How to support women through menopause
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s ageing process where her periods eventually stop, and the chance of getting pregnant naturally comes to an end.
When do women experience menopause?
Women usually experience menopause between the ages of 45 - 55, as their oestrogen levels decline. However, according to the NHS, around 1 in 100 women experience menopause before the age of 40, which is known as premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency.1
Symptoms
Many women will experience menopausal symptoms, with varying durations and levels of severity. In fact, they affect 80-90% of women, with 25% describing them as severe.2
Menopause symptoms can have a considerable effect on a woman’s day-to-day life; 45% say their symptoms have negatively impacted their work.3
Some examples of menopause symptoms include:
Headaches
Hot flushes
Night sweats and trouble sleeping
Poor memory and concentration
Reduced sex drive
Low mood and anxiety
How you can offer support
Here are some top tips on ways that you can support women going through menopause:
Expand your knowledge by researching menopause and learning the facts. Having a greater understanding of menopause may help you to comfortably engage in more conversations about it.
Don’t be embarrassed or shy about discussing menopause, it’s a natural stage of life. The more open you are, the more you can help to break down the stigma.
Remember that every woman is different and will be going through her own experience. Treat every woman as an individual and don’t make assumptions.
Do not offer medical advice. Instead, provide a sympathetic listening ear and recommendations on where they can find appropriate support.
How can Simplyhealth help?
All our health plans come with the following standard features:
24/7 online GP appointments
Accessed through the SimplyPlan app or customers' online accounts. All our GPs have profiles you can view, so you can choose the doctor that’s right for you by requesting a male or female GP, a particular specialism, or availability.24/7 mental health and support
If you’re struggling to cope with symptoms or feeling overwhelmed, a qualified professional is waiting at the end of the phone to offer immediate practical information and emotional support.Digital muscle and joint pain assessments
Help with identifying and assessing conditions, such as back pain or pelvic floor weakness, and recommended next steps to treat concerns. Existing customers, visit My Health on the SimplyPlan app or online portal to find out more.Access to discounted and self-pay health and wellbeing services
Services for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support for different health areas, including at-home and in-clinic test kits, menopause coaching, medical scans, muscle and joint care, eye and skin health, and general health needs. All accessed via our SimplyPlan app or online account
Access to support and resources
Visit our Healthy Living Hub for educational content on a range of topics.Plus money back* towards:
Physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Chiropractic and Acupuncture costs
Dental, optical costs and a grant per day/night for hospital stays**
Prescription costs
*Annual benefit allowances apply per plan level
**Included from level 2 plan upwards for new customers.