Menopause Support Resources
What is the menopause?
The menopause is when an individual’s oestrogen levels decline and they stop having periods, it is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. In the UK, the average age to reach the menopause is 51, but around 1 in 100 people experience the menopause before 40 years of age, this is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.
There are three stages of the menopause, perimenopause (the time leading up to menopause), menopause (the time when there has been no menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months), and post menopause (the years after menopause).
Download and share this 'Let's talk about the menopause' posterLink opens in a new window sharing some key facts and figures on the menopause.
Symptoms
Most people will experience menopausal symptoms, which can be quite severe and have a significant impact on everyday life. Common symptoms include fatigue, hot flushes, problems with focus and concentration, anxiety and worry, and insomnia.
Menopausal symptoms can begin months or years before periods stop and last around 4 years after the last period, although some people experience symptoms for much longer.
Nearly 8 in 10 people experiencing the menopause are in work. With 3 in 4 experiencing symptoms, and as many as 1 in 4 considering leaving work during their menopause, it’s a key area for employer focus.
Download a poster displaying the common symptoms of menopause.
Resources for Individuals
- Menopause Staff Network - We have launched a group on Teams so that staff can chat and ask questions as well as share information and support. To be added to the Teams Group please email the Network Chairs, Jane Dashwood and Marie Kettell.
- Five-minute guide 'What is the menopause?'.
- Five minute guide 'Talking to your GP about menopause'.
- Five minute guide 'Talking to your manager about menopause'.
- Video resources.
- Menopause Personal Stories.
- Workbook 'How to talk to your healthcare professional about menopause' . Learn more about this in the video below. You can download the video transcript here.
Guidelines and Passport
Warwick's Menopause GuidelinesLink opens in a new window set out the University’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees experiencing menopausal and andropause symptoms. The Menopause Passport Link opens in a new windowis an optional support tool owned by you to help discussions with your line manager and to identify appropriate support.
The guidelines apply to all employees including staff who identify as non-binary, trans, and intersex.
Menopause at Work training
This course looks at the common symptoms and long-term effects of the menopause and sets out key steps in raising awareness and supporting staff.
5 questions with Andy Johnson on engaging with menopause
Interview with Andy Johnson, Social Inclusion Manager, on participating with the Menopause conversation, on being an active ally and on working towards being an inclusive colleague for colleagues in the workplace, and to friends, family, and wider community.