The global population of postmenopausal women is growing. In 2021, women aged 50 and over accounted for 26% of all women and girls globally. This was up from 22% 10 years earlier. Therefore, it is critical to see menopause as just one point in a continuum of life stages, and it, can offer an important opportunity to reassess one’s health, lifestyle, and goals.
The aim of this webpage is to signpost colleagues, whether staff, line managers or students, to the support available for those approaching the menopause (peri-menopause), those who have reached it (at whatever age, as it can happen earlier), and those who are post-menopausal and who can still be affected by symptoms.
We also hope this information will be useful in understanding what the menopause is all about, and what your mother, sister, aunt, cousin, daughters, friends and colleagues, had to contend with, are already doing so, or will do so in the future.
The resources available have escalated in recent years - great in one respect, but sometimes difficult to navigate, particularly online. We have aimed to provide information about some of the most trusted resources, however, these are not definitive, and are not a substitution for seeking professional medical advice.
Where to start! There is no definitive list, and symptoms can vary hugely from person to person, may change as people progress through the menopause, and some may continue into the post-menopause. Some people may have very few symptoms, or even none, but if you, or someone you know thinks they may be approaching the menopause, we would suggest seeking medical advice in the first instance.
Changes to periods,such as becoming irregular, are usually (but not always), the first signs of the perimenopause. Periods will eventually stop completely.
Mental health symptoms, such as changes to your mood, anxiety, mood swings, low self-esteem, problems with memory or concentration (brain fog).
Common physical symptoms include,
sudden hot/cold flushes or feelings on your face, neck and chest sometimes leading to dizziness
difficulty sleeping, sometimes caused by night sweats, and can make people feel tired and irritable the next day
heart palpitations (heartbeats suddenly more noticeable)
headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
muscle aches and joint pains
changed body shape and weight gain
skin changes including dry and itchy skin
reduced sex drive
vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems
*More information about symptoms is available within the Warwick and External Resources sections below.*
Preparing to speak to a doctor or health practitionermay seem daunting, but like anything else, it's about your health and wellbeing, so do not be put off. Take a relative or friend with you for support, if you feel this will help. There are resources available to help someone prepare for this conversation, such as "10 Things Your Doctor Should Know About the Menopause" by Diane Danzebrink: https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/BLOG-10-Things-Your-Doctor-Should-Know-About-Menopause.pdf.
Learning to embrace the menopause & moving forward: If you feel overwhelmed at times, remember that you are not alone. Speak to a friend, a relative, a work colleague... There are also books, online resources and support groups available. Alona Pulde, writing for Psychology Today, suggests that, "Reframing menopause as a transformation rather than a decline can empower women to embrace this life stage."
Fans: WLS usually has some in stock, so if you need one please contact.
Shared office spaces: If you work in a shared office when on campus, it may help to have your desk by a window. If your desk is not by a window, you could initially speak to colleagues in the shared space to see if anyone is willing to swap desks, but if you're uncomfortable about doing this, please speak to your line manager.
University of Warwick
Adjustments: Information provided by Social Inclusion to identify where staff experience difficulties, face barriers, or are put at a disadvantage, and then agreeing reasonable ways to avoid that disadvantage, adopt an alternative method of working, or provide additional aids/services.
The Library: Has various resources regarding the menopause, some of which can be located in The Breathing Space (see below under 'Safe Spaces'), with prefix code RG186. There are also books and articles available online, which staff and students can easily access (you will need to be logged on to the website and may need to enter your user ID/password to access some external publishers, e.g., Springer Publishing.
Menopause Support Resources (warwick.ac.uk) Provided by the Social Inclusion team to offer practical information for line managers and staff, e.g., requesting reasonable adjustments, as well as guidelines on the University's commitment to provide an inclusive and supporting environment.
Occupational Health: A support service to for both physical and mental wellbeing of all University of Warwick staff. It works alongside the Health & Safety Team to ensure our work environment is safe and, that a person's health is not adversely affected by their work activities. Occupational Health (OH) referrals must be made via the line manager, and/or HR. Staff cannot make self-referrals and OH recommends that if individuals have concerns with line management that they seek guidance from HR, but in WLS they are welcome to speak to the Department Officer or Head of Administration who both deal with HR matters.
Quiet Spaces
The Breathing Space(1st floor, Library): This area is specifically for those wanting a quiet moment away from work, with relaxation music, comfy chairs, and a leisure reading collection. It can be found on the interactive campus map University of Warwick Map.
Campus Walks: If you need fresh air as well as quiet space, there are some lovely campus walks available.
The Chaplaincy: Staff and students are welcome to drop in, make a hot drink and take a seat in the lounge or a bean-bag in the central space, or to work in the study area.
Contemplation Garden (between Arden & EMB building): A roughly 10-minute walk away from the Law School, the garden was created to bear witness to the loss and bereavement experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warwick Law School: For any staff who are in shared offices, and feel they need a bit of time to themselves, there are sometimes rooms available in the School, such as S0.05a (by S0.04 seminar room) and S2.09. If you're able to, you can check the room bookings' calendar. If the rooms are not free, and you need a quiet space, please contact Rose le Breton Bagley or Robert Horton and we will try to find you somewhere (in case we're working from home, please feel free to message us on Teams).
Acas (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): Works "with millions of employers and employees every year to improve workplace relationships. We're an independent public body that receives funding from the government."
Dr Louise Newson(GP and menopause specialist): "Is a physician, menopause specialist and member of the UK Government’s Menopause Taskforce. She is also an award-winning educator, podcaster, and author, committed to increasing awareness and knowledge about hormones, perimenopause and menopause. Described as the “medic who kickstarted the menopause revolution”, she has empowered a generation of women to have a greater understanding, choice and control over their treatment, bodies and minds. Dr Louise Newson’s mission is to provide inclusive and accessible evidence based information in formats that suit ALL women."
Equality Act 2010: This replaced various equality legislation to bring separate laws into one Act for consistency in tackling discrimination and disadvantage.
Henpecked: Menopause in the Workplace: "Our menopause in the workplace experts provide training, videos, eLearning, policy and communications expertise to line managers and colleagues."
International Menopause Society (IMS): "Brings together the world’s leading experts to collaborate and share knowledge about all aspects of aging in women. The IMS advocates evidence-based treatment options that optimise mid-life women’s health and promotes best practice in women’s health care."
Menopause Café: Wants "the whole world talking about the menopause...people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss menopause...can be public or workplace-only events."
Menopause Matters: Award winning, independent website providing up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options. Here you will find information on what happens leading up to, during and after the menopause, what the consequences can be, what you can do to help and what treatments are available."
NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): National Health Service (NHS) webpage providing "information about HRT for menopause symptoms, including the types of HRT, benefits and risks and how to take it."
Set up to remove the muddle from menopause, menstruation, and andropause. It believes that education is the key to ensuring people feel empowered and supported with their hormone health. Offers some free resources including checklists, videos, podcasts, e-books and more.
Womens' Health Concern: Was "established in 1972 and is the patient arm of the British Medical Society (BMS) since 2012. Provides a confidential, independent service to advise, inform and reassure women about their gynaecological, sexual and post reproductive health."
