It’s time to talk Peri/Menopause
33 million women in the UK who, at some stage in their life, will experience menopause. But, due to a lack of awareness among the public, a lack of training among some medical professionals and social stigma, their needs during this critical life change are frequently ignored, belittled or overlooked.10% of women leave their jobs
Over half of working women aged 40-65 have experienced 3 or more symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes (47%), night sweats (41%) and feeling tired (35%).
·Two thirds of those with 3 or more symptoms have lost interest in their work or made mistakes
·There are approximately 13 million peri or post menopausal women in the U.K
·There are more than 30 recognised symptoms of menopause
Perimenopause is when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms may appear, often in the early to mid forties.
Menopause is 12 consecutive months without a period, the average age is 51-52.
Postmenopause is the years following menopause.
·Symptoms last, on average, 4-8 years
·1 in 4 will experience very few symptoms
·3 in 4 will experience symptoms
·1 in 4 will experience debilitating symptoms
Menopause is a natural stage of life which affects most women and other people who have a menstrual cycle.
This can include
• trans people – ‘trans’ is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth
• people with ‘variations of sex development’ (VSD) – some people might prefer to identify as intersex or use the term ‘differences in sex development’ (DSD)
What should you expect from your Employer?
Conduct a risk assessment
Access to toilets
Provide drinking water
Air conditioning/fans
Providing a listening ear
Talk and listen sensitively
Find ways to give support
Have knowledge of the menopause and its effects
Know what support and guidance the organisation can offer
What can you do?
Contact your GP/ Practise Nurse – ask for blood tests and a well being check
Look for resources i.e the Balance app, available via your smartphone app store.
Refer to help websites: www.womens-health-concern.org
www.menopausematters.co.uk
www.daisynetwork.org
www.nhs.uk
www.queermenopause.com
Do not accept the symptoms if you are struggling – ask for help and seek out medical advice
