Managing the Menopause
We are increasingly having more conversations with staff who are struggling with the menopause at work. Of our workforce, 75% of NUH staff are female, of which 24% are between 45 and 55 years old (as of July 2019); therefore, large numbers will be going through the menopause at any one time.
We want to support staff to feel as though they can manage their symptoms well at work and foster an environment in which staff can talk openly to their colleagues and manager about the menopause.
We offer many support sessions, workshops, seminars, events, and advocacy support all year round.
NUH is a Menopause Friendly Employer!
We are delighted to announce that NUH has been reaccredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer. This is a huge achievement, and we are thrilled to be recognised for something we feel so passionate about. We are the first NHS Trust in the country to be awarded this, and we could not have done this without the support of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, who funded the processes so we could go ahead with the accreditation.
Over the years, we have spoken to many of you who have struggled with menopause at work and know the challenges you have faced. In 2019, we set up a Menopause Working Group, and from that, we have:
- Written a comprehensive menopause policy
- Guidance documents for managers and employees
- Menopause support sessions
- Menopause Awareness Sessions for Managers and Colleagues
- Lightweight uniform options
- Menopause advocates
- Raised awareness of issues around menopause
“We’ve thoroughly assessed all aspects of the excellent work Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has done. Their menopause programme clearly demonstrates that providing colleagues with the right awareness, education, and support is important to them. They’ve created a culture enabling people to talk about menopause openly, launched a comprehensive policy, regularly provided expert training, and engaged their colleagues, including creating a strong network of menopause advocates. We're delighted to recognise them as the UK's first accredited Menopause Friendly NHS Trust.”
— Evelyn Dickey, Menopause Friendly’s Independent Panel member (and non-executive director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority).
Menopause Workshops and Support Sessions
Browse through upcoming sessions and book your place.
Everything You Need to Know About Menopause
Led by a specialist consultant in menopause, these workshops dive a little deeper into what menopause is and focus on how you can manage symptoms via diet and lifestyle, as well as busting some myths around HRT. They are always super popular, so booking is essential. Please email us if you would like to be added to the waiting list.
Menopause Support Session
This menopause support session is for all women, including those who menstruate and those who will go through menopause. Whether you are going through it yourself or you are simply curious to listen to the experiences of others, All we ask is that strict confidentiality be kept with respect and support upheld by all. We are here to describe and not prescribe; no advice, information, medical advice, or product promotion will take place at this session.
Menopause Awareness for all Staff
Covering:
Why we need to talk about menopause, What menopause is, why it happens and when, Signs and symptoms, Managing menopause, Where more information is available and a chance to ask questions
Menopause Awareness for Managers
This Menopause Awareness Session is for all managers to help raise awareness of the perimenopause/menopause and ways you can support your staff experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Covering:
Why we need to talk about menopause, What menopause is, why it happens and when, Signs and symptoms, Managing menopause, Where more information is available and a chance to ask questions.
Menopause and Pelvic Health
Our staff physiotherapist delivers this special seminar exploring pelvic health factors that can be helpful in managing your menopause, including those that may impact symptoms and prevent future conditions linked to the menopause. The hour-long seminar will cover the prevention and management of urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, bowel symptoms, and prolapse.
Mindfulness for Menopause
Recent studies have suggested that mindfulness may be a promising tool to help menopausal women struggling with irritability, anxiety, and depression. This session will guide you through how to be more mindful during your menopause and how to use mindfulness to cope with your symptoms.
Eating for the Menopause
Join our staff dietitian for a seminar exploring diet and nutrition factors that can be helpful in managing your menopause, including those that may impact symptoms and prevent future conditions linked to the menopause.
The one-hour seminar will cover phytoestrogens, bone health, heart health, caffeine, alcohol, sleep, and exercise. These are information-based group seminars.
Menopause Support
To help you understand menopause, the Menopause Support non-profit company has created a Menopause Support Booklet which is available on the Menopause Support section of the intranet reviewed by clinicians, including a symptom checker tool. Alternatively, you can request a free copy of the booklet by emailing hello@menopausesupport.co.uk.
NHS England has created a new online Menopause e-learning resource. It has some really good information in there and only takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Mindfulness for the Menopause Session
This one hour long session will guide you through how to be more mindful during your menopause and how to use mindfulness to cope with your symptoms. Access the video here.
