Report: your NHS menopause experience
A lack of compassion from healthcare professionals, difficulty identifying menopausal symptoms, and confusion around HRT and alternative treatment options are among the issues raised by almost 400 people who shared their experience with us.
Women spoke to us about their battles to be diagnosed, treated and supported during the menopause. Their stories have also helped us identify where there are gaps in services and how care should be improved.
Download the full report below.
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Your NHS menopause experience: Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
There's always a reluctance to engage in any conversation about menopausal issues.
Key findings
- Perimenopausal individuals felt they struggled to be diagnosed, despite having voiced concerns to a service that perimenopause may be the cause of their symptoms.
- Many post-menopausal individuals felt they were not given enough information on this stage.
- Confusion about links to a risk of cancer inhibits some from using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Healthcare professionals refused some individuals HRT because of their history of cancer.
- Respondents said healthcare professionals did not provide advice around alternative treatment options to HRT.
- 38% of respondents stated the organisation they work for has a menopause policy, compared to 38% who said there is no policy in place. 23% were unsure of whether their work had any provision for this.
- Respondents said follow-up care is lacking, including checking whether prescriptions are still suitable.
- Some individuals felt forced to choose private healthcare services for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support for the menopause.
- Cultural differences impact how some communities perceive and talk about the menopause and service providers should be aware of this.
- Individuals with long-term conditions can struggle to separate the symptoms of the menopause from their condition. The menopause can worsen the effects of some individuals’ long-term condition symptoms.
This research provides solid evidence of the need for more responsive service provision and highlights the importance of better training for GPs and all health professionals.
Recommendations
- Creation of a specialist walk-in hub or community clinic for women during menopause, providing follow-ups and reviews, which can be accessed without referral.
- Ensure awareness information is sent to all women in preparation for premenopause, so women know which services are available for support, including accessible options.
- Appoint designated leads in each Primary Care Network who provide specialist advice and signposting on the menopause.
- Launch an awareness campaign that takes menopause and its symptoms seriously.
- Health settings should signpost to trusted information including those online about the menopause, with information that resonates with our diverse local communities.
- Mandate menopause and cultural competence training to health professionals who offer menopause support, to enable women to make informed choices and avoid myths.
- Create co-delivery services of support in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire area for the menopause, encouraging peer support.
