top of page

What women want...

  • 2 days ago
  • 6 min read

Hello everyone...


Well this year feels like it's rollicking by at a fast pace already!


The start of the year is always a busy one at Let's Talk Menopause giving talks to numerous organisations who have whirled into action. It's always wonderful to see and speak to such a diverse range of people from all walks of life...one of the perks of my job!


Back to the topic...I thought you might find this recent article useful that I wrote for the Menopause Matters Magazine (published in the recent spring 2026 Menopause Matters magazine) Relevant points for everyone throughout. Happy reading.


What Women Want...

Or perhaps another way to look at this…

What Women Think They Want - and What They Actually Need.


For decades, women have voiced the same core ‘wants’; answers to why debilitating symptoms are happening, wanting a quick fix for those symptoms, and often harder to fulfil – a timely access to GPs and practice nurses.


Then there’s the ultimate want - to feel like their normal selves again.


At the heart of this is a very human need – a want to feel heard, reassured, and supported with clear, trusted information and effective symptom management. For many women, a significant amount could be resolved simply by having quality time with someone qualified to listen and guide them.


In reality, we are all unfortunately aware, there just aren’t enough ‘feet on the ground’ to provide that level of support. This accompanied by the ‘Menopause world’ going absolutely bonkers. The internet is saturated with individuals and companies promoting supposed solutions – often driven by alternate end goals compared to those who are genuinely passionate and qualified to help and support.


The overwhelming amount of misinformation can frequently leave many feeling confused and uncertain, struggling to manage symptoms effectively, and often having to endure a more prolonged and frustrating transition.


What Do Women Actually Need…


Before answering that, let’s just recap on covering a couple of basics as many forget that this transitional stage of life for women is such an individualised experience. No two women will experience it in the same way, which makes generalising about ‘what every woman wants’ nigh on impossible!


Hormonal changes - there’s no way of predicting what you’re going to experience when those hormones start going all wonky. Each individual will experience a differing range of symptoms and different intensities of those symptoms. When it comes to managing them…well that’s another ball game altogether…what works for one woman may not work for another.

Rather than copious notes here’s a simple check list which may help:


Stick to trusted information

Avoid wasting time going down rabbit holes following social media posts promising miracle cures – there are none! Only use credible, evidence-based resources such as those listed at the end of this article.


Understand what’s happening to your body

Knowing why symptoms occur and why some people seem to sail through this stage of life can be incredibly reassuring and empowering: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/


Track your symptoms – how is your body behaving

Keep a diary…sounds nerdy & time consuming to some but give it a try - tracking patterns of behaviour and cycles can really help to focus on the most troublesome symptoms. Notice whether certain foods, drinks, situations, or stressors make symptoms better or worse. Taking time to observe your body matters: https://www.letstalkmenopause.co.uk/


Mental Health

The “wired one minute, mush the next” menopausal brain can be incredibly frustrating, often alarming, but also overwhelming. Understanding that these cognitive changes are very common during the menopause transition, that simple lifestyle nudges & tweaks can help alongside keeping those stress levels down can help to ease anxiety and help you cope. If you’ve not tried it before look into cognitive behaviour therapy as an option, have a listen to our podcast episode which will give you more insight - https://shows.acast.com/menopause-matters-lets-talk/episodes/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt-an-excellent-alternative-opt


Focus on Lifestyle Factors First – here’s a reminder of the six pillars

  • Mental wellbeing

  • Healthy eating

  • Physical activity (movement)

  • Social connection & interaction

  • Healthy relationships

  • Sleep

  • Minimising harmful substances


Small, incremental changes can be more sustainable. Don’t try to tackle everything at once it will become overwhelming - focus on one pillar at a time. Remember sustainable change happens gradually.


I know it’s not the quick fix many are seeking but not only will it help to manage those menopausal symptoms, it massively helps with long term health. Always good to look at the bigger picture…as an example…


Movement


Physical activity – but let’s call it movement. Many get put off by the word exercise and have absolutely no intention of cladding themselves in lycra – absolutely fine!

 

The human body is designed to move. It feels better and functions better when it does. Regular movement genuinely helps to improve many menopausal symptoms.

How, where, or with whom you move doesn’t matter - just move! Take those joints through their full range of movement, mix up your activities, and don’t forget to include some weight-bearing movement to support bone health.

 

Keep It Simple

 

Your body needs time, consistency, and nourishment - not a cocktail of chemicals and synthetic supplements that can often worsen symptoms and add to confusion. Feed your body what it needs nutritionally. Focus on managing stress levels and protect your mind by avoiding misinformation.

Simplicity really is key.

 

A Note on Medication


Some women benefit greatly from Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and there are also many effective non-hormonal options. But HRT isn’t for everyone, and responses will vary depending on the individual and the different routes of delivery.

Don’t underestimate the complexity of this topic. Listen to our episodes in Series 2 on HRT which will give you more insight - https://shows.acast.com/menopause-matters-lets-talk/episodes/the-basics-about-hrt-and-much-more

 

 

Do remember any medication you take will work more effectively if you’re looking after your body with good lifestyle choices.

 

There are no magic cures - but trusted information and shared experiences help enormously to make more informed decisions.


And remember - a problem shared is a problem halved. Community menopause support groups can be incredibly valuable on many different levels. If there isn’t one near you how about starting one?!


What do women want within the workplace


This is an area where generalisation becomes a little easier.

Women want:


Acknowledgment that menopause can result in experiencing a range of debilitating symptoms which can have a profound impact on everyday life as well as at work. This transitional stage of life potentially impacts people’s performance and coping strategies within the workplace.


Education and trusted information for all staff – regardless of age or gender.

Manager training to ensure empathetic understanding and confidence that adequate support will be provided.


Clear, concise menopause policies with reasonable workplace adjustments that are quick and easy to implement.


Accessible support within the workplace in a variety of formats.


Creating menopause-aware workplaces isn’t just supportive - it’s essential.


PS: Back to whirling into action...

Talking about 'action' - have you heard about the Menopause Action Plans?! It will become mandatory by April 2027 for any organisation who has over 250 employees to publish one. I know, fabulous! A result of many wonderful individuals nagging Government and at last it's worked. This topic requires a post all of it's own, but in the meantime, all organisations are encouraged to start developing their action plan from April of this year. If you need a hand with it give us a shout...well email...we would be delighted to work with you to develop one.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Resources:


Menopause Matters,Let’s Talk podcast :

 

Women’s Health concern : www.womens-health-concern.org : fact sheets

 

 

Let’s Talk Menopause : https://www.letstalkmenopause.co.uk/

Men…Let’s Talk Menopause book : https://tinyurl.com/2p9y3vhv 

 

 

Squeezy app : www.squeezyapp.com : pelvic floor

 

Daisy Network : www.daisynetwork.org : Premature menopause/POI 

 

The Eve Appeal : www.eveappeal.org.uk : 5 gynae cancers

 

 

The Royal Osteoporosis Society : theros.org.uk &  greatbritishbonecheck.org.uk 

 

 

 

 

CBT self help guide : ‘Living Well Through The Menopause' & ‘Managing Hot flushes and Night sweats; A cognitive behavioural self-help guide to the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter and Melanie Smith: https://tinyurl.com/bde7f86k 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page