[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#d8959b” background_image=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Lisa-menopause-FTWW.png” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_right” background_blend=”multiply” custom_padding=”40px||24px||false|false” background_last_edited=”on|phone” background_image_phone=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Lisa-menopause-FTWW.png” background_enable_image_phone=”on” background_size_tablet=”custom” background_image_width_tablet=”75%” background_image_width_phone=”100%” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_position_phone=”bottom_center” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” border_radii=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”” height_phone=”” height_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_phone=”20px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|70px|0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|0px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”e864d11f-3dab-4fa3-ac06-4f0e1a260807″ header_font=”DM Sans||||||||” header_text_color=”#103638″ header_font_size=”64px” header_letter_spacing=”-0.02em” header_line_height=”1.15em” custom_margin=”||16px||false|false” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”43px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”41d5859c-fbaa-458a-88e4-5d886857f235″ text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_font_size=”21px” min_height=”246px” custom_padding=”||5px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”20px” text_font_size_phone=”18px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Affecting every woman or person registered female at birth at some point in their life, menopause can sometimes be debilitating emotionally, physically and psychologically.<\/span><\/p>\n This page provides information on the menopause and our work to improve access to healthcare for this health issue. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” height_tablet=”309px” height_phone=”208px” height_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_height=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#d8959b” positioning=”none” width=”100%” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_2″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”12px||13px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||12px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|600|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_font_size=”21px” header_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”3px|||||” custom_margin_tablet=”3px|||||” custom_margin_phone=”3px||-27px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Menopause<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#103638″ text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n On this page:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”470″ menu_style=”centered” submenu_direction=”downwards” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”|600|||||||” menu_text_color=”#103638″ menu_font_size=”18px” background_enable_color=”off” min_height=”27px” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” sticky_position=”top” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2px||2px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”201398″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” image_icon_width=”196%” content_max_width=”100%” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” body_font_size=”17px” image_icon_custom_margin=”9px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The following information is based on the lived experiences and priorities expressed to us by our community. If you need medical\/health advice, please contact a GP or medical professional. Read our\u00a0medical disclaimer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”about” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” custom_padding=”||31px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Females around 45-55 years old will naturally experience a decline in their reproductive hormones, eventually leading to their menstrual cycles and periods ending, and some symptoms might be expected as a result.<\/p>\n Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include anxiety and depression, hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain, acne and skin problems, tiredness and sleep problems, low libido, hair loss, dry skin and vaginal dryness \u2013 but there can be many more.<\/p>\n It isn\u2019t \u2018normal\u2019 for menopausal symptoms to be debilitating or distressing, and they shouldn\u2019t be seen as something to endure. If symptoms start to become bothersome or affect daily life, then it\u2019s time to seek medical advice.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that a blood test to diagnose menopause is not recommended for most women of average menopausal age, because existing hormones in the body will fluctuate erratically during the perimenopause when periods have not yet completely stopped.<\/p>\n Typically, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used to treat the symptoms of the menopause. Depending on your individual circumstances, medical needs and preferences, options might include an oestrogen patch, spray, gel, or implant, a Mirena coil, or progesterone tablets.<\/p>\n At the moment, testosterone hormone replacement will only be offered if a woman reports low libido (sex drive) but there are studies underway to look at whether testosterone could help with other symptoms too, such as lack of energy and low mood.<\/p>\n More information about the menopause symptoms and treatments can be found at on the NHS Wales website here<\/a>. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_margin=”-3px|||||” custom_padding=”7px||0px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_id=”campaign” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||34px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our overall aim is to improve awareness of the signs and symptoms of the menopause and ensure those experiencing it have access to the support and healthcare they need in Wales.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Menopause will affect every woman or person registered female at birth. For some of these, the effects can be debilitating physically, emotionally and psychologically. FTWW members (and many others) report problems with sleep; often experiencing interruptions with sleep that will affect their well being in subsequent days. This then affects their cognitive abilities (often called \u2018brain fog\u2019), making it more difficult to function and perform their normal tasks during the day, such as at work, looking after family or the home.<\/p>\n Menopause typically happens when women are aged between 45-55 years old, however there may be many reasons for younger women to experience menopause (such as surgery to remove their uterus (womb) and ovaries, medical treatments which stop the ovaries working, or a hormone imbalance which causes premature or \u2018early\u2019 menopause).<\/p>\n In most cases, menopause symptoms can be much reduced with replacement hormones (oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone) if the person chooses, but there are also lifestyle changes that can support wellbeing such as diet, exercise, and talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).<\/p>\n Therefore are calling for:<\/span><\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Wales, there continues to be a huge lack of awareness and education in society about the menopause, which means that many women struggle to get the help and support they need.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”48px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” ul_font_size=”17px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”19px” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We need to:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_id=”lead” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#003E51″ custom_padding=”||3px|||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||54px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_id=”treatment” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||-1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/ftww.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Lisa-nicholls-800px.jpg” title_text=”Lisa-nicholls-800px” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0“One in 10 women leave their career and get little to no support when experiencing the typical signs and symptoms of menopause. Many women don\u2019t always know they are experiencing the menopause because it hasn\u2019t been widely discussed in school, work and at home. Many women think it\u2019s an older person’s condition and just \u201chot flushes\u201d.<\/p>\n As we gather more information about the effects of the menopause we need to be able to make an informed decision as to how we are medically treated to ensure women\u2019s health is prioritised now and in later years.<\/p>\n As a female transitioning through this change of hormones I received very little support from the NHS and was forced to pay for private care. I want to ensure that those experiencing the menopause feel listened to and are able to access the care they need through the healthcare system in Wales.”<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wcm9qZWN0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE5NTAxNCJ9fQ==@” button_text=”Read Lisa’s Story” button_alignment=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” button_text_size=”16px” button_text_color=”#D8959B” button_border_color=”#D8959B” button_border_radius=”39px” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” button_border_color__hover=”#D8959B”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Cards” module_id=”achievements” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f1f2eb” custom_padding=”29px|||||” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||19px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_color=”#19583B” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”||36px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our campaign activity to improve the lives of those experiencing the menopause is extensive. Some of our achievements are outlined below:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d” icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#D8959B” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0We raise awareness through events, media, training and fundraising<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d” icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#D8959B” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We take part in consultations, advisory boards and co-production of healthcare<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_icon font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d” icon_width=”38px” align=”left” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#D8959B” z_index=”-90″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”10px|10px|10px|10px|false|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”8px” border_color_all=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-982c4cb0-94e7-4aa6-9971-4a5deb49db9d%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_icon][et_pb_text module_class=”list_spacing” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ custom_margin=”-128px||39px|71px|false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We engage directly with policy makers and researchers
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the menopause?<\/h2>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat are we calling for?<\/h2>\n
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Our champion: Lisa N<\/span><\/h2>\n
What have we achieved?<\/h2>\n
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