KNOW WHAT HAPPENS
The most important thing, to start with, is to educate yourself. It is a sad fact that misinformation and lack of care is a key feature of reaching this stage of life for most women, and it will affect their families and work life. We are hopeful that this is starting to change as it has become less taboo to speak and discuss what happens to 50% of the population, if they are graced with reaching this age, and sometimes unexpectedly earlier!
I prefer the well considered view, so below are a selection of vocal professionals. They have differences in approach, which are useful to know and understand.
I have also included resources that govern how a medical professional should be approaching their discussion with you, so that you are able to advocate for yourself if the care you are receiving is different to that.
Know that there are many things that can seem insurmountable in this time. But it is possible, bit by bit, to take hold of this transformation to be even more you. Know that you are never alone, and if it is ever too hard, reach out.
TAKE STEPS TO UNDERSTAND YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, AND WHAT YOU NEED
Menopause Support Network
GREAT PLACE TO START:
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MEN0921351544-005_Menopause-Support-Booklet-5-3.pdf
ASSESS YOUR SYMPTOMS:
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/MENOPAUSE-SYMPTOM-CHECKER.pdf
An overview of mood/ psychological impact:
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Psych-impact-Menopause-BLOG.pdf
The Menopause network has a great Facebook group – filled with women discussing issues.
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/help-and-support/
British Menopause Society
Patient facing: Women’s Health concern a serious of factsheets on all things menopause
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/
Dr Jen Gunter
https://vajenda.substack.com/p/gunters-guide-to-the-hormone-menoverse
Dr Louise Newson
www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/
www.balance-menopause.com/?s=Mood
https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2021/10/Living-Well-through-your-perimenopause-and-menopause-March-22-update.pdf
The ‘BALANCE’ app is rather good, and very useful to monitor what you are experiencing, especially if you need to discuss it with a health professional – it helps to have a reference.
What is HRT?
www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-NOV2022-B.pdf
www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/27-WHC-FACTSHEET-HRT-Doses-NOV2022-A.pdf
https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2021/10/Menopause-and-HRT-feb-22-update.pdf
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FAQs-Menopause-and-HRT.pdf
What about risk?
https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/01-WHC-FACTSHEET-BreastCancer-NOV2022-C.pdf
www.balance-menopause.com/balance-for-cancer-support/
What about surgical and other instant menopause?
www.balance-menopause.com/menopause-library/surgical-menopause-booklet/
Links for partners to help support you and understand
https://menopausesupport.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Understanding-Menopause-for-Partners.pdf
https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/information-for-partners
https://balance-menopause.com/uploads/2021/09/Menopause-and-relationships-Feb-22.pdf
www.balance-menopause.com/balance-for-partners/
