Connect

Things you should know about the menopause

In this month's Connect, we’re marking Menopause Awareness Day on 18th October by continuing the conversation about this important, thankfully no-longer-taboo topic. 

With menopausal women now the fastest-growing demographic at work, banks and other workplaces are recognising the need for supportive menopause policies. 

But there’s still a long way to go. In this email, you’ll find useful information for everyone: eye-opening facts, a guide for partners, and valuable insights from our community. 

Menopause by numbers 

Menopause is a natural life stage that 20% of the UK population have either experienced or are currently going through (1)

Some more facts and figures:

• Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, lasts on average about four years (2)
• The average age of menopause in the UK is 51 (3)
• There are over 30 symptoms — not just hot flushes (4)
• 14 million workdays are lost annually due to menopause (5)
• 75% of menopausal women feel unable to discuss the reason for their absence with their line manager (6)

Sources: (1) UCL (2, 3) The Menopause Charity (4) The Menopause Charity (5) Health & Her survey (6) CIPD research

Guide: 5 ways to support your partner 

Menopause can be challenging not just for those going through it, but for their loved ones too.  

Here are five ways you can support your partner during this transition, making a positive difference to both their wellbeing and your relationship. 

1. Be patient with intimacy 

Menopause often affects libido, making intimacy feel different. Keep communication open, be patient, and show understanding during this time. 

2. Offer encouragement

Menopause can impact confidence. Kind words, gentle encouragement, and small compliments all help boost your loved one’s mood. 

3. Lend a hand 

Menopause can feel overwhelming. Small acts of help, like doing chores or running errands, can ease the mental load and make daily life a little easier.

4. Get healthy together

Exercise and good nutrition can ease symptoms and lift mood. Making healthy changes together is a great way to support each other. 

5. Be a good listener

Something we hear a lot from our community: due to low confidence, many women find it tricky to express their needs. Encourage open conversations, listen, and ask how you can help.

Did you know... 

Research shows that menopause affects different ethnicities in unique ways.

The SWAN study of more than 3,000 US women found that African Americans reported more intense hot flushes, while Southeast Asian women experienced more joint and muscle pain. 

Insights from our community

Get advice twice!

A theme that regularly pops up in our webinar Q&As is the need to seek a second opinion on menopause treatment.

While your GP is a good first step, not all have specialist knowledge. Evidence suggests that some still have outdated views linking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to cancer, blood clots, and heart problems.

The advice from the Menopause Charity is, if in doubt, speak to another healthcare professional or ask to be referred to a specialist. 

Want to know more?

Join our live menopause webinar at 11am on 18 October, covering perimenopause and menopause, the silence around the topic, and the growing movement for menopause-friendly workplaces.

Other useful resources:

• Menopause Charity: information and support
• Balance app: track your symptoms 
• Daisy Network: charity for women with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)