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Who menopause affects (and how it affects them)
On average, menopause tends to occur when women are in their mid to late 40s or early 50s, however this is not always the case. Research has also shown that one in every 100 women will experience menopause before the age of 40, either in their 30s or even earlier. It is also important to note that menopause can also be induced earlier than it would have been due to a separate illness, such as cancer or surgical intervention.
Physical symptoms of menopause can include the following:
- hot flushes
- night sweats
- insomnia
- fatigue
- poor concentration
- headaches
- joint aches
- skin irritation and dryness
- dry eyes
- urinary problems
- hair loss.
Menopause can also have an impact on people’s mental health, for lots of different reasons. Changes in hormones can affect mood, sleep and memory. Menopause may open up feelings about significant life stages, like ageing or no longer being able to become pregnant. Physical symptoms may be embarrassing or uncomfortable which can affect how we feel. And menopause can still be stigmatised and difficult to talk about, which can be hard to cope with. Potential psychological reactions can include the following:
- depression
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- mood swings
- irritability
- problems with memory
- loss of confidence.
You should be aware that menopause is a biological process related to sex, and therefore you should ensure that any actions you take or policies you create are inclusive for people who are trans or non-binary.