-ALL-0369-1 
PP-PF-WHC-GB-1509-1
Date of preparation: October 2024

The post Menopause is more than hot flushes: sleep disturbance is one of the most common symptoms appeared first on Health Awareness.

Despite the fact that nearly half of the global population will experience menopause, it remains a topic shrouded in silence and misunderstanding, often considered taboo.

An international menopause insight study conducted by Essity revealed that only 20% of women feel well-informed about menopause, and 61% have never encountered any campaigns addressing it.

Perimenopause understanding is crucial

While menopause marks a significant milestone for women and people who menstruate, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of the perimenopause journey, as it lays the foundation for many of the changes and symptoms that follow. According to the same study, only 27% of women surveyed know what perimenopause is while 45% have heard the term but are unsure of its meaning.

Addressing menopause should not
be embarrassing, taboo or shameful.

Leadership can transform menopause support

The need for open conversations about menopause is clear. By understanding and managing the perimenopause phase, the transition into menopause can be smoother, leading to better physical and emotional wellbeing during this time of change.

This is where leadership can play a pivotal role. Supporting, recognising and embracing women in the workplace who are on the menopause journey presents a significant opportunity to break down stigmas and drive societal change.

Imagine a workplace where discussions, policies and flexibility around menopause are the norm and where employees feel supported and valued during this natural stage of life. Such an environment would help prevent the loss of millions of female workers who consider leaving their jobs due to menopausal symptoms — particularly at a time when they are most valuable to the labour market and stepping into leadership and executive roles.

Normalising menopause conversations for inclusion

As more women ascend to leadership or influential positions while navigating menopause themselves, they have the potential to reshape the narrative and pave the way for more inclusive and compassionate workplaces. Addressing menopause should not be embarrassing, taboo or shameful.

Leaders who tackle the subject openly can inspire a broader cultural and societal shift. By normalising conversations about menopause, they create an environment where women feel comfortable discussing their needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.

By embracing menopause openly, leaders can create a world where women not only continue to thrive in their leadership roles but also feel empowered to lead with confidence and advocate for supportive practices. This approach not only benefits those directly experiencing menopause but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.

The post Why effective menopause support and understanding are key to women’s wellbeing appeared first on Health Awareness.

Dr Zoe Schaedel

NHS GP with special interest in sleep and menopause. Co-Director of Myla Health and Co-founder of The Good Sleep Clinic

Sleepless nights can become all too familiar during life transitions such as the menopause. However, understanding what’s behind them and how to seek support can help you reclaim those restful nights.

Sleep disturbance is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the menopause, affecting 40–60% of women.¹

A troubling menopause symptom

Hot flushes, night sweats, hormone fluctuations and heightened anxiety or depression can turn restful nights into a struggle.^2,3 Sleep problems can emerge at almost any stage; they are often one of the first symptoms of perimenopause. Although, for some women, they won’t appear until they have reached menopause.⁴ Regardless of when sleep problems first begin, their impact can be overwhelming.

Daytime impact of sleep loss  

From restless nights to waking up too early, the effects of sleep loss on daily life can be profound. A quarter of women going through perimenopause and menopause experience insomnia that affects their daily activities.³ Many women experience shifts in their mood and increased anxiety, alongside struggles with concentration and ‘brain fog.’ This also contributes to challenges in workplace performance. In fact, one in 10 women who have worked during the menopause leave their job due to their symptoms.⁵

Chronic insomnia is a persistent medical
condition that can have a significant
impact on day-to-day functioning.

Spotting the signs of insomnia

Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up too early.⁶ If these symptoms continue for at least three nights a week for over three months, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep, this is defined as chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is a persistent medical condition that can have a significant impact on day-to-day functioning.^7,8 It is important to recognise when insomnia is chronic, as this may be more than just a ‘symptom’ of menopause; it requires a professional diagnosis and should be managed appropriately.

How to seek help 

Many women experiencing menopause feel they must cope with sleep issues on their own. If persistent sleep issues are affecting daily life, speak to your GP. They can guide you towards the best treatment — whether that be hormone replacement therapy (HRT), cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or other non-hormonal options.⁴ It is important to know that support is available. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you deserve to regain control of your sleep, health and wellbeing.

[1] Baker, F. C., et al. (2018). Sleep Med Clin, 13(3):443-456.
[2] Zhou, Q., et al. (2021). BMC Women’s Health, 21, 293.
[3] Baker, F.C., et al. (2018). Nat Sci Sleep, 10, 73–95.
[4] Duralde, E.R., et al. (2023). BMJ, 382, pp.e072612–e072612.
[5] Bazeley, A., et al. (2022). The Fawcett Society. Available at: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=9672cf45-5f13-4b69-8882-1e5e643ac8a6.
[6] NHS. (2024). Insomnia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/.
[7 American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). The International Classification of Sleep Disorders (3rd ed.; ICSD-3).
[8] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC.

