The Menopausal Teacher

Historically, menopause was considered a taboo subject, rarely discussed openly. It remained shrouded in secrecy, and there was a sense of embarrassment associated with it. My understanding of menopause was limited until several years ago, as it was not part of the curriculum during my school years.

However, in the last few years, there has been a significant shift. Menopause has gained momentum as a topic of conversation, and people are increasingly open about it. This shift has helped diminish the stigma surrounding menopause. This development is particularly beneficial for women, as every woman will experience menopause at some point in her life. Support from others, especially in the workplace where we spend a substantial amount of our time, can greatly alleviate the challenges and difficulties associated with this phase of life.

A report conducted by the Trade Union Congress estimated that in the UK around 1 in 3 women are going through or have reached menopause and 1 in 100 women in the UK experience early menopause before the age of 40.

The Menopause Survey from 2018 found that:

The NHS estimate around 13 million people are currently perimenopausal or menopausal in the UK- equating to a third of the female population! Therefore, it is crucial to recognise and address the unique needs of women as they progress through their careers. Educating ourselves about menopause allows us to better support individuals, enabling them to remain in their roles for as long as they choose.

It’s important to note that menopause can also impact younger women and those with specific health conditions. The symptoms of perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to the menopause, can begin in some women in their 30’s and most often in a woman’s 40’s. Therefore, understanding how to protect and support women during this life stage can help them feel more comfortable and valued in the workplace.