How do I start talking about menopause?

Information placed on this website is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your healthcare professional.

This website is intended for a UK audience only.

Around 13 million people in the UK are going through menopause right now,¹ yet it’s still a taboo subject. It’s not easy to start talking about, but these tips can help you start the conversation and get the help and advice you need.

How to speak to your GP

If you have concerns about any symptoms linked with perimenopause and menopause, the best thing to do is book an appointment with your GP, letting the appointments team know that you want to discuss your menopause if you feel able to. You might find certain things difficult or embarrassing to discuss, but your GP is there to help you, and the more information you can give, the better they can treat you.

Find out more about what to expect when you visit your GP

Talking to your family or friends

When explaining menopause to your family, it’s important for your loved ones to know how you’re feeling so that they can support you. Some of us find it very easy to talk about personal topics, but some of us simply aren’t used to communicating in that way.

If you’re struggling to share how you’re feeling, you could start by mentioning your symptoms and then leading onto the fact that they could be perimenopause- or menopause-related, for example:

You know I’ve been getting scatty lately, leaving my phone at home…

Menopause in the workplace

A survey by the British Menopause Society found that 45% of women felt that menopausal symptoms had a negative impact on their work.² If you feel this way, you have the right to ask for reasonable adjustments under the UK Equality Act of 2010.³ This might mean having a fan on your desk, flexible working hours, or tech assistance to help keep track of your to-do list when brain fog strikes.

References

NHS England Engage. Menopause in the workplace. Available at: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/safety-and-innovation/menopause-in-the-workplace/ Accessed October 2023.
NHS Inform. Menopause and the workplace. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/womens-health/later-years-around-50-years-and-over/menopause-and-post-menopause-health/menopause-and-the-workplace Accessed October 2023.
Legislation.gov.uk. Equality Act 2010. Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/data.pdf Accessed October 2023.