World Menopause Month and World Menopause Day 2022

The WHO (World Health Organisation) and IMS (International Menopause Society) have designated October as World Menopause Month.

“The purpose of World Menopause Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.” (IMS)

Menopause facts

Menopause can be defined as the point where a woman has not menstruated for a period of 12 months. On average, this usually occurs between 45 and 55.

Periomenopause is when there are symptoms before menstruation stops. The more common symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, hot flushes, mood changes, and memory issues are well known.

However, other symptoms such as insomnia, recurrent UTIs, reduced muscle mass, joint stiffness, aches and pains and incontinence can cause a marked impact on physical and emotional wellbeing.

Every woman experiences menopause in a different way.

What’s this year’s theme?

The theme for World Menopause Day on 18 October 2022 is “Cognition and Mood”.

What you can do

Educating yourself on menopause, whether it impacts you personally, a loved one, or a work colleague, is the most essential step to take. Understanding the symptoms and how they can impact someone going through menopause will allow for greater empathy and support. This will allow the person going through menopause to feel supported without embarrassment.

There are a number of helpful online resources:

• Menopause – NHS
• Perimenopause Hub
• Daisy Network – Who we are
• Menopause Support – Supporting You Through Change

How is Ashtons supporting its employees?

Ashtons has previously run two workshops aimed at educating and increasing understanding within teams but also within management.

To raise awareness during Menopause Awareness Month in October, the firm is running two further workshops, one to support women in the firm specifically and the second as a workshop for Managers and Heads of Department to assist with supporting team members going through the menopause.

The firm also has a team of Mental Health First Aiders to support team members as needed.