Your NHS menopause experience
Download (PDF 1.04 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Bristol wanted to understand women’s menopausal experiences after hearing feedback about misdiagnosis. They collected feedback across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. They heard from 379 people.
There are low expectations when seeking medical support for the menopause, as many respondents feel healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with symptoms and don’t recognise the condition. Respondents’ symptoms have been mistaken by healthcare professionals, primarily confusing these with mental health difficulties.
Many respondents felt their menopause symptoms were not handled with compassion by healthcare professionals, and that they are not listened to.
Respondents wanted better access to NHS information regarding the menopause in a digital format and more information available inside care services.
Respondents said a healthcare hub or clinic with professionals who specialise in topics such as the menopause would help individuals feel more comfortable accessing the right support.
Perimenopausal individuals felt they struggled to be diagnosed, despite having voiced concerns to a service that perimenopause may be the cause of their symptoms.
Many post-menopausal individuals felt they were not given enough information on this stage.
Confusion about links to a risk of cancer inhibits some from using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Healthcare professionals refused some individuals HRT because of their history of cancer.
Respondents said healthcare professionals did not provide advice around alternative treatment options to HRT.
Under two in five stated the organisation they work for has a menopause policy, compared to 38% who said there is no policy in place. 23% were unsure of whether their work had any provision for this.
Respondents said follow-up care is lacking, including checking whether prescriptions are still suitable.
Some individuals felt forced to choose private healthcare services for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support for the menopause.
Cultural differences impact how some communities perceive and talk about the menopause and service providers should be aware of this.
Individuals with long-term conditions can struggle to separate the symptoms of the menopause from their condition. The menopause can worsen the effects of some individuals’ long-term condition symptoms.
Examples of good practice have been included from respondents who felt their symptoms were cared for well.
The report contains seven recommendations about service provision and delivery, information, staff training and access to support.