Charlotte Birch’s Post

📺 Beyond the Headlines: What Menopause Support Women Really Need World Menopause Month is here! But while it should be a month of support and awareness, it seems all eyes are on last night’s BBC Panorama programme featuring Dr. Louise Newson (catch it on iPlayer if you’re curious, though I wouldn't rush!). I won’t dive into the findings or my views on the programme - there are medical experts better equipped to debate that. I am, however, looking forward to how this conversation evolves, and how the dialogue on HRT dosing is shaped by proven research & clinical proof. What is crystal clear to me right now is that desperate women are driven to seek out these private menopause clinics in the first place. And why? ➡️ 18-month waiting lists for NHS specialists. ➡️ Dismissive GPs suggesting “put up with it; it’s just part of midlife.” ➡️ Refused HRT on the NHS, leaving them desperate for symptom relief. ➡️ A longing to feel ‘normal’ again and end the misery of symptoms. ➡️ Desire to save relationships or careers from the strain of menopause. And so it goes on...! The real issue is the broader lack of research, education, and support services around menopause. Yes, improvements are happening, but we have a long road ahead. To truly support women, we need: ✅ More funding & research ✅ Better education & training ✅ Broader access to accurate information & treatment options—both in healthcare and workplaces. I am grateful, as ever, for the guidance of Menopause Experts Group Limited - their evidenced based training, unbiased view on all things menopause, and their drive for informed choices for women. If last night’s programme left you feeling worried about your HRT dosage, my advice is simple: speak to your GP or a menopause specialist before making any changes. Now, let’s please shift the focus to the positive impact we can all make - advocating for better menopause awareness, understanding, and support in our workplaces. Let's make #MenopauseAwarenessMonth count! Caryn #helpnotheadlines #HRT #Menopauseatwork #Menopause https://lnkd.in/eDVTAYWY

The menopause is a physiological process experienced by all women after midlife. The perception and experience of the menopausal period is unique to each woman. Let's learn more on today's article below https://lnkd.in/dUA9S9HF

🌸 The Evolution of Menopause Care: From Traditional Approaches to Next-Gen Solutions 🌸 Menopause care is evolving, and it's time to embrace innovative solutions that prioritize comprehensive support for all. In our latest blog, we explore how traditional methods have paved the way for next-gen solutions, including Stork Club’s personalized approach to menopause care. Whether it's symptom management, hormonal treatments, or emotional support, we're redefining what's possible for women’s health during this critical life stage. Discover how Stork Club is leading the way in empowering employers to provide enhanced care for their teams. Read more about the future of menopause care here! ⬇️ https://ow.ly/zBh650TTuJw #MenopauseCare #WomensHealth #NextGenSolutions #WorkplaceBenefits #HealthcareInnovation

As #menopauseawarenessmonth is coming to an end, let’s debunk some common myths. ❌Menopause always start in your 50s❌ Menopause can start much earlier for some. Though, the average age is 51 in the UK, perimenopausal symptoms can start as early as late 30s or early 40s. It’s also important to remember that there are conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature menopause in those under the age of 40. These can be triggered by genetics, autoimmune diseases, or medical treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. ❌Menopause is the same for everyone regardless of race or ethnicity ❌ Menopause can manifest differently across racial and ethnic groups for a variety of reasons including genetics, lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare disparities. Research shows that Black women, for instance, enter menopause at younger ages and tend to experience more severe menopausal symptoms which lasts longer and worsen in severity with time. Similarly, South Asian women also enter menopause at younger ages from other racial or ethnic backgrounds, sometimes as early as their early 40s increasing their risks of health issues like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease due to the longer period without protection of the incredible hormone oestrogen. Much research is still needed in this area. Please partake in the Habari Research which seeks to better understand the taboos, practices and support in place to those experiencing the menopause. Please click the link here to partake and share with others too. https://lnkd.in/eFMHkpB2 ❌Menopause is the end of sexual desire and pleasure.❌ Whilst it’s true that the drop in oestrogen levels during menopause can cause genitourinary symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness and irritation, which can affect intimacy, it does not automatically mean an end to sexual desire or pleasure. For many women and those experiencing menopause, it can bring newfound sexual freedom, especially from past concerns of unplanned pregnancies, a sense of agency and excitement in their intimate lives. There are also treatment options that can help manage symptoms such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), vaginal moisturers and more and should be offered and mustn’t be overlooked. What myths have you heard that you want to debunk? Let me know in the comments ♥️ #menopause #menopausestories #menopauseawareness Vikram Sinai Talaulikar Dr Yansie Rolston

