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.
It is difficult to pinpoint as I think menopause hit me alongside a medical issue and medication where some symptoms overlap with those of menopause.
I have to assume that at least some of my symptoms are related to menopause. Given my age, I have accepted that. Nobody wants to acknowledge they are aging but, as we are powerless to stop it, I have just gone along with it, trying to minimise impact and knowing that what I am experiencing will pass.
Night sweats (although not frequently or as severe as others seem to. Having not experienced it before, I do struggle with anxiety but I don’t know if that is a symptom of menopause or linked to my condition and/or medication.
Memory issues persist. Depression is no longer an issue following the change in medication to control my health issue.
I cannot be sure but is quite possible.
I tried but HRT but very quickly realised that it exacerbated my medical condition so immediately came off it.
What has been effective in managing my anxiety has been regular yoga practice.
Yes, with office colleagues who are experiencing menopause.
Anxiety at work is an issue that I am grappling with as I have never experienced it before. But again, it may be because of the manifestations of my medical condition. I just don’t know. But it does present problems for me at work.
Supportive of my needs but not ‘labelled’ as due to menopause.
I think the University is good at acknowledging the issues that people face in general and taking action to support. I think we have a lot more support than is available in other workplaces.
The change in what I can do and feeling powerless to do anything about it.
Use the wide range of information resources that exist so that you can recognise symptoms and not worry that something is wrong with you.