Improving recognition and support for women experiencing the menopause
Intended for healthcare professionals
Evidence and practice    

Improving recognition and support for women experiencing the menopause

Elizabeth Collier Senior lecturer in mental health nursing, University of Derby, Derby, England
Alicia Clare Director, BlueSci, Manchester, England

Why you should read this article:
  • To enhance your awareness of the effects the menopause can have on mental health

  • To acknowledge the need to consider a diagnosis of menopause in women aged between 45 and 55 years

  • To learn about practical approaches healthcare professionals can use to support women experiencing the menopause

The menopause typically occurs in women aged between 45 and 55 years and its effects may last for several years. While the experience of menopause is an individual one, frequently reported symptoms include sleep disturbances, hot flushes, anxiety and suboptimal memory. Managers and staff are often not well-informed about the menopause and organisations typically have no support in place. Women themselves may not recognise that they are experiencing menopausal symptoms. The psychological effects of menopause can be interpreted as mental illness, which may not be helpful if potentially inappropriate psychiatric medicines are prescribed.

This article outlines actions that healthcare professionals and employers can take to improve the recognition and support of women experiencing the menopause. Improving knowledge and skills in this area will contribute to a work environment where these women feel that their needs are addressed.

Mental Health Practice. doi: 10.7748/mhp.2021.e1590

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

@MHlatelife

Correspondence

e.collier@derby.ac.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Collier E, Clare A (2021) Improving recognition and support for women experiencing the menopause. Mental Health Practice. doi: 10.7748/mhp.2021.e1590

Published online: 09 November 2021

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