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SRG Menopause Matters

Welcome to the self-reliant group Menopause Resource Page.

You are not alone!

Thanks to Trust Leeds’ self-reliant group members sharing their experiences, tips and support, this website page helps you to find encouragement and support, with resources inspired by members, for members (and anyone else!).

Numbers & figures

Menopause statistics

Experiences

Members share their experiences

Top Tips

Advice & tips from SRG members

Reflections

Member and celebrity reflections

Support

Free Apps and website links

Thanks also to support from:

  • Leeds Trinity University nursing students including Eloise, Sabeeha and Isabel.
  • Sharon from Burmantofts, Harehills & Richmond Hill PCN.
  • Sam and other members from Be Your Own Boss Self-Reliant Group.
  • Members from the Menopause SRG Day Camp and Menopause Self-Reliant Group.
  • 100% Digital, ABCD in Leeds, funded by Leeds City Council.
ABCD In Leeds Logo
Leed City Council logo

Menopause by Numbers and Figures

At the Trust Leeds Menopause Self-Reliant Group Day Camp, we asked members to write their symptoms on ‘Felicity’ - our blackboard figure!  You can see here the variety of ways that menopause can affect us.

A recent article in the Good Housekeeping Magazine highlighted the following statistics – we really are not on our own with our menopause symptoms!

  • There are an estimated 15.5m women in the UK today who are at some stage of the menopause transition
  • The average age of menopause is 51
  • 8 out of 10 women will experience symptoms
  • On average, women will experience 7 different symptoms
  • There are currently 40+ widely recognised symptoms

 

 

Members share their experiences

Scroll through the quotes below to see what some of our members have to say:

“Look after yourself; do things you enjoy, get out there and don’t judge others – or yourself. Walking helps me.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“Your body is going through a natural transition. Be kind to yourself and listen to what your body needs”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“I needed to persevere with my doctor... I really know my body and my erratic behaviour and I knew I didn’t just need anti-depressants.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“Don’t pay for leaflets or apps – there’s so much out there which is free!”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“Eating healthier always makes you feel better – I feel rubbish if I eat rubbish… It’s hard when you’re living on a budget but eat well as it helps you feel better and in control.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“Connecting is massive: face to face is best - being with other people helps massively (but digital can help too).”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“I keep a personal journal to keep a journey of my symptoms and the good days and bad days. I feel like this has helped track my progress and I am feeling healthier and still have things going on, I find it easy to use a diary.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“The friends and neighbourhood group helped me talk to others and gave me the support I needed.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“It is nice to know someone's around the corner to speak to.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member
“Keep a note (or a diary) to track your symptoms so you can remember how you feel over time.”
Trust Leeds SRG Member

Top Tips

  1. You’re not alone – other SRG members have been there too and are still on the journey… that’s what this page is all about!
  2. Join in – even if you don’t feel sociable, being part of a community of group or Self-Reliant Group really, really does help.
  3. Get out & about – walks, picnics, chats eg menopause walk, nature reserves
  4. Stay hydrated -  because it dries you up (down there too!)
  5. Discuss with your GP if you’re unsure about symptoms.
  6. Anti-depressants can be good – but HRT is there specifically for menopause: it’s definitely worth exploring.
  7. Stay informed – do your own research (tips on this page), talk to other people, share information, take up opportunities to visit Menopause Clinic.
  8. Eat a rainbow – lots of fresh fruit & vegetables of different colours and varieties. Keep up to date with your vitamins and minerals- taking basic vitamins is easy and can be super effective.
  9. Sleep is very important - at least 8 hours a night.
  10. Reduce tiggers – that can mean no or less alcohol and smoking.

Members and celebrity reflections

Sarah tells us:

“I found it really helpful keeping a journal on my phone – before and after the medication and now ongoing – because it helped me to: a) reflect on my behaviour and what I’ve gone through, b) think about where I want to be, and c) track changes with new and different medication… Because I’ve had dips in my mental health it really helps to look back at what I’ve been going through and dealt with – so I know the difference between menopause, life and mental health.”