The post How to break the cycle of insomnia during the menopause appeared first on Health Awareness.

Today, women are increasingly more aware and feel comfortable talking about menopause. However, it is clear that there is still plenty of misinformation and common misconceptions to tackle.

One of the big misconceptions is that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the only available treatment for menopausal symptoms. There are a range of different options and therapies that can help. Women must have all the information, so they can make an informed choice. By speaking with a health professional, women can be supported to find what will work best for them.

Growing HRT use

Awareness and recognition of HRT as a way to manage common menopause symptoms is growing, and this has led to a welcome increase in its use. For many women, medical treatments like HRT can help to manage problematic symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Weight gain myth

It is a common belief that HRT inevitably causes weight gain, and this can put women off trying it. However, available evidence suggests that this is not true. Some HRT regimens may actually help to prevent an increase in weight and fat redistribution. A healthy diet and exercise remain important to minimise symptoms and improve general wellbeing.

HRT doesn’t delay the natural
process the body is going through.

HRT doesn’t delay menopause

I am often asked by women whether HRT will delay the menopause. This is a myth. HRT doesn’t delay the natural process the body is going through but can improve women’s experiences of symptoms.

No HRT age limit

Many women also believe they need to stop taking HRT at 60, but this isn’t always true. There is no upper age limit for HRT usage. By having regular check-ups with your healthcare professional during menopause, they can discuss your individual benefits and risks and ensure your treatment is tailored to your individual needs.

Education crucial for menopause care

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists firmly believes that implementing the Women’s Health Hub model is crucial to improving menopause care. The hubs will better integrate all women’s health services and ensure women are seen by menopause specialists at the right time, in the right place — with their symptoms recognised and managed quickly. 

On World Menopause Day and all year round, I urge women and families to reach out to their healthcare professionals if they have any questions about symptoms and available treatment options for perimenopause and menopause symptoms.

The post Exploring effective menopause therapies and facts for women appeared first on Health Awareness.

Professor Margaret Rees

Executive Director, European Menopause and Andropause Society

Rachel Weiss

Founder, Menopause Café Charity

Workplaces should support women through menopause to retain and develop talent. Guidelines and initiatives can encourage inclusive workplaces and improve employee wellbeing.

Menopause poses challenges in the workplace, but with support, employers can attract, retain and develop their female workforce. Nearly 1 billion women are aged 40–59, and around 50% contribute to the labour force.¹

Menopause impacts work and income

Menopause affects women in different ways. Each experience is affected by the severity of symptoms, the workplace environment and culture. Hot flushes, insomnia, tiredness, poor concentration and memory can affect the ability to work.

Women may reduce working hours or leave employment. This has an immediate effect on income and a long-term effect on finances. Gender pay and pension gaps are worsened. Women are passed over for promotion and leadership roles, even in female-dominant workforces. Employers lose experienced staff. 

Workplaces should create an open, inclusive and supportive culture regarding menopause.

Promoting menopause understanding and support

The European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) provides position statements, clinical guides, short fact sheets, webinars and podcasts. They aim to help women, healthcare and non-healthcare professionals understand menopausal health as a gender and age equality issue. 

In 2021, EMAS published global consensus recommendations on workplace menopause for employers, managers, healthcare professionals and women. Workplaces should consider the impact of menopause on all occupations, work locations and work patterns. Workplaces should create an open, inclusive and supportive culture regarding menopause. 

Women should not be discriminated against, marginalised or dismissed because of menopausal symptoms. All healthcare professionals should recognise that menopausal symptoms can negatively affect the ability to work. They should receive menopausal health training and advise women using national and international guidelines.

How Menopause Cafés can help

Some people sail through their menopause with increased confidence, free from monthly physical disruptions, but many suffer and benefit from reasonable adjustments. Fortunately, guidance is available for workplaces worldwide. Legislation and guidance must be matched by reducing the taboos that still inhibit workers. 

To encourage open discussions about menopause, employers can host Menopause Cafés and promote the Menopause Awareness Ribbon. Menopause Cafés are pop-up discussion groups open to all ages and genders, where staff can learn from colleagues’ experiences in an informal setting. They help reduce fear and prejudice.

Many workplaces are learning to value their older, experienced employees. However, over-emphasising the downsides of menopause risks discriminating against older women. We must combat this with open discussions, making menopause part of everyday conversation.

Reference
[1] Statistics Times (2024). World sex ratio 2024.

The post Why all workplaces need to be menopause-supportive appeared first on Health Awareness.