Why This Matters
Menopause and menstruation-related issues significantly affect women's physical and mental health. Despite their widespread impact, these issues are often overlooked or inadequately addressed in society, workplaces, and healthcare systems. As Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Women's Health, aptly states, "Too often across society women's bodies are seen as an inconvenience, with their symptoms and health concerns not taken seriously enough."

Health Impact
Menopause and menstruation can bring about profound physical and emotional challenges, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. When left unaddressed, these symptoms can severely affect a woman's quality of life and mental well-being.

Workplace Impact
Women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. With more women experiencing menopause or related symptoms at work, the consequences are considerable:

• Job Satisfaction: Half of menopausal women report decreased job satisfaction.
• Retention Issues: An alarming 42% of women consider leaving work altogether due to menopause-related challenges.

Economic Impact
The toll of unmanaged symptoms extends beyond personal struggles, affecting businesses and the economy. UK employers lose approximately £45 billion and 17 million working days annually due to stress, depression, and anxiety linked to these health concerns.

Healthcare Concerns
A glaring gap exists in healthcare awareness and treatment options. One in four women who visit their GP with symptoms report not being asked about menopause, highlighting a critical shortfall in diagnosis and support.

What Can Help?
Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach involving therapy, positive psychology, workplace support, and healthcare improvements.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):Manages menopause symptoms, especially emotional distress.
   Assists in challenging negative thoughts, reducing stress, and improving sleep.
   Addresses physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
   Boosts self-esteem and strengthens relationships.
   
2. Positive Psychology:Provides tools to manage premenstrual tension (PMT).
   Focuses on building resilience and adopting coping strategies.
   Promotes gratitude and positive lifestyle habits.
   
3. Workplace Support:Initiatives like The Eve Appeal's "Every Woman Promise" advocate for inclusive workplace environments.
   Natasha Adams, Chief People Officer at Tesco, highlights their commitment: "We are proud to be a founding signatory to the Eve Appeal's Every Woman Promise, and to provide further advice and resources to our colleagues in this vital area of wellbeing."
   
4. Period-Positive Workplaces:Companies offering period products report reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and stronger collaboration among employees.
   Investing in menstrual health yields returns more than double the cost due to better retention and lower absenteeism.
   
5. Healthcare Improvements:Enhanced training and awareness for healthcare professionals can close gaps in diagnosis and treatment, ensuring women receive the care they need.
   

A Path Forward
Addressing menopause and menstruation-related issues is not just about improving women's health, ”it's about fostering workplace productivity, strengthening the economy, and enhancing societal well-being. With more awareness, supportive workplaces, and improved healthcare systems, we can create environments where women feel empowered to thrive at every stage of life.

Let's challenge outdated perceptions and start treating women's health concerns with the urgency and respect they deserve.