World Menopause Day 2024

World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October. The theme for this year is Menopause Hormone Therapy (also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT in the UK). HRT is the main medicine treatment for menopause and perimenopause symptoms, which replaces hormones that are at low levels.     

Still sometimes considered a taboo topic, the menopause (and perimenopause) is a significant time in a woman’s life – and how this transitional period is experienced is very much individual to each person.   

Menopause, as explained by the NHS, is “when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier.” Menopause can also occur following surgery to remove the ovaries or uterus and can be triggered by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Perimenopause, meanwhile, is when the symptoms of menopause occur alongside your periods, so it ends once periods have stopped for 12 months – and then menopause begins. 

Common menopause and perimenopause symptoms can include (but are not limited to): 

• Mental health issues such as anxiety, brain fog, depression, mood swings and low self-esteem. 
• Irregular periods. 
• Physical symptoms such as hot flushes, lack of sleep, palpitations, headaches/migraines, muscle pain and various other symptoms. 

Some practical useful tips by Menopause NI to live a better menopause: 

• Eat Healthily - Eat a nutritious diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, phytoestrogens, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid trigger foods that may worsen hot flushes, such as spicy foods, or drinks hat are caffeinated/alcoholic. 
• Introduce Exercise & Mindfulness - Learn ways to relax and reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. Exercise regularly to prevent weight gain, improve mood, maintain muscle mass and strengthen bones. 
• Rest - Get plenty of rest, including keeping to regular sleep routines. Keep your bedroom cool at night, and have a cool shower, cold drink or use a fan to help aid a restful night’s sleep. 
• Seek Help - Sometimes we need to seek help when we are experiencing perimenopause or menopause symptoms. Talk to others who are going through menopause or people who can support you. Taking to other people going through the same thing can really help you understand your menopause symptoms and impact better. Your GP is an important source of support so having a conversation with them could be very helpful. 

Upcoming Events for World Menopause Day: 

• 14 to 18 October 2024 - Menofest by the HSC Health Trust. 
• 17 October 2024, 7.30pm - 8pm – Menopause and diet webinar. To register, click here.  
• 18 Oct – 2024, 11am - 4pm - MoneyHelper Pension specialists are offering 1-hour information sessions to explain what impact the menopause could have on your pension and how you can focus on saving for retirement. To register, click here. 

SERC has a menopause SOP to assist and support staff-  click here to access.  A digital toolkit and information on male menopause can also be accessed on the Mind Yourself app. 

Menopause NI offers short information videos in relation to menopause on topics such as incontinence, HRT and breast cancer, to access click here.

Additional Resources: 

• NHS
• British Menopause Society
• Women’s Health Concern
• International Menopause Society
• Menopause NI
• Menopause Together