World Menopause Day
World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th October to raise awareness about the impact the condition has on the lives of women around the world.
The menopause doesn’t just affect women in the workplace – it’s an issue for us all. It’s a subject people still prefer to avoid and its one that directly affects half the population at some point and indirectly affects the other half.
What is the Menopause?
The menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, but this can vary widely. The medical definition is when a woman has her last period. Menopause can generally last between 4 to 8 years and can also be marked by changes in a woman’s hormones, specifically a decrease in the production of the hormone oestrogen. The years during which oestrogen levels decline before a woman has her last period is called the perimenopause. Post menopause is the time after the menopause has occurred, starting when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
Who does it affect?
This affects all women and is likely to occur during their working lives. It is therefore essential that all managers understand what this is and know how to support a woman who is going through the menopause appropriately at work. Menopausal employees are an integral part of our workforce.
The average age for women to reach the menopause is 51. It can be earlier than that and the symptoms can go on for years. The symptoms can start up to 10 years before, so from 41 on average.
Signs & Symptoms
As with all medical conditions, how they impact on an individual will be unique to them. Some women do not experience any symptoms, however 30-60% of women do. They can experience intermittent physical and/or psychological symptoms. These can include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
What are the treatments?
There are some treatments that can be offered via your GP, such as:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – this takes the form of tablets, skin patches, gels and impacts the menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen.
- Vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants or moisturisers for vaginal dryness can be offered.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), this is a type of talking therapy that can help with low mood and anxiety.
- You can also help with eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly – maintaining a healthy weight and staying fit and strong can improve some menopausal symptoms.
How can the council help?
We are currently in the process of developing a menopause policy to support all employees, as well as considering other support mechanisms such as introducing ‘Menopause Cafes’ which give employees a safe space to talk about anything menopause related, creating an Elearning module that will help raise awareness of and educate our employees, and working with our Employee Assistance Provider – Time for Talking, to see what specific support they can offer. If you are currently experiencing the menopause or supporting someone going through it, you can get more information on the menopause, symptoms and treatments from the following providers:
British Menopause society – www.thebms.org.uk
Womens Health Concern – www.womens-health-concern.org
NHS - www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support
Menopause Support – www.menopausesupport.co.uk
Please contact karen.baker@moray.gov.uk if you would like more information or have any suggestions for support. More information will follow so watch this space for details.