Menopause Support for Employees and Line Managers

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the day a woman has achieved 12 months without periods The menopause usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age. The average age in the UK is 51. It is defined as when a woman has had no periods for one year or more. Some women experience a natural early menopause because of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). In Britain 110,000 women between the ages of 12 and 40 are affected. Other women may experience an early menopause due to a hysterectomy (womb removal), oophectomy (removal of ovaries), certain types of chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy to the pelvic area.  

Where we have used the term ‘women’ or male and female pronouns, within these pages the language used is purely for the flow of this information.We want to be clear that this is inclusive of everyone who goes through the menopause or menopausal symptoms as a result of hormonal changes and we recognise that perimenopause and menopause transition, can impact trans and non-binary colleagues who don’t identify as women in the same manner.  

 Stages of Menopause 

Perimenopause  

Peri menopause is the time from the start of menopausal symptoms until after a woman has experienced her last period.  The BMS state that there may be 2 stages within the Peri Menopause:   

• Early peri-menopause Women initially experience a change in menstrual cycle pattern when periods become infrequent and the cycles become slightly longer, e.g. 6-7 weeks apart. This phase is called the ‘early peri-menopause’. The average age it occurs is 47 and it is when women may start experiencing menopausal symptoms.  
• Late peri-menopause Subsequently, many women experience worsening of their menopausal symptoms. Menstrual cycles become less frequent, with periods a few months apart. This is called the ‘late peri-menopause’ and the average age it occurs is 49. 

Perimenopause, Cycle of Change: Understanding Menopause, is a short film to empower women and share real-life experiences from all stages of the menopause transition.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Throughout each stage of the menopause, symptoms can have a big impact on daily life including relationships, social life, family life and work.  It is different for everyone and some may experience a number of symptoms to varying degrees and some may not experience many or none at all.   

The Menopause Charity have provided a list of some of the most common symptoms that occur both during the perimenopause and menopause. Click here to read more.   

A symptom checklist can be a useful tool.  The Menopause and Me Charity have provided a symptom checklist which could help prepare for a consultation with a healthcare professional or just for awareness.   

Menopause causes an imbalance in hormones and this can generate a number of debilitating symptoms that for some women are so severe meet the criteria of a disability. Although hot flushes are typically cited as a stereotypical symptom, for many women the fatigue, painful joints, migraines, mental health issues and brain fog (that can feel like early on-set dementia) are the most difficult to deal with. Women may decide to deal with their symptoms by making lifestyle changes or taking natural supplements or HRT. 

What is important to note is that every woman experiences the menopause as an individual and any adjustments should take into account their needs and personal circumstances.

This five minute video from Henpicked shares facts and figures on the menopause that are helpful for those living with the menopause and line managers who are trying to be supportive.

Menopause Support Group

At the University, we have an active Menopause Support Group which was established in 2018.  The group is available for anyone who: 

• Is experiencing menopause symptoms (peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopausal) 
• Is experiencing significant hormonal impacts due to medication or hormonal treatment that create menopausal symptoms 
• Has early on-set menopause 
• Wants to know more about menopause to support loved ones or colleagues 
• Wants to ask the group for advice 
• Wants to share news items on the menopause 
• Highlights good practice at UOM 
• Respects the confidentiality of this space 
• Respects each other's experience 

 To join please email Kathryn.bradley@manchester.ac.uk and who will add you to this via the Health Networks on Teams. 

Menopause accreditation

Our University has signed up with Menopause Friendly to achieve Menopause Accreditation. While we prepare our accreditation submission over the coming year we are  ‘Committed to being a Menopause Friendly Employer’.

Our aims include:

• To change mindsets and attitudes towards menopause. Making it as easy to talk about as the weather.
• Everyone to understand what menopause is and be able to talk about it openly. This isn’t just an issue for women, everyone needs to know so they can support colleagues, friends and family.
• Those experiencing menopause symptoms to feel confident to discuss it and ask for support if they need it to continue being happy and successful at work.
• Managers to understand menopause, to confidently have good conversations, and know how to help.

We will keep sharing updates on progress over the coming months.