The Committee have invited Veronica Hyde, Member of the British Menopause Society to discuss menopause awareness.

The Committee welcomed Veronica Hyde, member of the British Menopause Society who had been invited to the meeting to discuss menopause awareness.

Ms Hyde described her own journey and experience that had led to her establishing a charity and work with the British Menopause Society to educate people and raise awareness about the menopause. She stated that awareness of this issue was very poor amongst both the general public and health professionals. She described that the average age for the menopause to start was 51, and the life expectancy for women was 83 and that women could experience perimenopause symptoms in their early 40s.

She described that following the menopause women had a 20% reduction in their bone density and that cognitive function was effected that resulted in depression and anxiety. However due to a lack of understanding amongst GPs patients presenting with symptoms were often placed on the wrong care pathways, such as being prescribed antidepressants. She stated that this lack of understanding was replicated across the health service with the result that women’s health and wellbeing was adversely effected with implications for their employment and personal relationships.    

She requested that Members supported her campaign to raise awareness of the menopause and call for further research into this important area and support the call for GP menopause awareness training, in line with NICE guidance. She also requested support for voluntary groups to deliver Menopause Cafes that were invaluable to offer support, understanding and information to both men and women experiencing the menopause. She also stated that workforce policies should be reviewed to ensure that they did not discriminate women experiencing the menopause and exampled of good practice could be provided.  

She stated that she would welcome the support of Councillors to promote and facilitate events in support of World Menopause Day on 18 October 2019.

A Member commented that there was a gender bias in both the delivery of health care and health research.

The Director of Corporate Affairs, Manchester Health and Care Commissioning thanked Ms Hyde for her contribution and informed the Committee that he would discuss the issues raised with the Manchester Health and Care Commissioning Executive Board and he would then liaise with Ms Hyde directly.

A Member recommended that the Chair of the Committee consider options for supporting World Menopause Day. The Chair commented that he would also speak with the relevant Executive Member to raise the issue of menopause awareness to ensure that this was reflected in the Council’s workforce policy. A Member commented that she would also raise the issue of menopause awareness and employment at a GM level as part of the work on the GM Good Employment Charter.

Decisions                

1. To thank Ms Hyde for attending the meeting and addressing the Committee;

2. To recommend that the Chair of the Committee consider options for supporting World Menopause Day on 18 October; and

3. To recommend that the Chair speak with the relevant Executive Member to raise the issue of menopause awareness to ensure this is reflected in the Council’s workforce policy.