Menopause
This page is for anyone who is perimenopause, menopause, or anyone who wants to find out more information.
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
NICE guidelines
For further information, please 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).
NICE website - Menopause: diagnosis and management
NICE website - Information and advice
Luton based support
The following organisations have their own support resources, please visit their websites for more information:
Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College - East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) website
Luton All Women Centre website
Menopause Alliance Beds and Luton Facebook page
Additional support
Menopause taboo in women from different ethnic groups – Dr Nighat Arif and Dr Louise Newson podcast
British Menopause Society website
Additional workplace support
CIPD website - The menopause at work: guidance for people professionals
CIPD website - A guide to managing menopause at work: guidance for line managers
Society of Occupational Medicine website
Unison - The menopause is a workplace issue: guidance and model policy
ACAS - Menopause at work website
Business in the Community - Menopause in the workplace toolkit
Wellbeing of Women website - Menopause workplace pledge