Menopause advice and support

The menopause is part of the natural ageing process for women and people born with ovaries. Sometimes referred to as ‘the change’, it is the point in time when periods stop, marking the end of reproductive life. The term “menopause” is used when menstruation has ceased for 12 consecutive months.

Unfortunately, for many years the menopause has been a topic that has been surrounded in societal stigma, preventing people from talking and hearing about a natural stage of life. This has resulted in misinformation and a lack of awareness and support for people experiencing symptoms of the menopause at work.

Taking time to understand how a member of your team may be affected by the menopause at work is very important, and exploring together ways of alleviating any stress at work is an effective method of providing personalised support.

Additional information for line managers

• Menopause Guidance (.pdf)
• Holding Supportive Conversations About the Menopause Guidance (.pdf) 

Support available

As well as support from your GP, the Workplace Health Safety and Wellbeing team also offer the following menopause support:

• Joining our Menopause café where staff can meet up for a coffee with others going through the menopause to discuss any aspect of the menopause that they like and share their experiences. To register an interest in joining the group please email ohquery@essex.ac.uk
• Managers' Supporting Menopause in the Workplace e-learning, from Essex Working Well                
• Resources, including webinars listed on our Wellbeing Directory