Supporting you through the menopause

There’s growing awareness of the huge impact menopause has on people’s lives. Most women, trans-men, and many non-binary people experience symptoms at some stage. It can affect their physical and mental health and wellbeing, their families and working life.  

For many years, menopause has been a subject people don’t feel comfortable discussing, adding to the anxiety and feelings of isolation it can cause. Following some high-profile campaigns, it is now being spoken about more openly than ever. 

Menopause is a natural part of life, so we want to make sure people affected by it get the support they need, as part of supporting their wellbeing at home and at work. 

Menopause symptoms 

There are around 34 common symptoms.  

These can have a significant impact on daily life. Some of the most common symptoms are outlined on the NHS menopause page. 

The top six symptoms affecting work are: 

  1. Fatigue 

  2. Hot flushes 

  3. Concentration problems 

  4. Anxiety 

  5. Insomnia 

  6. Recall/memory 

Menopause resources 

The Menopause Charity 

The Menopause Charity website has a lot of information, including: 

 

Women’s Health Concern 

Women's Health Concern, the patient section of the British Menopause Society (BMS), has lots of fact sheets on menopause, symptoms and treatments.  

Try this fact sheet, with techniques which may help you relieve anxiety and other common symptoms: 

 

Balance

Balance, from Newson Health, aims to make menopause support inclusive and accessible to everyone.

See their large library of medical evidence-based perimenopause and menopause leaflets, podcasts, personal stories and videos, some translated into different languages.

Balance - Menopause library

They also offer a free Balance menopause app. It allows you to track your symptoms, access personalised expert content, a health assessment and connect with their community.

Get it on Google Play
Download it on the App Store

 

Menopause – manager support

Studies have shown that menopause symptoms can have a significant impact on attendance and performance in the workplace. 

Often a few simple changes to the working environment can make a world of difference – even just talking about the menopause openly can reduce the impact of some symptoms. Line managers play a vital role in supporting colleagues with menopausal symptoms

NHS England has a useful page, with guidance, a manager's checklist, and menopause wellbeing action plan:

NHS Employers has a useful page with some excellent information and support guides: