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Women's health

How to support women through menopause

What is menopause?

 

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s ageing process where her periods eventually stop, and the chance of getting pregnant naturally comes to an end.

When do women experience menopause?

 

Women usually experience menopause between the ages of 45 - 55, as their oestrogen levels decline. However, according to the NHS, around 1 in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40, which is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.1

Symptoms

 

Many women will experience menopausal symptoms, with varying durations and levels of severity. In fact, they affect 80-90% of women, with 25% describing them as severe.2 

 

Menopause symptoms can have a considerable effect on a woman’s day-to-day life; 45% say their symptoms have negatively impacted their work.3

 

Some examples of menopause symptoms include:

  • Headaches
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats and trouble sleeping
  • Poor memory and concentration
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Low mood and anxiety

How you can offer support

 

Here are some top tips on ways that you can support women going through menopause:

 

  1. Expand your knowledge by researching menopause and learning the facts. Having a greater understanding of menopause may help you to comfortably engage in more conversations about it.

  2. Don’t be embarrassed or shy about discussing menopause, it’s a natural stage of life. The more open you are, the more you can help to break down the stigma.

  3. Remember that every woman is different and will be going through her own experience. Treat every woman as an individual and don’t make assumptions.

  4. Do not offer medical advice. Instead, provide a sympathetic listening ear and recommendations on where they can find appropriate support.

How can Simplyhealth help?

 

All our health plans come with the following standard features:

  • Unlimited 24/7 online GP appointments^
    Accessed through the SimplyPlan app or customers' online accounts. All our GPs have profiles you can view, so you can choose the doctor that’s right for you by requesting a male or female GP, a particular specialism, or availability.

  • 24/7 counselling and advice services
    If you’re struggling to cope with symptoms or feeling overwhelmed, a qualified professional is waiting at the end of the phone to offer immediate practical information and emotional support.

  • Video physiotherapy assessments
    Help with identifying and assessing conditions, such as back pain or pelvic floor weakness, and recommended next steps to treat concerns. Existing customers, visit myWellbeing to find out more.

  • Access to support, resources, exclusive offers and discounts
    Visit our Healthy Living Hub for educational content on a range of topics. Plus access to exclusive Simplyhealth member health resources, support, offers and discounts through myWellbeing.

  • Plus money back* towards:

    • Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture costs

    • **Dental, optical costs and a grant per day/night for hospital stays

    • Prescription costs

 

^Subject to fair use policy

*Annual benefit allowances apply per plan level

**Included from level 2 plan upwards for new customers.

Sources:

1 www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

2 British Menopause Society (BMS) October 2021

3 BMS factsheet September 2020

Man about to have an online GP appointment

Related guide

A guide to women's health

Other articles around women's health, including menopause and pelvic health, written with the support of the Lady Garden Foundation.  

A guide to women's health