My feelings about this editorial are complicated. I am a board-certified OB/GYN and certified menopause physician through the Menopause Society since 2016. I have witnessed the menopause revolution that has taken place in the last several years. And as someone who is on the frontlines of care, I do have excitement that this conversation is front and center (including on the Super Bowl MainStage!) The Lancet is a respected journal but misses the mark here. The introduction sets the tone as though the concerns for women are at the heart of a more balanced conversation. Yes, there are plenty of snake oil salespeople on the internet peddling nonsense and making big promises and claims. However, let us be clear: very few people are actually having conversations with their care providers about menopause, the symptoms that they experience, or how to best cope. - Physicians are ill-equipped to have a conversation about menopause. A 2019 study found that among graduating internal medicine, family medicine, and OB/GYN residents, only 7% felt comfortable caring for people in the menopausal transition. - While there are some who transition without any symptoms, that truly is the exception. In fact, 75% of people will experience vasomotor symptoms, 40% may experience changes to their mood, and 45% experiencing brain fog and generalized adverse neurocognitive changes. These symptoms are just the tip of the iceberg. They are not insignificant and dramatically affect quality of life. - And for women of color, the statistics are more stark. The Swan study showed that Black women, for example, tended to have more intense symptoms, longer lasting symptoms, and less likely to be offered treatments to help alleviate their suffering. Shared-decision should be at the center of this editorial. Our patients are smart and can weigh the pros and cons. Where do we start? We can start by prioritizing education of our physicians on menopause and the global affect it can have on our patients. In 2024, I still have patients who are being ignored and frankly gaslit by their physicians when menopause comes up. "You'll be fine." "Tough it out." "Your labs are normal, nothing is wrong with you." "These women are built differently these days. Our mothers and grandmothers didn't need any of this stuff." (All comments I have heard from patients about their experiences talking about their menopausal symptoms with healthcare clinicians. It is ignorance at best and negligence at worst. Before we can have a balanced conversation, we need to start having the conversation first.

Menopause encompasses much more than the common hot flashes. It’s a complex transition with various aspects that often get overlooked. To help clear up some of the confusion, check out this insightful resource from the Mayo Clinic that debunks common menopause myths using evidence-based science. Understanding menopause fully empowers us to navigate this life stage with greater confidence and clarity. Dive into the article to expand your knowledge and challenge the misconceptions! #Menopause #Health #Science #WomenWellness #MayoClinic #MythBusting https://lnkd.in/gQUXzKad

❗ Menopause in the Workplace – BE PART OF THE CHANGE❗   ☀️ It's truly inspiring to witness leaders like Sarah Chavarria, the CEO of Delta Dental Ins., openly discussing her own menopause and actively contributing to the national conversation to raise awareness and drive support. 👅Sarah's commitment to addressing this important topic led Delta Dental to launch its first-ever Oral Health and Menopause Report which found that 84% of women were unaware of how hormonal changes during menopause could affect their oral health. Symptoms such as dry mouth, receding gumlines, burning tongue, altered taste, and tooth sensitivity, pain, or decay were identified as common menopausal changes. 💓I share Sarah's passion for promoting discussions and believe demystifying menopause is crucial, especially in professional settings. We must collectively break down barriers and encourage open conversations about menopause, in all aspects of our lives. 🌍BE PART OF THE CHANGE ➡️The call to action is for more individuals, particularly leaders and role models, to speak up, demystify menopause, and break down barriers. By doing so, we can collectively drive positive change in the care and support that women receive during menopause. Importantly, the aim is to ensure that no woman feels alone during this significant phase of life. https://lnkd.in/guDc_vjd #ShareYourStory #Menopause #BreakTheStigma #Leadership #MenopauseAtWork #MenopauseInTheWorkplace #Menopause #MenopauseSymptoms #MenopauseHealth # #MenopauseSupport #Menowar #AllisonLewin  Menopause Experts Group Limited

