Our staff and their experience of menopause

Did you know that around 1 in 100 people experience menopause before the age of 40? Or that by 2030 the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women and people born with ovaries is projected to increase to 1.2 billion? For a health issue that impacts so many people and their loved ones around the world, there is still very little mainstream knowledge and discussion about its implications in the workplace.

The terms Perimenopause and Menopause are often used interchangeably, but they are very different experiences. Perimenopause is the time when we may start to experience menopausal symptoms – this usually begins in your early 40s but can also naturally begin in your 30s. Menopause is the point when our menstrual cycle has stopped for at least 12 months. What is also true is that menopause can also be brought on almost immediately following surgery to remove things like fybroids or endometriosis, or may be chemically induced following treatments for other diseases, like chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

In recognition of World Menopause Day, we've asked seven members of staff to share their insights, answer common questions, and offer any guidance they may have on navigating the experience of Perimenopause and Menopause. Whether you're experiencing it yourself, or want to be a better ally, we hope these personal experiences offer valuable knowledge, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations.

• Case study one
• Case study two
• Case study three
• Case study four
• Case study five
• Case study six
• Case study seven

For further information on the support available to you by the University, check out our line manager guidance available on our website.