Menopause Awareness Month - September 2020

September is Menopause Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of, and educate people about the menopause and its effects. 

The menopause is when a person who menstruates stops having periods.  Periods usually start to become less frequent over a few months or years before they stop altogether. Sometimes they can stop suddenly.

The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age and in the UK, the average age for the menopause is 51.  However, around 1 in 100 experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.

The University is committed to supporting staff who are experiencing symptoms of the menopause, or those who are affected by colleagues or loved-ones going through this transitional period.  Menopause Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to highlight the information and support available to staff. 

Menopause Talk and Support Sessions

The Human Resources Group host regular Menopause Talk and Support sessions for staff.  It is recognised that peer support is an important way of supporting people through the menopause and these sessions provide a forum to talk about the menopause and share experiences.  Everyone is welcome, whether you’re experiencing symptoms yourself and want to meet others in a similar situation or if you would like to understand more about the menopause to support others. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sessions are currently being held online. 

For our next Menopause Talk and Support Session, we will be joined by a representative from the UK’s leading menopause in the workplace experts, Henpicked.  They will be available to answer questions, join in discussions, bust some common menopause myths and provide advice on ways to manage symptoms.

The session will take place on Wednesday 9^th September 12:30 – 13:30 on the Zoom platform.  If you are interested to join us, please click here to book.

Further Information and Support

• Henpicked are menopause in the workplace experts and have information and support on their webpages for colleagues and managers
• The NHS have a Menopause Webpage, including information on symptoms and treatment options
• The Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians have produced Guidance on Menopause in the Workplace
• Women’s Health Concern have produced a Menopause Factsheet
• BUPA’s Menopause Webpage includes information on symptoms, treatment and how to look after your self during the Menopause
• Menopause Support have published a Guide to Understanding Menopause for Partners