It's World Menopause Day on Sunday, 18th October, so in conjunction with the Change Society, each week this month we'll share some information to help raise awareness of menopause, and highlight the support available to colleagues.

There is now greater awareness, better support and a growing range of treatments and lifestyle approaches that can help people manage symptoms and thrive throughout menopause. From hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and nutritional changes to exercise and mindfulness – let the Change Society know if there is anything that has worked well for you! 

Menopause is a major change that deserves understanding, open conversation and support. By raising awareness, we can help colleagues better understand menopause, support your wellbeing and encourage confidence throughout peri-menopause to post-menopause.

When people hear the word menopause, hot flushes are often the first thing that come to mind. But menopause is much more than a few moments of feeling overheated. It is a natural stage of life that marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring a wide range of physical, emotional and psychological changes, and can last a number of years. 

Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55 (the average age in the UK is 51), perimenopause happens as hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, begin to decline. While every person's experience is unique, common symptoms can include sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, anxiety, joint aches, fatigue and changes in confidence and wellbeing.

The Change Society at CHFT is here to support colleagues with information, support and guidance around the menopause transition. They are there for colleagues who are going through the menopause as well as anyone who is involved in supporting someone else. They talk openly about symptoms and the impact of these on work and home life, and the things which do and don't help. 

They have an an active Teams chat and regular meetings. If you want to get involved or just get more information, please email ODTeam@cht.nhs.uk.  We look forward to supporting you!