Our staff and their experience of menopause: Case study two

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.

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

Can you describe when and how you first started noticing symptoms of menopause?

It was the external symptoms – hot flushes mainly. Also brain fog – just not being able to think clearly at all. This is a scary thing – the first thing which comes to mind is that dementia is coming and fast.

How did you feel when you realized you were entering menopause?

Nothing in particular. Looking forward to stopping bleeding really – as someone who has bled heavily her whole life!

What physical symptoms have you experienced during?

I approached my doctor, and asked for and got started on HRT pretty quickly, so all the hot flushes have stopped. I have gained weight though and also have joint pain.

Which symptoms have been the most challenging for you?

The poor mental health – very low moods have been difficult to deal with.

Have you noticed any changes in your energy levels or sleep patterns?

My sleep has definitely been affected.

How has menopause affected your emotional well-being?

Massively.

Have you experienced mood swings, anxiety, or depression? If so, how have you managed them?

Not sure about mood swings (that suggests one day feeling great the next feeling low)– just lots of feeling extremely low. This was made better by an increase in Oestrogen, but the low moods are still there.

Do you feel that menopause has impacted your cognitive functions, such as memory or concentration?

Most definitely. My concentration span is terrible, but the brain fog is a lot better since starting HRT.

What strategies or treatments have you used to manage your menopause symptoms?

HRT – crucially getting the correct dosage, which hasn’t been easy. I am also on testosterone – which has helped sexual desire (somewhat) as well as joint pain and mental health.

How effective have these strategies or treatments been for you?

HRT has been a life saver – quite literally sometimes I think.

Have you sought professional medical advice or support? If so, how was your experience with healthcare providers?

I have found the process to be frustrating. I took the time to become knowledgeable about menopause – what’s happening to my body internally and externally. But there is a clear knowledge gap between me and the GP but also a power gap. One person (me) had better knowledge and the other person (my GP) had the power to prescribe HRT or not. I have never had the opportunity to talk to an NHS medical professional as equals about this (if that makes sense – and please don’t think I am coming at this from a place of superiority – that’s not it).

How has menopause affected your relationships with your partner, family, or friends?

Quite possibly in ways I don’t quite see or understand at this point.

Do you feel supported by those around you in dealing with menopause?

I haven’t asked for support, so that’s on me.

Have you talked openly about your menopause experience with others?

With some of my girlfriends – going through these things together. It also highlights how unique everyone’s circumstances are.

How has menopause impacted your work life or career?

There have been too many days when I have been unable to cope or work. But I have to get on with it somehow.

Have you found your workplace to be supportive of your needs during menopause?

Again, I haven’t asked for any help. So that’s on me.

Are there any accommodations or changes you think workplaces should make to support women going through menopause?

Possibly. For me the challenges were / are my poor mental health as my physical symptoms were cleared up by being on HRT. So, I don’t know. I am the oldest in my team so am going through this alone in many ways although I know my manager would be extremely understanding. It’s my inability in general to talk about things personal to me that is a blocker in many ways.

What has been the most surprising aspect of menopause for you?

How much it has impacted my life, mentally. I feel like I lost about two years of my life before my HRT was correct for me and I am often still not right. It’s very upsetting. On the odd days when I feel like me again, that’s when I realise how much of me is missing from the other days.

The other thing is how the drop in oestrogen is responsible for so many things – increased risk of CVD, dementia, osteoporosis, etc – I hope in future HRT will be seen more as a preventative aid.

What advice would you give to other women who are about to enter menopause?

Read up, follow experts on social media (there are some amazing trailblazers on Instagram). The shadow of the Women’s Health Initiative study still looms large and those myths still need to be dispelled.

Is there anything you wish you had known about menopause before experiencing it?

I honestly don’t think anyone could have prepared me for my poor mental health issues – as someone who had not experienced that before. No amount of knowledge could have prepared me for that. But following people who are experts and who know the best way to deal with it has been very helpful.

How do you feel about your body and health now compared to before menopause?

Putting on some weight has been freeing actually – and has made me re-evaluate the societal ‘norms’ thrust upon us as women. It’s been great that way.

Have your views on aging or womanhood changed because of your menopause experience?

I am probably even more of a feminist now.

What positive changes, if any, have you noticed since entering menopause?

There are some. Caring less about some things is freeing.