In the Friends and Neighbours’ Self-Reliant Group, different members had different experiences. A few of them said that when they were going through menopause they didn’t struggle much. Others struggled with the hot flushes especially at night-time. Several said that they struggled much more and experienced more intense symptoms. It’s interesting to see that everyone’s menopause journey is different.

Older members explained that when they were going through the menopause it wasn’t talked about much, and there wasn’t any support. As a society it shows how far we have come when it comes to women’s health and wellbeing. Talking about it helps!

In an article in Good Housekeeping magazine, Davina McCall, tv presenter said:
“Being a menopause warrior has given me purpose in a way that I never had before.”

And journalist Mariella Frostrup explains:
“Equipped with knowledge and the right tools, menopause can be an enriching passage, culminating in a more confident and happier life.”

A group of women at a Trust Leeds Menopause Day
A Self Reliant Group at a Trust Leeds Menopause Day

Free apps and website links

These free apps and website links have all been reviewed and approved by our student nurses digital project team, and/or by Self-Reliant Group members.

NHS website, menopause page

www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

This is the place to start for NHS menopause support: from symptoms, treatments and guidance on seeing medical help.

Mind, Menopause and mental health page

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/menopause-and-mental-health/

This is a great site as it explores the impact of menopause on mental health, detailing symptoms like brain fog, anxiety and depression along with useful coping strategies and treatment options.

Healthwatch Leeds

www.healthwatchleeds.co.uk/our-work/how-does-it-feel-for-me/

This is a Leeds website which helps us to understand and find health and care in Leeds – they also want to know about our experiences and how to improve local services: a good place to give your feedback!

MenoLife Menopause Tracker

This app helps track symptoms and provides personalised insights and community support.
Available to Download on Ios and Android

Healthline Menopause

Your Complete Guide to Menopause

This health line website has a dedicated section for menopause articles, tips and resources

Healthline Menopause

This health line website has a dedicated section for menopause articles, tips and resources

Your Complete Guide to Menopause

My Menopause Doctor

This site offers advice from Dr Louise Newson, a leading menopause specialist

Your Menopause Doctor

Caria: Menopause & Midlife

This app offers symptom tracking and expert advice
Available to Download on Ios and Android

Menopause View

Symptom tracking, health reports educational content
Available to Download on Ios and Android

Peppy

Specialist support, symptom tracking, workshops and webinars and allows you to interact with others
Available to Download on Ios and Android

Balance Menopause support

Logs symptoms, offers insight, give community connect you with other women for support and shared experiences
Available to Download on Ios and Android

Further resources from Good Housekeeping Menopause Handbook magazine

Menopause by Numbers (You are not alone!)
  • There are an estimated 15.5m women in the UK today who are at some stage of the menopause transition
  • The average age of menopause is 51
  • 8 out of 10 women will experience symptoms
  • On average, women will experience 7 different symptoms
  • There are currently 40+ widely recognised symptoms
Quotes from inspiring women on the Menopause:
“The middle years of our lives should be some of the best.”
Gabby Logan, Presenter
“I never thought I'd be excited about turning sixty, but it’s a gift. It’s a stage where we know who we are and what we like, and I want to equip women so they can enjoy that time to the fullest.”
Liz Earle MBE, Entrepreneur
“I want to give a hug, a hand or a high five to those supporting, dreading, suffering, or thriving through menopause. Because, believe it or not, there’s a lot to celebrate, too!”
Karen Arthur, Podcast Host
“There are indeed some good aspects of menopause. Not having a period is, in a word, a freedom.”
Brooke Shields, Actor
Helpful Podcasts:
  • Is it Hot in Here? – Dr Naomi Potter (for the facts from a specialist)
  • Menopause Whilst Black – Karen Arthur (for diversity in the menopause)
  • Happy Hormones – Nicki Williams (for interviews with women)
  • Older and Wilder – Jenny Eclair and Judith Holder (for a giggle)
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