World Menopause Day - Sunday, 18th October 2026
Chronic pain at midlife
It’s time to talk about the pain that can come with menopause.
Aches, Pains & Stiffness - Could menopause play a part?
This year, World Menopause Day shines a spotlight on chronic pain at midlife – an issue that can affect many people during perimenopause and menopause, but which is not always recognised as part of the menopause experience.
Changes in oestrogen during the menopause transition can affect the body in many ways. Oestrogen has roles in joint and musculoskeletal health, and changing hormone levels may be associated with joint pain, stiffness and muscle aches.
"It's Just Getting Older ..."
Pain during midlife can sometimes be dismissed as simply part of ageing or stress.
The 2026 campaign aims to encourage better recognition, understanding and evidence-based care for chronic pain at midlife – rather than assuming that pain is something people simply have to put up with.
What Might That Look Like?
You may experience:
- Joint pain
Aches or discomfort in your knees, hips, hands or other joints. - Muscle aches
Soreness, tightness or unexplained aches. - Stiffness
Feeling stiff after sitting, resting or first thing in the morning. - Impact on everyday life
Pain can affect sleep, movement, concentration, energy and wellbeing – and may also affect how someone feels at work.
Let's Change The Conversation
At Moray Council, we want to create a workplace where menopause can be talked about openly and without embarrassment.
If you're experiencing symptoms that are affecting you, don't feel that you simply must put up with them. Talking to a healthcare professional can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what support or treatment options may be appropriate for you.
And for colleagues and managers, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is simply listen, understand and ask how you can support someone.
One Year Of Menopause Cafes!
This month marks one year since our Moray Council Menopause Café began!
Over the past year, our cafés have created a welcoming space for colleagues to talk, listen, share experiences and learn from each other.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us, helped spread the word and contributed to making menopause a more open conversation at Moray Council.
Here’s to another year of talking, listening and supporting each other!
Menopause Support At Moray Council
We already have support available for colleagues, including:
- Menopause Cafés – informal spaces to talk, listen and share experiences.
- Menopause Community on Viva Engage – information, resources and support from colleagues.
- Menopause Policy & Guidance – practical information for employees and managers.
- Menopause eLearning – helping us build understanding and awareness.
- Menopause Workplace Pledge – reinforcing our commitment to recognising menopause as a workplace issue, encouraging open conversations, providing support and taking positive action.
This World Menopause Day ...
Let's Talk. Let's Listen. Let's Take Menopause Seriously.
Whether you're experiencing menopause yourself, supporting a colleague, managing a team or simply want to understand more, everyone has a role in creating a more supportive workplace.
Menopause isn't “just ageing” – and pain shouldn't simply be ignored.
Find out more • Join the Menopause Community • Come along to a Menopause Café