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Menopause; Understand What’s Ahead to Navigate Changes with Confidence

menopause awareness day

Every year on October 18th, the world comes together to mark World Menopause Awareness Day, an initiative that seeks to break the stigma surrounding menopause and improve the health and well-being of millions of women globally. Established in 2009 by the International Menopause Society in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), this day serves as a critical reminder of the importance of awareness, education, and support for women transitioning through this significant life stage.

Why Menopause Awareness Matters

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, though symptoms can start earlier during perimenopause. Yet, despite its inevitability, it remains a topic that is often misunderstood or shrouded in silence. The goal of World Menopause Day is to break down these barriers by encouraging open discussions about the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause and the resources available to support women through this transition.

In 2024, the theme for World Menopause Day is all about empowering women to understand their bodies and access the tools they need to navigate this life stage with confidence. From hot flashes and mood swings to the lesser-discussed impacts on bone health and long-term well-being, raising awareness about menopause helps women better understand and manage the changes they’re experiencing.

Menopause in the Workplace: Why It’s Time to Talk About It

One of the most pressing topics of conversation this year is the impact of menopause on women in the workplace. With nearly 6 million women in the UK currently experiencing menopause, this demographic represents the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. Yet, 75% of women going through menopause experience disruptive symptoms, and for 25%, these symptoms are severe enough to impact their professional lives. Unfortunately, many women feel unable to speak about what they’re going through—46% of menopausal women do not disclose their symptoms at work due to fear of negative perception.

This silence can have serious consequences. According to research, 25% of women consider quitting their jobs, 14% reduce their hours to part-time, and 10% leave their jobs entirely due to menopause-related challenges. This exodus of talented, experienced professionals during the peak of their careers is a loss for both women and their employers.

Supporting menopause awareness in the workplace benefits everyone. Employers who provide menopause-friendly policies and environments not only help retain valuable staff but also boost productivity and reduce absenteeism. From an ethical standpoint, it’s the right thing to do, and from a legal perspective, it can protect employers from potential legal complications under equality and health and safety laws.

Understanding Menopause: What Are the Symptoms?

Menopause affects each woman differently, but there are common symptoms that many experience. These symptoms can range from physical to emotional and can last anywhere from 7 to 14 years during the menopausal transition. Some of the most prevalent symptoms include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Decreased bone density
  • Changes in libido
  • Cognitive issues like memory loss or difficulty concentrating

Understanding these symptoms is crucial to taking proactive steps toward better managing them. By knowing what to expect, women can feel more in control of their health and well-being during this transition.

Menopause Health Test

 

Our Menopause Health Test: Take Control of Your Health

At Examine Me, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to navigating menopause. That’s why we’ve developed our Menopause Health Test, a comprehensive blood test designed to assess key hormones and nutrients that influence your menopausal transition. This test provides valuable insights into your body’s unique journey through menopause, helping to explain symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and bone health.

Our test examines critical markers, including hormone levels and essential vitamins, giving you a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body. Whether you’re in the early stages of perimenopause or are already experiencing menopause, understanding your hormonal health can empower you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and care.

If you’re feeling uncertain about the changes you’re experiencing, our Menopause Health Test offers the clarity and confidence you need to take control of your health. With personalised results, you’ll gain the insights necessary to manage your symptoms and support your long-term well-being.

Why World Menopause Day Is Important

World Menopause Day is not just about raising awareness of symptoms—it’s about changing the conversation and providing women with the support they need to thrive. Whether at home or in the workplace, addressing menopause openly can make a world of difference for millions of women. Employers, too, have a role to play in supporting their workforce through this time, and businesses that prioritize menopause-friendly policies are creating healthier, more inclusive environments.

By working together, we can break the silence surrounding menopause and ensure that every woman has the knowledge and resources she needs to navigate this life stage with confidence, whether that’s through expert advice, community support, or personalized health tools like our Menopause Health Test.

This World Menopause Awareness Day 2024, let’s continue to raise awareness, empower women, and foster environments where no one has to face menopause alone.