Some of you may have seen BBC’s Panorama programme ‘The Menopause Industry’ last night. The programme looked at important issues around menopause, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and discussions around appropriate HRT dosing, particularly regarding oestrogen.
Menopause is a natural phase of life and HRT is just one of many options available to manage its symptoms. Given the importance of this topic, we want to acknowledge any concerns it may have raised and signpost to support available.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for support and guidance in the first instance but we do also have help and support available at Sussex:
The Menopause web pages are a great resource for anyone experiencing symptoms as well as those wanting to find out more. Some of the support you can find there includes:
- Is it the menopause? A downloadable NHS symptom checker.
- how to have a conversation with your GP/healthcare provider;
- what to do if menopause symptoms are affecting you at work;
- University’s Menopause Policy and related documents;
- HRT FAQs
The Staff Wellbeing Hub has access to more support, including information about Mental Health First Aiders, who are trained to listen non-judgementally, provide support and reassurance and signpost to appropriate professional services.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Available to all employees, the EAP provides confidential counselling services that can help manage the emotional and psychological impacts of menopause.
We also have an MS teams chat group which provides informal peer-led support. Anyone wishing to join can email l.whittaker@sussex.ac.uk and be added. There is no intention of leading participants to any conclusion, product or course of action; and the chat is an open, respectful and confidential space where people can express their views safely. It is open to all, regardless of gender or age on a not-for-profit basis.