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If you’re struggling with the symptoms of the menopause, it’s really important to know that you can get help. Don’t suffer in silence or think it’s just something you have to put up with. There are lots of ways other people can support you.
This applies regardless of what type of menopause you may be experiencing. Early, chemical, surgical – if you’re experiencing symptoms that are affecting your daily life, you deserve support and understanding.
Did you know…?
Less than 1/3 of people experiencing perimenopause symptoms told someone at work about their symptoms
(UK Parliament, 2022)
You might feel uncomfortable talking about the menopause and your symptoms at work, but it should never be something to be embarrassed about. By talking about it and its impact on your life, you can get the support you need as well as supporting others.
The Equality Act 2010 says that employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled workers, which the menopause could come under. With this in mind, it’s becoming more and more common for workplaces to introduce programmes and initiatives to support employees with the menopause.
So if you’re struggling with your symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your manager about any adjustments that might make your life easier. These might include:
Although these might seem small, they can have a big impact on your experience at work and mean you’re less likely to take time off from work because of your symptoms.
The change in your hormones can bring changes to your relationships with others. You might feel more anxious and less confident to do some of the things you used to or you might have a lower sex drive which could affect your relationship with your partner(s).
Family and friends can be a great source of support and encouragement when you’re not feeling quite yourself. It’s great if you can talk to them openly about what you’re going through so they can support you to find ways to make this easier.
Blogs and resources about menopause from an LGBT+ perspective.
Events at cafes available for anyone to attend and talk about menopause
Menopause information, and guidance and a forum to talk about menopause
Menopause coaching with Brook
The MyLife Menopause Wellbeing Programme is here to help you navigate menopause with confidence.
Find emotional and mental health support
It’s important to bear in mind that not everyone is comfortable talking about their symptoms. Always let them know you’re there for them if they want to talk, but never push the conversation.
Here are some of the things you can do to support someone you know that’s going through the menopause:
Many people struggle talking about the menopause and seeking support, but for some people there are additional barriers to overcome.
Ethnic minority groups face additional challenges in accessing menopause-related healthcare. Language barriers, cultural sensitivity and existing systematic barriers to accessing healthcare in general can all make it harder to ask for and get support.
While menopause primarily affects cis women, some trans, non-binary and people with VSC (variations in sex characteristics, sometimes referred to as intersex) may experience the menopause. This could be because of age-related hormonal changes or hormone treatments and/or gender affirming surgeries.
Trans people may not know to expect menopausal symptoms. Many people who have gone had hormone treatment or gender reassignment surgeries are not told that they are likely about to experience early/medical menopause. When they experience symptoms of menopause unexpectedly, it’s difficult to understand their symptoms meaning they may not ask for help or get treatment for the changes they’re experiencing.
Some people may not want to talk about their menopausal symptoms as it may mean disclosing their gender status or ‘outing’ themselves. For example, if a trans person at work is experiencing menopausal symptoms (e.g. hot flushes, brain fog, weight changes, mood swings) but they haven’t disclosed their trans status at work, it can be difficult to ask for support, join menopause support groups, or even just talk about their symptoms with others that don’t know their trans status. They also may worry that if they show any of these menopausal symptoms they may be ‘outed’ which could cause worries around their employment, relationships with colleagues and sense of self.
For trans men, the menopause might cause issues with gender dysphoria. This gender dysphoria, the distress or discomfort someone might feel when their sex assigned at birth doesn’t match their gender, can have an impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
A person has the protected characteristic of gender reassignment if they are planning to go through, are going through or have gone through a process (or part of a process) to reassign their sex. This could be by changing physical or other attributes related to someone’s sex.
If someone is put at a disadvantage or treated less favourably because they have, or someone thinks they have, the protected characteristic of gender reassignment, this could be discrimination.
People with ADHD/autism may experience heightened symptoms due to the menopause. Hormones affect executive function, so during the perimenopause when hormone levels are changing, people with ADHD/autism may experience more symptoms of ADHD/autism. They may also experience emotional distress brought on by the changes to body, mind and relationships that this period of life can bring. This means they may need more support whilst experiencing perimenopause than they did before.
It could also mean that people without a diagnosis start to notice more symptoms of ADHD/autism or an increase in their intensity. This might lead them to seek an ADHD/autism diagnosis.
Neurodiverse/neurodivergent people often already feel stigmatised. Barriers to support services and a lack of accessibility can make it harder for neurodiverse people to ask for help and support with menopausal symptoms.
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