Bristol women suffer from taboo of menopause

Bristol women get little support, advice or treatment for symptoms relating to menopause and hormonal changes, according to a new survey out today, with one in four women saying they are struggling to cope with life due to their symptoms.  

Almost half (45 per cent) of women with symptoms said they feel depressed, while 30 per cent said they suffer from anxiety.

Despite this, nearly two thirds (60 per cent) of women in Bristol questioned say there is a general lack of support or advice for those going through the menopause.

Women in the workplace fare even worse; some 69 per cent of female workers suffering symptoms said they feel unsupported at work, even though one in five (19 per cent) say their symptoms have a detrimental effect on their work.  Almost one in 10 women said they have even considered quitting their job.

The findings are from research carried out by not-for-profit healthcare provider, Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, who questioned women in Bristol aged between 40 and 65.

Dr Annie Evans said: “Menopause is a condition which is often sidelined as just a fact of life, and not something to be taken seriously, but for many women the symptoms are extreme and can have a devastating impact on their life.  

“Many feel anxious, confused, depressed and exhausted to the point where they are struggling to cope with daily routine. 

“The menopause is not something that just happens to women in their 50s, but can affect those in their 20s through to late 60s. These women can suffer in silence for years when they could have been benefitting from tailored advice or support to help them understand what is going on.”  

The survey also revealed that, despite reporting symptoms like joint and muscle ache, hot flushes, irregular periods, night sweats, mood swings and poor memory, 43% of women in Bristol questioned failed to recognise they could be experiencing symptoms linked to the menopause, with more than a third (35 per cent) mistakenly believing they are too young or too old for symptoms.  A quarter simply put it down to stress.   

Mewanwhile, a third of women who visited a GP were not made aware of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

Dr Evans added: “Increasingly the evidence shows appropriate HRT to be suitable for many women, with far less risks than previously thought. It is an absolute tragedy that large numbers of women are getting no help at all.

“The issue needs to be dragged into the 21st century. Increasingly employers are beginning to take employee health and wellbeing seriously, with numerous initiatives to help improve health and fitness, yet clearly the menopause remains taboo. 

“Until we shine a spotlight on the subject and try to tackle some of the difficulties that women are facing at work, we stand to lose experienced and talented women who should be at the peak of their career rather than facing forced retirement or feeling alienated.”

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