October marks both Menopause Awareness Month and World Menopause Day on 18 October, providing an important opportunity to highlight an issue that affects many people, either directly or indirectly. At the King Edward VI Foundation, we recognise that menopause is not a one-day conversation but an ongoing aspect of health and wellbeing that deserves understanding, support and open discussion.
As part of our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive working environment, we are striving towards becoming an accredited Menopause Friendly Employer. This aligns closely with our October wellbeing theme, Small Actions, Big Impact, recognising that even small actions can have a meaningful effect on an individual's experience and wellbeing.
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but no two women’s experiences are the same. Symptoms can vary significantly and may affect both personal and professional life. Common experiences include sleep disruption, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, joint pain and muscle aches. Other symptoms, such as low mood, difficulties with concentration and memory recall, can often be less visible but equally challenging.
Understanding menopause goes beyond recognising symptoms. Changes in hormone levels can also have longer-term implications for health and wellbeing, including heart and bone health. Raising awareness helps ensure that individuals are familiar with the available information, support and guidance they need to manage both immediate symptoms and their long-term health.
There is no single approach to managing menopause. What works for one woman may not work for another, and individuals may choose different combinations of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments and wellbeing strategies. Seeking advice early can make a significant difference. Support may be available through a GP, who can discuss a range of options, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), as well as other approaches that may help manage symptoms. Lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet and making time for rest and relaxation can also play an important role in supporting overall wellbeing.
The importance of awareness and support is reflected in the experiences of colleagues and their families. Fazle Kinkhabwala, member of the Foundation Board, Trustee of the Academy Trust and Chair of the EDI Steering Group, shared:
"One thing that made a real difference was the support available within HMRC where I work. At the time, the Menopause Support Group at City Centre House was particularly helpful in helping me better understand what my wife was experiencing. I will admit that I felt somewhat intimidated walking into the group as the only male attending, but that feeling quickly disappeared. What I found was a welcoming environment where colleagues were willing to share experiences, offer advice and increase understanding. Those conversations helped me become a better listener, a more supportive husband and a stronger ally.
That experience taught me an important lesson: menopause is not just a women's issue. It affects partners, families, friends and colleagues too."
Fazle's experience highlights the value of creating safe spaces for conversation, learning and support. Greater awareness not only helps those experiencing menopause directly, but also enables colleagues, friends and loved ones to better understand how they can offer meaningful support.
At the King Edward VI Foundation, we are committed to improving awareness and understanding of menopause across our organisation. We have a range of resources available to support learning, encourage meaningful conversations and help foster an informed and supportive workplace culture.
Creating a menopause-friendly workplace is a shared responsibility. By increasing awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we can help ensure that colleagues feel supported and understood. If you are experiencing the effects of menopause, we encourage you to speak with your line manager about the support available and any adjustments that may help you both in and outside of work.
Through greater understanding, empathy and conversation, we can all contribute to making a small impact that creates a big difference.
