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Menopause

The Menopause: A Silent Epidemic Affecting 13 Million Women in the UK

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, which is roughly a third of the nation's female population. However, education and awareness surrounding menopause remain low, with 60% of postmenopausal women seeking information only after their symptoms have started. This lack of awareness leads to women suffering in silence, with Dr. Philippa Kaye stating that she sees women coming to her every week with symptoms that are linked to the menopause. The stigma surrounding menopause and uncertainty around its symptoms add to the confusion, making it difficult for women to understand and manage their condition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, which is roughly a third of the nation's female population.
  • Education and awareness surrounding menopause remain low, with 60% of postmenopausal women seeking information only after their symptoms have started.
  • Dr. Philippa Kaye sees women coming to her every week with symptoms that are linked to the menopause.
  • The menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's body, including brain fog, hair problems, skin woes, thinner bones, and low libido.
  • Oestrogen levels play a crucial role in the menopause, affecting the brain, hair, skin, and bone health.
  • Dr. Kaye emphasizes the importance of understanding the menopause and its symptoms to provide relief and support to affected women.
  • Even medical professionals sometimes find it challenging to connect the dots for themselves due to the gradual nature of menopause symptoms.
  • The lack of awareness and education surrounding menopause contributes to the stigma and confusion surrounding the condition.
  • Celebrities like Davina McCall have worked hard to combat the stigma surrounding menopause, but more needs to be done to raise awareness and support affected women.
  • The menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's mental health, leading to symptoms like low mood, anxiety, and low self-confidence.
  • A woman's sex drive during the menopause can be affected by various factors, including low mood, anxiety, physical symptoms, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
  • Dr. Kaye shares a personal story of a woman who went straight from childbirth to menopause, highlighting the importance of awareness and support for affected women.

Statistics:

  • Around 13 million women in the UK are currently perimenopausal or menopausal, which is roughly a third of the nation's female population.
  • 60% of postmenopausal women seek information only after their symptoms have started.
  • 30% of collagen is lost within the first five years of menopause.
  • Oestrogen levels play a crucial role in the menopause, affecting the brain, hair, skin, and bone health.
  • Dr. Kaye sees women coming to her every week with symptoms that are linked to the menopause.

Sources:

  • THE SCIENCE OF MENOPAUSE BY DR PHILIPPA KAYE IS OUT NOW (DK, PS16.99)
  • HENPICKED is one of the UK's fastest-growing online communities for women, providing resources to tackle menopause symptoms and offering expert advice.

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