Dorset Mind launches new menopause support service across 28 GP surgeries
Dorset Mind: "10% of women leave their jobs because of extreme symptoms from menopause"
Women across Dorset can now access a menopause pathway via 28 Doctor surgeries all over the county.
There are currently 13 million people in the UK who are menopausal, that’s one third of the female population.
Physical symptoms such as a lack of sleep and hot flushes as well as anger, irritability, and forgetfulness are well documented but anxiety, extreme low mood and suicidal thoughts are much less known.
Dee Swinton from Dorset Mind told us the severe affect menopause can have on a woman: “There is a link between low mood and having suicidal thoughts and it can be really devastating for a woman having these thoughts and not knowing what they are.”
She added: “Nobody knows when you'll start going through the perimenopause and it can lead to 10% of people leaving their jobs because of it. That's 1.3 million people suffering with quite extreme symptoms.”
On this World Menopause Day, Dorset Mind want to spread awareness of this milestone in life that every woman experiences.
Informed by staff and volunteers experiencing their own menopause journeys, the organisation recognises the specific challenges associated with menopause.
Their Active Monitoring Menopause pathway was designed to provide support to women going through or displaying early signs of menopause, known as perimenopause.
Mery Zanutto, Active Monitoring Team Leader at Dorset Mind, said: “Our new pathway focuses on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause which, together with the two additional resources of “The Role of Hormones” and “How to Best Manage the Menopause Treatment”, will provide the individual with basic knowledge.”
Menopause is defined as when periods stop due to low hormone levels and usually happens to women aged 44 to 55 but “it can occur a lot earlier, even in teenage girls.”
Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO adds, “It’s important that everyone knows and understands the menopause. Even if you’re not affected personally, it’s likely that women in your family, friendship group or colleagues will go through this ‘second stage’ in life.
“It’s essential for women to feel empowered and fulfilled in all areas of their lives and we’re dedicated to providing this vital and easily accessed support.”