PRIME Minister Theresa May has backed Redditch MP Rachel Maclean’s menopause campaign.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (January 30), Mrs Maclean took the opportunity to ask the Prime Minister to urge employers to provide more support for women going through the menopause.
With more women in work than ever before, this means more women will suffer from perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms while at work.
Using her own personal experience, Mrs Maclean has been working with menopause experts and support groups to raise awareness of the menopause, particularly the impact it has on women at work.
This was an issue Theresa May acknowledged when backing Mrs Maclean’s campaign and urged employers to do more to support employees going through the menopause.
Rachel said: “Talking about the menopause is really one of the last taboos in our society we still need to tackle.
“I’m not afraid to stand up and start talking about menopausal symptoms in a House of Commons which isn’t used to hearing such things.
“Taboos are there for tackling, and the menopause is certainly one I’m tackling head on.
“Most responsible employers now have health and wellbeing policies, but these need to be updated to include specific reference to the menopause and the huge range of symptoms.
“Working with campaigners, I hear time and again that women had no idea the symptoms they experienced including depression, anxiety, exhaustion, memory problems, mental health problems, migraines, mood swings, loss of libido, and more, were connected with the menopause.
“Or even that they could experience these while in peri-menopause, before their periods have stopped and in the run up to the menopause – meaning they suffered in silence or failed to get appropriate treatment.
“By increasing awareness of what the menopause might actually involve, employers can provide a vital role helping women take the first step to help themselves. Many good employers also offer a range of additional support including peer to peer support groups, networks, counsellors, all of which play a critical part to ensure women stay well and active.”
