Menopause Awareness: Joining Forces for Change
This Menopause Awareness Month, let’s uncover how elénzia, together with Gen M aim to enhance the menopause journey for all.
By elenzia / October 06th 2023 / Lifestyle
As we head into Menopause Awareness Month 2023, let’s stand together and take a closer look at this transformative life stage by shedding light on the resources available to enhance the wellbeing of those experiencing each stage of menopause.
How do we define Menopause?
Well, it’s a natural part of ageing that has historically been severely overlooked. The menopause affects all women, and it can also affect some trans and non-binary individuals. It is when a person’s menstrual cycles stop, and it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms due to hormonal changes. Symptoms ranging from memory lapses to hot flashes can vary greatly, making it a distinctive experience for each person.
Advocacy and Education is Vital
One key issue that resulted from menopause previously being a taboo topic is a lack of education. In 2021, researchers at the University College London (UCL) found that shockingly over 90% of postmenopausal women had received no formal education about menopause at school. The majority of women only began seeking information when they started experiencing symptoms, and worryingly 49% of participants felt inadequately informed. The study, published in Post Reproductive Health, gathered data from 829 postmenopausal women through an online survey conducted in 2021.
To tackle this issue, UCL researchers have collaborated with leading women’s health charities to develop plans for the UK’s first menopause education programme. The concerning results emphasised the need for accessible and evidence-based education on the topic, which is why UCL academics have taken the initiative to develop a menopause education programme in the UK.
Advocacy for menopausal women in the workplace is also critical. According to research, menopausal symptoms lead one in four women to contemplate leaving their jobs, while many others opt to reduce their working hours or decline promotions. The UK Government recognised this and has appointed the first Menopause Employment Champion to improve workplace support.
Gen M, Leading the Menopause Revolution
An organisation taking charge of supporting menopausal women is Gen M – a brand-led movement aimed at enhancing the menopause experience for consumers and employees alike. Their objectives encompass raising awareness about the 48 symptoms, understanding their effects, and endorsing products and services to aid the 15.5 million menopausal women in the UK. They champion better representation of menopausal women in brand campaigns, emphasise the need to break the taboo and inspire other brands to participate in this positive change.
Recently, the Invisibility Report echoed the UCL findings and found that women feel unprepared, unsupported, and overlooked by society and brands. There is a need for better education, awareness and open discussion to improve the menopausal experience.
Through their impactful educational campaigns and collaborative efforts with businesses, Gen M is dedicated to making lasting improvements in the experience of menopause. We at elénzia are thrilled to announce our partnership with Gen M and pledge our commitment to enhancing everyone’s menopause journey.
Look out for our social media as we spotlight menopause throughout the month!
