Menopause Support

Menopause Support

What is the Menopause?

The menopause is a natural life-stage where your periods stop due to having lower hormone levels. This is usually something that is experienced by anyone that experiences periods between the ages of 45-55. However, you may experience the menopause earlier. The menopause may happen naturally or for other reasons, and for many women this is a seamless transition. However, for others it may not be an easy transition. 

The menopause life-stage doesn't happen overnight. Menopausal symptoms start during the perimenopause stage where you are experiencing symptoms but your periods haven't stopped. The perimenopause and menopause stage can cause symptoms such as: anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. More information about the symptoms can be found on the NHS Menopause Page. 

These symptoms can be impactful on your life. How you navigate work, relationships and your overall health and wellbeing. This life event isn't something to deal with privately and with the right support; this experience can be a lot easier.

Please see below some information and support for menopause:

Active Menopause 10 Week Programme:

The menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, however, every woman’s experience of menopause is different. With symptoms ranging from hot flushes to anxiety, it can be hard for women to feel their best.

NWLDC have delivered a 10 week Active Menopause Programme in North West Leicestershire, to support women who are going through perimenopause or menopause and to help them become more physically active. The programme aimed to provide the right support and communication to ‘normalise’ the menopause and to encourage sharing of information and experiences. Women were able to ask questions in a safe and supportive way and be signposted to other services if required. We hope that the knowledge shared during this programme will be empowering for the women who participated and provide them with exercises and coping strategies for any of the challenges they may be facing. The sessions covered a range of activities including physical activity, diet and nutrition, mental health and wellbeing and also clinical advice.

The ladies who have attended the sessions were all experiencing the menopause. Their symptoms ranged from acute anxiety to feeling hopelessness at not being able to control their weight and fitness levels. Many reported that sometimes they struggled to get out of the house to do anything and the thought of going into a gym terrified them.

For more information and see what the sessions include, check out our Active Menopause Programme Page.

Age UK Menopause Awareness Raising Service: 

The Age UK Menopause Awareness Raising Service working in partnership with health and social care professionals as well as businesses, local employers & neighbourhood community groups aims to:

• Raise awareness and understanding of the menopause
• Develop and support a network of Menopause Champions
• Provide support to become a Menopause Friendly Organisation and achieve a recognised accreditation
• Signpost individuals to peer support networks to share their experiences of the menopause
• Campaign for greater menopause awareness through online campaigns, webinars and the provisions of toolkits
• Create a culture where everyone is menopause aware

MIND Active Monitoring (Supported Self-Help) Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland: 

A guided, self-help programme which aims to give you the skills to understand, protect and improve your mental health. Trained mental health practitioners deliver  one-to-one sessions via online video calls, telephone calls or face-to-face in local community venues across Leicestershire – whichever option is best for you and your needs. The supported self-help programme has session specifically designed around menopause support. For more information, visit the Active Monitoring Page.

NHS Talking Therapies for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland:

Delivers effective psychological therapy (talking therapy) for people with common mental health problems like depression & anxiety. If you are experience poor mental health due to menopause they have a range of support options. If you would like to refer to us for support with your mental health or feel you would benefit from the webinar follow the link below, or ring us at 0330 094 5595 or see the Referral link 

Active Menopause through Active Together:

With symptoms ranging from hot flushes to anxiety – it can be hard to feel your best. But evidence shows that physical activity can help women manage and cope better with their symptoms. Menopause is a significant opportunity to re-engage with physical activity.

For more information, visit Active Together's Active Menopause webpage.

British Menopause Society:

Provides information and guidance to healthcare professionals specialising in all aspects of post-reproductive health.

Women’s Health Concern:

The patient arm of the British Menopause Society (BMS), providing an independent service to advise, reassure and educate women of all ages about their health and wellbeing.

Menopause Matters:

Provides information for healthcare professionals and patients.

The Menopause Charity:

This has useful menopause facts, advice and support.