World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th October, led by the International Menopause Society. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness on the menopause and support options for improving health and wellbeing. It is designed as opportunity to help women and professionals engage in positive conversations, raise awareness through events, workshops, communication materials and sharing on social media.
Each year there is a different them and this year it is Cognition and Mood.
October is also #menopauseawarenessmonth
What is Menopause?
Menopause is natural part of the ageing process when a woman stops having a period due to the changes in hormones levels. There are 3 stages to Menopause:
Perimenopause
The time leading up to Menopause which can start anywhere from the age of 35, you may begin to experience any of the 'symptoms' and this transition stage can last between 2-6 years.
Menopause
This when your periods have stopped for a whole year, symptoms can continue, average age is 51 in UK.
Post Menopause
The rest of your life after Menopause and no periods, symptoms can become milder or stop.
Every woman will experience Menopause however each woman’s experience will be unique. Once a woman is a diagnosed by their GP through blood tests and their symptoms there are a range of treatments and lifestyle changes that are available to help manage the journey.
Why is it important to talk about Menopause?
Everyone male or female needs to be aware of and understand the impact the Menopause can have at home and in the workplace. Through open discussions and the sharing of knowledge we can all become informed which will enable us to support those going through Menopause. Menopause was previously seen as a taboo subject however over the last few years we have witnessed a positive shift towards more people talking about in a positive light.