Menopause and me: experiences of support and information on perimenopause and menopause

Healthwatch Bolton wanted to understand what information and support  on the menopause and perimenopause that women found helpful and how the menopause and perimenopause was affecting their lives, after receiving feedback on this issue.  They arranged information sessions for women in the community and ran a survey to which 143 women responded.

The majority of respondents were either post-menopausal or perimenopausal.  Many women report the same symptoms, with brain fog being the most common, followed by difficulty concentrating, hot flushes, night sweats, low mood and joint pain. Out of 131 respondents who answered the question, 94 reported that it had impacted on their mental health, 87 saying family life had been affected, and 84 saying their physical health was affected. This has also impacted on social life and working life. Feelings of being alone and isolation were also expressed by respondents.

When asked about whether they had found any useful information about peri/menopause, the majority (63) said they felt somewhat informed with only 24 saying they felt well informed and 17 saying they did not feel they had found any suitable information. When asked about what they had found was the best source of information, respondents said; the internet and websites, friends and family and peer/support groups. 

When asked what barriers people felt there were to accessing information, women cited issues with their GP and other health professionals.  They felt that the GP didn't understand or had out of date knowledge.  They didn't recognise the symptoms or investigate them properly. Some women felt uncomfortable discussing symptoms with male GPs.  Others cited problems getting a GP appointment in the first place. For some women, language was a barrier or even the stigma of talking about it within their community.

The majority of respondents did not feel that health and care professionals had enough knowledge to support them. Some people did report that their GP was very supportive and well informed, but many people commented that GPs did not know enough about the subject. Some respondents did report that other health professionals such as female practice nurses, did have more knowledge and expertise. Some respondents felt that they were being prescribed anti-depressants to deal with the symptoms rather than being treated for their menopausal symptoms. Some felt that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), was the only treatment being offered, without much else. HRT information was also problematic with some finding the information leaflet very negative and worrisome.