Why the setting up of talkhealth’s mymenopause support group is so important given the current HRT crisis

Life shouldn’t end when menstruation stops…and yet, for many of the 13 million peri- and postmenopausal women in the UK, the menopause can be a traumatic experience which lasts for years.

Any kind of biological change can be distressing. 

However, over the past year or so, many of these women have found themselves abandoned to navigating the distressing symptoms of their condition alone as supplies of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) have run out.

We know that for those menopausal patients who can take HRT, the treatment makes a miraculous difference to their quality of life.

talkhealth recently conducted a survey with members of our community and 90% of those who have taken HRT found that it had significantly improved their symptoms – from hot flushes to anxiety issues.

The results of the survey are about to be published in the Mail on Sunday. If you’d like to receive the article on publication, click here.

Lack of professional support

Earlier this month, leading doctors called for the government to open an investigation into the continuing shortages that have crippled so many women. They’ve been forced to turn to alternative medications or source their usual independently.

The ongoing problem, however, is the fact that not enough women are being offered practical support by their GPs. This may partly be down to the supply crisis; doctors can’t offer what they can’t provide. Over 60% of our community said that the menopause had been ‘difficult’ and that as a result, it had had a negative impact on their careers. Given that the majority of women start the transition in their 40s, this badly managed condition is taking a massive toll on the nation’s workforce and productivity.

A big problem seems to be getting anyone to listen or understand what these women are going through. 

According to our research, just 27% of doctors are willing to refer patients to see a consultant; nearly 60% of women who have seen a healthcare professional say that it didn’t help them better cope with their transition

Given that the government still has no concrete timeline for the restocking of HRT drugs, and the fact that millions of women are struggling to receive adequate advice beyond medical intervention, it’s clear that there’s a serious gap to be filled. 

Support programmes bridge the gap

That’s why nearly 900 women pre-registered to talkhealth’s new mymenopause support programme. 

The programme consists of 15 topics, from sex and sleep issues to navigating the menopause in the workplace (and each topic is open for individual sponsorship).

Our communities are looking for impartial advice and common ground; they want to find out what experiences are considered ‘normal’ according to their peers, and receive expert advice. 

We offer real insights into how women are managing the menopause, where they feel they’re being let down and what HCPs and pharmaceutical and healthcare companies could be doing to improve the lives of women during this transition. 

Contact us if you’re interested in learning more and being involved in our mymenopause programme.

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