The importance of increasing awareness of menopause in the workplace

Catherine Lawler, social media manager at the PMA, discusses how organisations in general practice will be able to reduce their risk, protect their reputation, and support all staff affected by menopause, whether directly or indirectly, through bettering their knowledge of the menopause

Although October was Menopause Awareness Month, we believe it is vital to continue the conversation and keep it high on the agenda, particularly as the links between menopause and suicide come to light.

Menopause has always been something of a taboo subject, so it was refreshing to see the likes of Penny Lancaster, Zoe Hardman, and Michelle Griffith-Robinson work to dispel age old myths and ‘normalise’ the conversation about menopause over the last few weeks. Penny Lancaster spoke candidly about her ‘cry for help’, the stigma and embarrassment that so many women feel when going through perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopausal and menopausal depression is stark, with a 16-fold increase in depression in women aged 45-52, and a shocking 7-fold increase in suicide in women aged between 40-50. Frighteningly, perimenopausal women are seven times more likely to have suicide ideation.

GP and menopause specialist Dr Louise Newson, who founded the Menopause Charity believe these statistics are a real red flag. She has developed a free menopause support app – balance – after struggling with her own diagnosis six years ago. Dr Newson also takes HRT and had admitted she ‘probably wouldn’t be working without it’.

The app allows women to access expert content, monitor their symptoms and download a personalised health report, which they can then take to a health professional. 

The PMA held its first workshop – Introduction to Menopause in the Workplace – earlier this year, which focused on understanding what menopause is and why it has an impact on organisations. After all, women make up 77% of the NHS workforce and an increasing number of women are staying in work well beyond the age of 50, so many will experience symptoms that significantly affect their working lives.

By increasing awareness, developing positive cultural engagement, and understanding the hazards of doing nothing, organisations in general practice will be able to reduce their risk, protect their reputation, and support all staff affected by menopause, whether directly or indirectly.

Recently, the first menopause passport in the NHS was launched by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. The Trust, which employs more than 18,000 women, introduced its menopause passport to help staff feel comfortable and supported as they approach and experience the menopause.

Though hot flushes are the symptom most often associated with menopause, many women suffer from more debilitating symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety and insomnia. These symptoms, and many more, can have a serious impact on women’s lives, especially on their mental health. Research has shown that 10% of women leave their jobs, and many more are reducing their hours or passing up the chance of promotion, due to menopausal symptoms. 

As every woman’s menopause is completely different, it is hoped the passport will help ensure women get the right support for them.

In addition to fast-tracking help and advice, it can also be used to request adjustments to their working environment, such as wearing a lighter uniform or a change to working patterns.

The PMA’s next workshop – Introduction to Menopause in the Workplace – will be held on November 29^th. More details here: https://pma-uk.org/workshops/introduction-to-menopause-in-the-workplace/