The menopause poses a question for me. We live in a society where we are increasingly well- informed about our bodies. Just look at the TV programme Embarrassing Bodies which delves literally into every nook and cranny, in an endeavour to educate (or entertain) us. Yet, when it comes to the menopause, something that one third of women in the UK are experiencing, there is a distinct lack of air time.  It feels as if a taboo operates and any mention of the subject is confined to jokes about angry, knife-wielding wives.  At best, I suspect this is down to embarrassment and, at worst, a combination of ageism and sexism.

 I have a personal and professional interest in understanding how the menopause impacts on women’s physical and emotional health. I know from my own experience that the symptoms can be bewildering and unsettling.  Like many of my women clients, I’m aware that as my children leave home, my relationships and work priorities are changing and I need to re-focus. With proper support and understanding, I know it can be a very exciting time.

So where to go for that support and understanding?  I have found talking to close friends very helpful.   My GP gave me good advice about regular exercise. Some websites can be useful, for example, www.thesymptomsofthemenopause.comand www.imsociety.org.  And, for those who prefer the printed page, take a look at Jenni Murray’s Is It me or is it hot in here? and Sue Brayne’s  Sex,  Meaning and the Menopause which was recently recommended in the Big Issue.          

18 October is designated as World Menopause Day in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Yet, searching the internet for information relating to this event yields little. There’s clearly much to do to raise awareness of this important time in a women’s life.  This has led me and my colleague, Jay Clarke, to design our own Menopause Course, a series of 4 practical workshops to help women navigate this transition more confidently and comfortably. Jay’s course is running in Manchester and mine in Buxton in Derbyshire.  We plan to expand locations next year.

For more information please visit

www.francestaylor.net/courses/the-menopause-course

 www.therapyupnorth.co.uk/pb/wp_d714f3a7/wp_d714f3a7.html

Please spread the word about World Menopause Day and also post any useful sources of information here.