Resource Hub : Menopause
Every woman will experience menopause, it is a fact of female life. For those who identify as nonbinary and trans men, they too will have a menopause as ovaries are the qualifying criteria. Menopause is a very diverse subject and all those affected need to be considered and supported.
At WorkLife Central, we curate advice from our fantastic panel of experts along with personal stories to support you, or friends or colleagues who may be going through the menopause. This page highlights some of these below, along with some external resources as well.
Peer Support Group : Menopause
WorkLife Central’s Menopause Peer Support Group brings together members at the beginning of their perimenopause journey all the way through menopause. In the past, this friendly group has discussed a range of topics from unusual symptoms, struggles receiving treatment, through to impact on working and personal lives.
This group runs on a Wednesday at 12.30pm GMT every other month.
To register for the next Menopause peer support group or look at other support groups we have available please visit our support group pages here.
Expert Article: All About the Menopause
"Menopause is unique to every woman – but our second phase awaits"
One of the tricky things about menopause is its variability. Unlike other parts of women’s reproductive system, like periods and pregnancy, there is no standard that we as women, our colleagues or organisations can expect to occur. This makes the creation of policies and procedures more complex, in that the support offered needs to be flexible and varied. Women’s requirements will change as we move through this transition.
For an introduction to the menopause, please read our Expert Article, All About The Menopause, by Kate Usher, Menopause Coach & Change Strategist.
*Timeline was created by WorkLife Central based on information from The NHS and SelfCareForum.org - please see below for a full list of sources.
Facts About The Menopause
Now that we have covered an introduction to the menopause, let's delve into some detail: The Facts.
*Information board was created by WorkLife Central using information from The NHS and SelfCareForum.org - please see below for a full list of sources.
Video: Menopause, the Facts, With Zoe Schaedel
Every woman’s experience of menopause is different.
In this sensitive and practical video, Dr Zoe Schaedel provides an introduction to menopause including looking at what the perimenopause and menopause are; how to know where you are in the menopause transition and an overview of the treatment options.
She also examines the impact it can have on you and your colleagues, for those supporting others in the workplace.
Please note this video references UK resources.
Managing your Menopause
Common Symptoms
According to the NHS, for many women, menopausal symptoms are mild and can be managed without specific treatment.
For those with troublesome symptoms, the most effective treatment is usually hormone replacement therapy (HRT), though it may not be suitable for all women. This includes helping with hot flushes, joint pains, mood swings and vaginal dryness as well as prevention of osteoporosis. Early advice can help reduce the effects the perimenopause and menopause may have on your health, relationships and work.
General tips to help with menopause symptoms
Lifestyle changes and self-care can help you during the perimenopause and menopause, whether or not you are using HRT. Make sure you rest when you need to, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, take physical exercise regularly, find time to relax, cut down on alcohol, share with other people going through the menopause and if you smoke, talk to your pharmacist or GP practice about an NHS stopping smoking programme.
*Information board was created by WorkLife Central using information from The NHS and SelfCareForum.org - please see below for a full list of sources.
Real Life Stories: Menopause
With Sara Eker
Our 'Real Life Stories' series shares real life stories about overcoming challenges and changing mindsets to educate, motivate and inspire you.
In this video we hear from Sara Eker. At 43, Sara went through early menopause. In this video she shares her experiences, symptoms and struggle for support and how it influenced her move from music career to menopause, fitness, nutrition & mindset coach.
Ana's Blog : The Menopause
"I know it’s an uncomfortable topic which is not often talked about – that’s why I want to write about it.
I attended an event hosted by Aviva last week (thank you) and realised how little I know about the menopause.
So I thought it might help others to share some of what I learnt and my experience...."
Read Ana's Blog : The Menopause
Any Questions?
Ask The Expert With Zoe Schaedel
Viewers had questions ready for this interactive session where GP and menopause expert Dr Zoe Schaedel was on hand to guide them through perimenopause and menopause symptoms and treatments. She provides practical support and advice, answering all questions.
External Resources
For more information and medical advice, you may find the following external resource links useful.