MENOPAUSE
There are 34 symptoms in all - combining physical and psychological issues . Women will not get all of these symptoms , but there is a lack of understanding in this area . Education is the key , and we need women to understand these symptoms so they can all have a right to live their best life . The issue is if we as women don ' t know what is going on with our bodies , how the heck do we expect men to understand ?
Of course , we must open the conversation in the workplace and at home . Women are desperate for corporates to open their doors . Allowing an introductory menopause session can then turn into something bigger . Women support women . Menopause champions may come forward . Consideration needs to be given to menopause policy to protect employees . Training needs fallouts of covid but doesn ' t help all workers – especially front-line staff such as nurses and teachers .
The primary focus for corporates is to make their workplace inclusive . Ensure everyone has the option to understand the symptoms of the perimenopause and to be able to have open discussions . It still amazes me how many women want to come forward with their stories – and once that door has been opened , they feel like a huge relief has been lifted .
People like Davina McCall , Carolyn Harris MP and Dr Louise Newson have made it their mission to bring everything to the public eye . Carolyn is the co-chairman of the Menopause Taskforce , which is trying to engage the government to legislate and reduce HRT charges throughout the UK . It was a pleasure to meet her and
" SLEEPLESS NIGHTS CAN WORSEN SYMPTOMS . I KNOW , I WAS THERE ."
to be given to younger line managers and open up the discussion to the male employees .
Most men want to know or understand the symptoms and how it affects their partners and work colleagues . There is no way of fixing it but learning to become an empath is a good step forward . I always say , " Behind every man is about ten women – and most of those could be menopausal ". Over 13 million women in the UK are perimenopausal – that ' s scary news .
Education is the key – from schools that would allow the word " menopause " to be used and discussed ; at home , mums can talk freely about how they are feeling and how the symptoms can affect our working lives . Women need to be able to speak to employers about how they are feeling . Sleepless nights can worsen symptoms . I know , I was there . Being able to say " I ' m having a bad day " and have the option to work from home is a slight change a company can embrace . Hybrid working is one of the good be able to share a platform to talk about her experiences and her campaign to educate the world . Of course , there are many other hidden heroes , like Heather Currie , who has worked with governments and advised NHS Inform , and the founder of the national magazine , Menopause Matters .
Every month Dr Becky Harling of St Martin Surgery and I open up the doors of the Ommaroo Hotel for a Menopause Forum - a gathering of all ladies in Jersey who want to know more information . We invite special guests to attend and share their expertise .
Now is the time to take action – not only for corporates but also for women . It is your time to take control of how you are feeling and not to put up with second best . You have one life – make it a good one ! Look after yourself physically and mentally as you enter the perimenopause stage of your life – embrace it and get ready to make the change ! •
www . mannermagazine . co . uk 71