Experience of perimenopause and menopause in Suffolk
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Healthwatch Suffolk undertook research on experiences of perimenopause and menopause in Suffolk. They spoke to 425 people between July and September 2022 to understand the support, information and treatment available to women experiencing symptoms. Most respondents first experienced symptoms between the ages of 45 and 54, although almost a third reported symptoms between the ages of 35 and 44, and 76% said they were still experiencing symptoms at the time of the survey.
Many respondents reported significant impacts on their daily lives, including low mood, depression, hot flushes, brain fog, sleep disturbances, anxiety, reduced confidence and difficulties at work and in personal relationships. Although 83% had consulted their GP, experiences of support were mixed. Some praised knowledgeable and supportive clinicians, but many felt they were not listened to, were told they were too young to be experiencing perimenopause or menopause, or were offered antidepressants rather than specialist support.
HRT was the most commonly offered treatment and was frequently described as helpful. However, many respondents reported difficulties accessing HRT, specialist advice or accurate information. Women often turned to family and friends, the internet, social media, documentaries and menopause specialists for support. Respondents highlighted significant variation in the knowledge and confidence of healthcare professionals and felt there was insufficient recognition of the impact that perimenopause and menopause can have on wellbeing.
Healthwatch Suffolk concluded that there is a need for more specialist menopause services, better training for GPs and healthcare professionals, earlier recognition and diagnosis of symptoms, improved access to accurate information and support groups, and greater awareness that perimenopause and menopause can affect women for many years and at younger ages than is often assumed. Women wanted to be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and have access to informed specialist advice when seeking help.