Menopause Awareness Month 2022
October is Menopause Awareness Month, an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Menopause affects about a quarter of working-age women, but many struggle with their employers' or coworkers' lack of awareness about the condition.
Menopause myths
What are some of the myths around menopause? We spoke to Connexus health partner Westfield Health to find out. Expand the buttons below to challenge some of the most common misconceptions.
The age of menopause varies
While the average age of menopause is 51, the age of onset varies and many people experience symptoms for a number of years. Early menopause (before age 45) can happen naturally or as a side effect of certain treatments, including cancer treatments.
Each person experiences the menopause differently
There are over 30 recognised symptoms of the menopause, including mood changes, difficulty sleeping, joint aches, urinary infections, anxiety and low libido. Around 80% of people experience additional symptoms before and after their periods stop.
There are treatment options for most symptoms
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the main treatment for menopause symptoms, but it's important to speak to your GP about options for your specific needs. Alternative treatments might include vitamin supplements, vaginal pessaries or talking therapies.
As well as its physical symptoms, menopause can affect confidence, concentration, energy levels and mental health, which can negatively impact our work. It might feel intimidating to talk about the menopause at work, but managers should be able to make adjustments to help employees who are going through menopause to perform at their best.
At Connexus, we want to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable to have open and honest conversations about menopause, never feeling the topic is off-limits. You can find out more about menopause awareness and support from the charity Menopause & Me, using the link below.