We need to ensure conversations on menopause transition are normalised. Menopause is a near universal experience for women and some transgender, non-binary, intersex people and those with variations in their sex characteristics.
The menopause is a natural transition stage in the lives of people who menstruate. For some it will be medically induced. It is marked by changes in the hormones and the individual stops having periods. People who menstruate may have a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms whilst experiencing the menopause and peri-menopause and may often encounter difficulties at work as a result of their symptoms.
NHS support
Support from a medical professional should always be sought where required.
Additional support can be found at NHS Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and for women's health.
How to prepare for your GP appointment:
- My doctor won’t budge! – Shared decision making with your healthcare professional
- How to ask your GP for help
- Understanding menopause
NICE guidelines
For further information, see the following NICE guidelines (NICE guidelines are evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England. They set out the care and services suitable for most people with a specific condition or need, and people in particular circumstances or settings):
Luton based support
The following organisations have their own support resources:
- Healthwatch Luton
- Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College - East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT)
- Total Wellbeing Luton
- Luton All Women Centre
- Womens Aid Luton
- Menopause Alliance Beds and Luton – Facebook
Additional support:
- Menopause Support
- The Menopause Charity
- Menopause taboo in women from different ethnic groups – Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Louise Newson podcast
- British Menopause Society
- Menopause Matters
- Newson Health
Additional workplace support:
- Manage My Menopause
- CIPD website - The menopause at work: guidance for people professionals
- CIPD website - A guide to managing menopause at work: guidance for line managers
- Faculty of Occupational Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians - Guidance on menopause and the workplace
- Society of Occupational Medicine
- Unison - The menopause is a workplace issue: guidance and model policy
- ACAS - Menopause at work
- LGA - Menopause
- Business in the Community - Menopause in the workplace toolkit
- Wellbeing of Women website - Menopause workplace pledge
- We are Daisy Network
- Healthtalk website
- Women's Health Concern
- Henpicked