World Menopause Day
“Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dose should be tailored to the individual.”
Abernethy, BMS Trustee and Menopause Specialist, British Menopause Society Page 02
“Imagine a workplace where discussions, policies and flexibility around menopause are the norm.”
Ghouaibi, Head, Women’s Health, World Economic Forum Page 08
Kathy
Amira
Why all workplaces need to be menopause-supportive
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.*
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.
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.
Source
*Statistics Times (2024).
‘Menowashing’ — separating HRT fact from fiction
With increased awareness of menopause, there has also been an increase in misinformation. Here, we tackle some common narratives to help women ask the right questions and make informed decisions about their own health.
Every woman experiences the menopause, yet symptoms can vary from one individual to the next. What works for one may not work for everyone. The British Menopause Society (BMS) aims to separate fact from fiction and provide information based on scientific, rather than anecdotal, evidence.
Testosterone levels need a boost during menopause
The allure of testosterone is real. Does it work? The honest answer is that research shows testosterone is most effective at improving sex drive during menopause.1 While some swear by it for other reasons (such as memory, brain fog and energy levels), there is not yet the scientific evidence to support these claims. UK NICE guidelines concur with the international consensus — that its use is primarily for those with a significant dip in sex drive, which is causing distress.
While many see testosterone as the answer to their low libido, it’s not that simple. Stress, body image and relationship issues all play a role. Physical symptoms like vaginal discomfort and painful sex all contribute to whether or not you desire sex. Testosterone can be a piece of the puzzle but is rarely the whole solution.
The higher the HRT dose, the better Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) dose should be tailored to the individual, and a higher dose doesn’t necessarily deliver added benefits. Taking a higher-than-recommended dose might also be harmful. High doses of oestrogen without the protective balance of progesterone cause unexpected bleeding for many women.2 This can lead to a lot of stress, referrals for unnecessary tests and an increase in the risk of womb
cancer. If you have been advised to take a high dose of oestrogen and are experiencing unexpected bleeding on HRT, seek advice from your healthcare professional.
All peri and post-menopausal women should have HRT Not everyone needs HRT, and some are advised against it. There are non-hormonal prescribed treatments available that can improve symptoms. Some prefer to try herbal or dietary supplements, which may ease some symptoms. Studies show that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can also help with sleep during menopause and reduce the impact of symptoms such as hot flushes, low mood and anxiety.3 Lifestyle changes, including nutrition and exercise, play a key role in improving wellbeing and maintaining health at this important time.
References
1. Achilli, Chiara et
WRITTEN BY
Kathy Abernethy
BMS Trustee and Menopause Specialist, British Menopause Society
Menopause is more than hot flushes: sleep disturbance
is one of the most
common symptoms
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
BY
WRITTEN
Tony Greenway
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.
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.
It’s estimated that between 40% and 69% of menopausal women experience some kind of sleep disturbance.
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.
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.”
INTERVIEW WITH Professor Nick Panay President of the International Menopause Society, Consultant Gynaecologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Professor of Practice at Imperial College London
Why the menopause should trigger a cardiac risk assessment
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 Northampton-based 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 cancer1,” 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.
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
New models of care could help women with
the menopause
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
Wstopping 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.”
References
1. Kaczmarek, M. (2015). On the doorstep to senility: physical changes, health status and wellbeing 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
omen 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 population,4 and every woman will go through the 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.”
References
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
This article was initiated and funded by Theramex. The author and the subject of this article were chosen by Theramex, and Theramex had the opportunity to comment on the medical content and accuracy of this article.
Sources 1.Kaczmarek, M. (2015). Anthropological Review. https://doi.org/10.18778/18986773.60.04. 2.The Fawcett Society. (2022). 3.Menopause Support. (2021). 4.Newson L. R. (2016). The British journal of general practice: the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners. https://doi. org/10.3399/bjgp16X687097.
Find out more at theramex.com
How hormone replacement therapy helps manage menopause symptoms
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.
