Experiences and barriers to perimenopause and menopause support in Tower Hamlets

Healthwatch Tower Hamlets got feedback from 113 people via a survey about support for the perimenopause and the menopause.

Many people were unsure if the symptoms they were experiencing were related to perimenopause or menopause. 27% of respondents said that lack of knowledge of perimenopause and menopause had prevented them from accessing support, and 35% told us that having access to more information and educational resources would help them. 

Respondents said that learning about symptoms would prompt them to seek help sooner, and knowing what support is available locally would help them to navigate the system. Regarding the best ways to share information, most people (36%) suggested sharing it at GP practices or other healthcare settings, such as pharmacies or women’s health clinics. 33% of respondents suggested printed media such as leaflets and posters, and 32% suggested digital media, such as social media.

32% of the respondents also mentioned community outreach as an effective method of raising awareness of perimenopause and menopause. Most people said that the community outreach should involve educational workshops and talks led by health care professionals specialising in menopause, and some suggested more informal peer support groups. In addition, during  engagement activities to collect feedback for this project, Healthwatch received many requests to deliver information sessions and were asked questions about symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

Over half had positive experiences with healthcare professionals who provided effective and person-centred support and treatment. Of the respondents who had consulted a health care professional for their symptoms: 

• 61% of people from Asian backgrounds had an overall positive experience with a health care professional. This was true for 55% of respondents from Black and 50% from White backgrounds. •
• 51% reported feeling listened to by the health care professional, but 45% felt somewhat listened to or not at all. 
• 33% felt that the health care professional was very well-informed about menopause. However, 52% felt they were somewhat informed or uninformed. 
• 35% of respondents with a disability reported a negative experience with a healthcare professional compared to 21% of people with no disability.

The negative experiences with health professionals by the respondents were commonly related to dismissive attitudes, lack of knowledge of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, treatment options, and not receiving care and treatment that considered their specific needs and circumstances. There was also variation in the quality of care received from health care professionals, including multiple appointments with different providers, leading to delays in receiving appropriate care and treatment.