Menopause matters! Phase 2

Healthwatch Rochdale wanted to understand ethnic minority women's experience of the menopause.  They spoke to 135 women via a survey and a focus group.

The majority of participants were not aware that some of the symptoms they were experiencing were due to perimenopause or menopause. They were aware of some of their symptoms but not others and many people also had other health conditions that symptoms were similar to perimenopause and menopause. When asked about treatments available to them, more specifically Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), many women felt they did not know enough about it or the alternative treatments available.

People felt there was a lack of culturally appropriate information around perimenopause and menopause. People said they were unaware of the signs and symptoms, and some felt health professionals did not offer them enough advice and information around perimenopause or menopause, and when they did it was not enough to cope with signs and symptoms or pathways of treatment/medication. People also felt that there was a lack of true, up to date and accurate information.

Some felt there was a lack of support available both professionally and locally. The majority of people accessed traditional health services, but some felt they weren’t supported or listened to, and that advice and support given was not personalised and appropriate. Many also felt health professionals were dismissive. A small number accessed local support groups that were based within the community they lived and a very small number of social prescribers, but none had accessed a well woman clinic.

The report contains six recommendations about staff training, having a menopause expert, signing up to the menopause pledge, appropriate information and care pathways.