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
For the majority of women under 60 with no significant contraindications, HRT is a fantastic option.
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.
Exploring effective menopause therapies and facts for women
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.
Specialist
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
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.
Women must have all the information, so they can make an informed choice.
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 menopause I am often asked by women whether HRT will delay the
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.
WRITTEN BY
Dr Geeta Kumar Consultant
Gynaecologist and Menopause
Vice President Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Disclaimer:
This article was initiated by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Idorsia has paid Mediaplanet for the publication of this article. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of Dr Zoe Schaedel. Idorsia had no editorial control and reviewed the article for ABPI Code compliance only.
How to break the cycle of insomnia during the menopause
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
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.
Sleep disturbance is one of the most bothersome symptoms of the menopause, affecting 40–60% of women.
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
Spotting the signs of insomnia
Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling or staying asleep or waking up too early.6 If these symptoms continue
Understanding the barriers to accessing menopause care in the UK
While awareness of the impact of menopause has risen in the public health agenda, many women are still encountering obstacles when accessing information and support.
To drive meaningful change in menopause healthcare, it’s crucial to understand the barriers women face in accessing treatment, including whether ethnicity or socioeconomic background plays a part.
Dr Katie Barber explains how obstacles can be overcome to ensure better healthcare for menopausal women
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.
References
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.
lack of knowledge about the range of menopause symptoms, as well as the belief that this was something they needed to soldier through, were revealed as initial barriers by the women. Previous negative experiences in accessing advice or treatment also discouraged women from seeking help.
Importance of GP education
A qualitative study, ‘Barriers to Accessing Effective Treatment and Support for Menopausal Symptoms’1 — initiated and funded by Besins Healthcare UK, a pharmaceutical company specialising in hormone therapies — explored menopause care today by gathering insights from the voices of 20 women and the views of 40 UK healthcare professionals. Stigma, embarrassment and a
GPs play a vital role in helping women make sense of the diverse range of menopause symptoms. Yet, our research revealed varying GP attitudes and often a lack of confidence in prescribing HRT, which can hinder effective diagnosis and treatment. Offering valuable insights for the NHS and its partners, this study shows the importance of updating GP education and providing culturally appropriate, personalised support to improve the healthcare experience
for peri-menopausal and menopausal women.
Irina Spirieva discusses closing the menopause care gap
The Women’s Health Strategy has made real progress to improve women’s access to health services and enable informed choice. Yet, many barriers remain, which hinder women from getting the effective support and healthcare they need. Besins Healthcare UK is committed to addressing health inequalities in the access and delivery of menopausal care in alignment with the NHS’s commitments and the NHS’s Long Term Plan.2
To help close this information gap, Besins Healthcare UK has launched a suite of multi-language resources to help women have better conversations with their GP and healthcare providers. These are available in Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and English from LanguageOfMenopause.co.uk. By expanding knowledge and working together, we can better support women to live healthy, fulfilling lives and continue to contribute to their communities and in the workplace, should they wish to do so.
References
1.Barber K, Charles A. Barriers to Accessing Effective Treatment and Support for Menopausal Symptoms: A Qualitative Study Capturing the Behaviours, Beliefs and Experiences of Key Stakeholders. Patient Preference and Adherence. Paper downloadable free from: https://doi. org/10.2147/PPA.S430203 (Last accessed September 2024). 2. www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ nhs-long-term-plan-version-1.2.pdf
UK-DSA-00044
Date of preparation: October 2024
WRITTEN BY Dr Katie Barber GP, accredited British Menopause Society Specialist
WRITTEN BY Irina Spirieva General Manager, Besins Healthcare UK
WRITTEN BY
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.
Why effective menopause support and understanding are key to women’s wellbeing
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.
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.
Why women need to be empowered with evidence-backed menopause care
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.
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.”
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.”
INTERVIEW WITH Elizabeth Court Co-founder & Marketing and Brand Manager,
WRITTEN BY
Amira Ghouaibi
Head, Women’s Health, World Economic Forum
WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway