To mark World Menopause Day earlier this month, we invited menopause expert, author and producer Kate Muir to deliver a talk.
Kate is the producer and driving force behind the Davina McCall menopause TV documentaries. When they aired in 2021, these programmes were instrumental in raising awareness of perimenopause and menopause to the wider public. The shows were watched by six million viewers, and since they launched, a million more women have been prescribed Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Kate is also the author of the book ‘Everything you need to know about the menopause (but were too afraid to ask)’ and frequently writes articles published in the UK media.
Kate gave an informative and engaging presentation about all things menopause-related, with an open discussion at the end where there were lots of questions from the audience.
About menopause
Menopause is a life transition lasting several years. It typically begins in your early to mid-forties with perimenopause (but can occur earlier − either naturally or through surgical intervention).
Kate shared insightful information about what happens during perimenopause (which she calls “menopause’s dastardly little sister”) and menopause. She talked about the science behind hormones and changes to a woman’s brain, bones and body during this time. Menopausal symptoms extend far beyond the hot flushes that are typically associated, with around 50 or more symptoms a woman may experience during this time.
One of the key impacts for many women is how it can affect their mental health. Symptoms such as brain fog (which affects seven in 10 women), anxiety and even rage can be challenging to deal with, and can have a particular effect on women in the workplace.
There are currently an estimated 13 million menopausal women in UK – roughly one-third of the female population. At the University, we also estimate one third of our staff are in this stage of their lives.
Massive hormone changes paired with women in midlife and the responsibilities that brings can create huge overwhelm and disruption during this time. Around one in 10 women quit their jobs because of menopause.
Kate said:
We’re a generation that believe we’re superhuman. And then menopause hits you on the nose and it’s quite humbling.
Kate talked about the many things you can do to support yourself during menopause, from the medical route of HRT to lifestyle changes such as weightlifting to help bone density. She spoke about the benefits of eating a protein rich Mediterranean diet, and how supplements such as Vitamin D, Magnesium, Omega 3 and CBD can be beneficial. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can also be a useful tool in managing symptoms.
She warned against the growing number of ‘meno-washing’ companies selling "magical menopause potions" which claim to cure menopause symptoms without any scientific evidence to back them up.
About the event
A huge thanks to Tim Ibell, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Design for sponsoring and introducing the event. In his introduction, Tim spoke about the importance of building a community where people feel comfortable to listen and be heard, to understand shared experiences. He talked about how crucial it is to change mindsets and attitude towards menopause, and the importance for managers to understand what support mechanisms need to be put in place if someone in their team is experiencing this life transition.
Around 160 colleagues from across the University attended the event. Feedback from the event showed that 79% attendees rated it five out of five, and 51% said it exceeded their expectations. Here's some of the positive feedback we received:
Really encouraging to see the awareness increasing and the ability to talk about it being embraced.
Informative but in an approachable way. Lots of information which isn't always known about. There were a few lightbulb moments for me which I didn't expect.
I feel lucky to have a supportive community around me as I move further into my journey.
Supporting yourself and others
Being aware of the real-life concerns of those going through this transitional time is important not just to those going through it, it is beneficial to all staff and managers. On our Menopause Hub you’ll find plenty of helpful tools and resources - whether you are going through menopause yourself or supporting someone in your team. From here you can also request to join our Teams support group and take part in our monthly meet ups.
Become a male ally
As part of our ongoing awareness raising, we’ll also be running a male ally training session in the new year. Watch this space for more information on how you can sign up.