CBT for Menopause
This programme focuses on reducing the impact of hot flushes and night sweats and will include:
• Reviewing individual experiences of menopausal symptoms
• Physiology of menopausal symptoms
• The role of thoughts, feelings and behaviour
• Identifying triggers and what can exacerbate symptoms
• Relaxation and paced breathing
• Stress management
• Lifestyle and problem solving
• Managing night sweats and sleep
If you are interested in doing this course, contact us at: nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net
• Reviewing individual experiences of menopausal symptoms
• Physiology of menopausal symptoms
• The role of thoughts, feelings and behaviour
• Identifying triggers and what can exacerbate symptoms
• Relaxation and paced breathing
• Stress management
• Lifestyle and problem solving
• Managing night sweats and sleep
If you are interested in doing this course, contact us at: nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net
NUH Menopause Advocates
Throughout the trust, we now have a number of menopause advocates. These advocates might run some of the information seminars for staff groups, departments, and teams.
They are also available to have short 1-on-1 conversations with individuals who would like further sign posting, a compassionate conversation that may include experience sharing, or simply a listening ear.
If you would like to get in touch with an advocate, then please contact us at nuhnt.staffwellbeing@nhs.net.
Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy
We have a Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy. Menopause and peri-menopause are very personal experiences and will differ from individual to individual. Symptoms will fluctuate during the course of the menopause. Different levels of adjustments and support may be required at different times based on individual needs. Menopause is a transition in life, and it’s not something that is ‘taboo’ or off-limits as a topic of conversation. We want all our colleagues to feel comfortable and supported at work.
The policy aims to:
- Provide guidance and information for all staff on the potential impact of menopause in the workplace.
- Outline the requirements for all staff experiencing peri-menopausal or menopausal symptoms that are affecting them in the workplace so they can continue to be successful in their roles and responsibilities
- Acknowledge that menopause awareness is not just for women; it is for all colleagues.
The appendix of this policy includes guidance sheets on how to prepare and have a conversation with your line manager as well as how to have a conversation with your GP.
Information For Managers
Menopause Awareness Sessions for Managers
This Menopause Awareness Session is for all managers to help raise awareness of the perimenopause/menopause and ways you can support your staff experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Covering:
Why we need to talk about menopause, What menopause is, why it happens and when, Signs and symptoms, Managing menopause, Where more information is available and a chance to ask questions.
Browse through upcoming sessions and book your place
Guidance For Managers
- Managers are encouraged to discuss general wellbeing with employees throughout their employment at NUH. Opportunities are particularly provided to do this as part of our appraisal process and reviews.
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Managers do not need to wait until an employee brings up the issue of menopause and should proactively approach employees if they notice that they may be having difficulties with the menopause. This should be done sensitively and in accordance with Trust Values and Behaviours.
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If an employee raises the issue of menopause with their manager, the manager is expected to listen and support the individual to identify ways in which this can be managed in the workplace.
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Not all individuals will feel comfortable in disclosing issues to their line manager perhaps due to gender, age, religion. Managers are reminded to be mindful of this and to support the individual in being able to talk to another line manager that they are comfortable with. It will remain the immediate line manager’s responsibility to support the individual being mindful at all times of that person’s confidentiality.
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Reasonable or tailored adjustments may be required. Each case should be considered on its own merits taking the individual needs and the work environment into consideration. Appendix 1 of the Staff Perimenopause and Menopause Policy contains guidance for managers on what actions can be considered to support an individual manage symptoms of menopause in the workplace.
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Further advice and information on adjustments can be found in the Wellbeing and Attendance Policy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. Advice can also be sought from the People Directorate and Occupational Health.
This list is not exhaustive but provides some practical suggestions of what could be considered with the staff member. Each case should be considered on its own merits and the work environment in which the individual is based. The checklist at appendix one can be used to assist.
|
Symptom |
Ways to practically support staff |
| Hot flushes/feeling hotter than usual |
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Headaches |
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Difficulty Sleeping/Fatigue |
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Heavy/Irregular Periods |
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Frequent UTIs |
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Musculoskeletal issues |
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| Poor concentration/Memory Issues/ loss of confidence |
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Psychological symptoms |
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Individual |
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Further Resources
Further Resources
Menopause Matters: Information and support website ran by GPs
Women's Health Concern - provides a confidential, independent service to advise, reassure and educate women on the menopause
Daisy Network — provide support and information who are experiences premature menopause
Henpicked - Lifestyle website for women over 40
Queer / LGBTQIA+ Menopause (queermenopause.com) - a website for individuals to seeking information and support, and practitioners seeking to upgrade their knowledge about LGBTQIA+ experiences of Menopause.