Menopause: new NHS guidance explained - how managers should support staff going through menopause

The menopause takes place when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels
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The first ever national NHS guidance for staff going through the menopause has been published. But what does it say and will it help employees? Here’s what you need to know.

What is the new NHS guidance for menopause?

The first ever national NHS guidance on menopause urges line managers and leaders to normalise employees asking for help and to consider flexible working as a measure to help colleagues cope with symptoms. NHS England said the guidance announced this week will be followed up after winter with training packages for line managers, HR and Occupational Health. It said the guidance, training and implementation support have been intentionally designed to be transferable to other workplaces, not just those in the NHS.

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The guidance includes information on how the menopause can impact work and how managers can help. It also includes information on how managers experiencing the menopause themselves can be supported.

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said taboos around the subject must be broken and simple steps such as cooler uniforms and fans to reduce temperatures should be happening “right across the board”. Speaking at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference on Tuesday (22 November) as the guidance was launched, she said addressing difficulties faced by staff is “not just a matter of respect” but also “an investment in our workforce”.

She said: “Women between the ages of 45 and 54 alone make up a fifth of all NHS employees, which means up to 260,000 staff could experience the menopause at work, and for many women it can be a difficult transition. I want all those facing that transition in the NHS to have access to the right support to stay in and thrive at work, which is why we are launching new national guidance to help women through the menopause – boosting awareness and supporting teams to put in place practical measures in the workplace.”

She added: “While some local teams are already implementing initiatives to support women experiencing menopausal symptoms – simple steps like flexible working, fans to help with more comfortable temperatures, cooler uniforms and staff training – I want to see this happening right across the board.

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“This is not just a matter of respect for our staff, but an investment in our workforce, future sustainability and the quality of patient care – and as one of the largest national employers, I am proud to say the NHS is pioneering this work. Women should feel they can talk openly about the menopause, so we must break the taboos, increase support and help more women thrive at every stage of their working lives, and opening up the conversation is the first step.”

The menopause takes place when your periods stop due to lower hormone levelsThe menopause takes place when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels
The menopause takes place when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels

What is the menopause?

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.

However, it can sometimes happen earlier naturally or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries or the uterus, cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.

Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.

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The first sign of the perimenopause is usually, but not always, a change in the normal pattern of your periods, for example they become irregular. Eventually you’ll stop having periods altogether.

Common mental health symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include changes to your mood, like low mood, anxiety, mood swings and low self-esteem, problems with memory or concentration.

Common physical symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:

  • hot flushes, when you have sudden feelings of hot or cold in your face, neck and chest which can make you dizzy
  • difficulty sleeping, which may be a result of night sweats and make you feel tired and irritable during the day
  • palpitations, when your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable
  • headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
  • muscle aches and joint pains
  • changed body shape and weight gain
  • skin changes including dry and itchy skin
  • reduced sex drive
  • vaginal dryness and pain, itching or discomfort during sex
  • recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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