Menopause Awareness Training

Course content

1Introduction

As an introduction to the course, you’ll look at the importance of talking about menopause and be shown various menopause statistics. These help you understand why it is such an important topic. Menopause support in the workplace, the law, policies and procedures are all reflected upon in this opening chapter.

2Understanding menopause

This chapter will teach you everything you need to know about menopause. Through case studies, interactions and information it explores:

What is the menopause – we define what menopause is and explain it in simple and easy to understand terms.

The stages of menopause – you’ll learn about the three stages – perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.

Types of menopause – we look at the three types of menopause — natural menopause, induced menopause and premature menopause.

Who experiences menopause – a summary of the people who may experience menopause symptoms.

Symptoms of menopause – an in-depth section covering the multiple psychological, physical, and cognitive symptoms that may be experienced during perimenopause and menopause. This part of the course has been highlighted as being particularly helpful and informative to all employees.

3Menopause and the workplace

This chapter takes a look at where the UK workforce currently stands in relation to menopause and explores how menopause symptoms can and do affect people in the workplace.

We’ll share statistics to help you gain an understanding of the significant impact menopause can have in the workplace and you’ll be shown how menopause symptoms can affect a person’s ability to carry out day to day tasks. We explain the outcomes that this can have for productivity and ability to work.

In this section, you’ll also take a look at how the workplace itself can impact the symptoms of menopause, and what adjustments can be made to support menopausal workers.

You’ll find out about the importance of a supportive workplace environment and learn about the steps that can be taken to ensure that all workplaces are more inclusive and able to support menopause.

4Starting the menopause conversation

There are many reasons why talking about their menopause symptoms in the workplace can be very difficult for people. However, reluctance to talk about menopause related health problems can result in unnecessary difficulties with managing symptoms at work.

In this section of the training course, we’ll explain what some of the barriers to conversation may be and give you support and practical advice about how to approach your line manager.

We also provide information and advice for employees or employers who are approached by a colleague who wants to talk about their menopause experience. We’ll explain how to approach the conversation sensitively and make some suggestions about how to ensure a positive outcome.

5Support and advice

In this detailed chapter you’ll find out about what you can do to support others as well as yourself.

Supporting Others

Menopause can be challenging, but there are many ways to care for your own wellbeing. This chapter doesn’t just list options, it shows you how to put them into practice:

• Self-care: practical steps for improving sleep, nutrition, exercise routines and mindfulness, plus guidance on managing triggers such as smoking or stress.

• Medical support: a clear explanation of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other non-hormonal treatments, with advice on how to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

• Alternative therapies: insight into approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), herbal remedies, acupuncture and yoga, and how to decide what might suit you.

The course gives you the knowledge and confidence to explore these options and build a personal plan that works for your lifestyle.

6Reflection

To conclude the course, you’ll reflect on your new knowledge about the importance of understanding menopause in the context of the workplace, and answer some true or false questions.