🌟 Bringing Menopause to the Forefront of Women's Health Conversations A groundbreaking study out of British Columbia is shedding light on the multi-faceted impacts of menopause—a topic often overlooked despite affecting nearly half the population. The research highlights not only the physical symptoms but also the significant emotional and economic toll that menopause can have on individuals and workplaces alike. This study is a wake-up call for us in women's health and tech: it’s time to address menopause openly, drive meaningful dialogue, and create supportive environments both in healthcare and in the workplace. Key findings reveal that the effects of menopause extend beyond the personal, influencing productivity and well-being at work. With the average age of onset overlapping with critical career stages, it’s vital that we build systems that support women through this transition—empowering them to thrive, not just cope. At FemTech Sphere, we're committed to supporting start-ups in developing solutions that prioritize women's unique health needs, including menopause. By combining innovation, empathy, and research-driven insights, we can support impactful change in workplaces and beyond. Let’s ensure that the next generation of health solutions truly reflect women’s lived experiences. https://lnkd.in/eMG5Tiqn #WomensHealth #Menopause #FemTech #Innovation #genderdatagap

According to recent data, it seems menopause symptoms are getting worse. Evidence suggests that it's not just increased stress nor just environmental for today's menopausal woman, however, there is still a lack of research and understanding into why. Tracking and monitoring symptoms helps women when speaking with their healthcare specialist. MoxieCoachApp not only tracks and supports self-management of symptoms but also our mission is to aid global research to improve treatment and management for menopausal women globally. #socialimpact #improvingwomenshealthresearch #menopause #menopausemanagement #menopausetreatment #womenshealth #perimenopause #moxiecoachapp https://lnkd.in/gSWEwrnj

🌻Join Us for an Important Discussion on Women's Health🌻 Menopause Talk CIC invites women to an exclusive, interactive session with Dr Hoda Harb Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist to discuss endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS. Conditions that impact the lives of millions of women in the UK but are too often left in the shadows. ❓️❓️❓️Did you know❓️❓️❓️ 🔸 Endometriosis affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK, causing chronic pain, fertility issues, and much more! 🔸 Adenomyosis impacts up to 1 in 10 women, often causing heavy, painful periods and lots more! 🔸 PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects 1 in 5 women, leading to hormonal imbalances, long-term health concerns, and a whole lot more! These conditions are more common than many think, yet conversations around them are still surrounded by silence. It’s time to break that silence. This event offers a safe space to learn, share, and connect with others experiencing similar challenges. 🗓 Date: Saturday, 2 November 2024 🕒 Time: 2pm - 5pm 📍Venue: MAC, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Learn about the signs, symptoms, and available support for these conditions in a supportive environment. Hot drinks and a selection of biscuits will be served. 🎟 Tickets: £5.00 Limited to 25 spaces. Book now to avoid disappointment! https://lnkd.in/egmvmw3d For more information, contact Aamilah Begum (Shajna) or email info@menopausetalk.org.uk Let’s come together and create a space where women’s health is openly discussed and supported. #endometriosis #endometriosisawareness #adenomyosis #herhealth #pcos #polycysticovariansyndrome #womenshealth #menopause #perimenopause #midlandsartcentre