World Menopause Day: Menopause can impact all aspects of a woman's life

Dr Anita Sharma

Dr Anita Sharma, a GP in Rochdale with a special interest in women’s health, has contributed a column for us on World Menopause Day (18 October).

Let us celebrate World Menopause Day on 18 October 2022 and provide help and support to women suffering with menopausal symptoms.

The health and wellbeing of women is critical to the well being of the society. And while women make up 51% of the population, the health and care system has been designed for men.

This has led to gaps in our data and evidence and not enough is known about conditions that only affect women - for example, menopause or endometriosis.

As a national campaigner on women’s health, the founder of the charity Endometriosis Awareness North and president of Rochdale Inner Wheel, raising awareness, empowering women with knowledge, help and support is the answer. Support you can provide as an employer, husband, or partner when you see her suffering with physical, emotional and psychological symptoms related to menopause is so pivotal.

Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, irregular periods, hot flushes, poor sleep and brain fog. These symptoms can have a major impact on women’s lives including their relationships and work.

A survey done by the British Menopause Society (a specialist society affiliated to Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) and Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive health care) showed that 35% of women surveyed said they have to put up with their symptoms and have not consulted a health care professional. 45% of women said that work can be a struggle and 47% reported that social lives can take a back seat. 38% of partners said they did not know how to support their partner through the menopause.

Eating well, exercising, doing relaxing things like yoga, tai chi, meditation, talking to friends who are going through the same problem and speaking with your employer for breaks if you had a sleepless night can help. Reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking can help too.

A recent study did show that menopausal services in the UK are limited, due to a lack of specialist staff and a long waiting time for specialist services. 44% of women surveyed waited over one year for menopause care. This varies from area to area.

If you are suffering with menopausal symptoms, do not suffer in silence. Speak to a health care professional, detail your symptoms and the impact it is causing on your daily life. The recently published Women’s Health Strategy also mentions that help and support at workplace is one of the priorities.

Read more: World Menopause Day: Menopause can impact all aspects of a woman's lifePublished: 18 October 2022
3 in 10 North West employers do not feel well equipped to support women going through the menopause at workPublished: 18 October 2022