Did you know……that only 10% of organisation in the UK have a Menopause policy in place. This is absolutely staggering when you consider the following:
- 71.4% of women are in the UK labour market – the highest it has been since 1971
- The Office of National Statistics have shown that women aged 50 to 64 are the fastest growing economically active group
- Menopause symptoms are costing the UK economy 14 million lost working days a year
- 370,000 working women in the UK have stated that they have either left or considered leaving their career, as dealing with the their symptoms in the workplace was too difficult
- The average cost to replace an employee in the UK is between £30,000 to £50,000
What is the menopause?
The menopause occurs after your periods cease. When your ovaries stop producing eggs, your oestrogen levels fall. However, the symptoms can present up to five years beforehand, as the oestrogen gradually declines. This is known as peri-menopause.
Among its many functions, oestrogen is thought to aid cognition and memory. It also affects collagen in the skin, maintains bone density and keeps blood vessels clear of the sticky deposits that cause damage and can lead to cardiovascular disease. It maintains the pH balance in the vagina, reducing the likelihood of infections, prevents the vaginal wall from thinning and keeps the area moist. In short, a decline in oestrogen can wreak mental and physical havoc, with symptoms often worsening over time.
Women need to understand the menopausal process, what diet and lifestyle factors they can change to reduce symptoms and improve later health and what treatment options are available.
Education is needed for healthcare professionals so that women are given accurate and consistent advice. The British Menopause Society (BMS) has many educational events and resources available and are working hard to implement its vision for menopause care in the UK.
If you want to build your own knowledge on the subject, work towards putting a policy in place and understand the adjustments you could put in place to create a support and comfortable working environment please get in touch for further information 01623 409824 or email info@futureproof-training.co.uk.
