October is Menopause Awareness Month
Menopause Awareness Month shines a light on the experiences of women going through menopause, promoting education, support and empowerment.
The campaign also encourages healthcare professionals, families and communities to be supportive of those experiencing menopause.
Menopause is a natural life transition that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, and it can bring a range of physical and emotional symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, brain fog, mood changes, and fatigue. These symptoms can significantly affect a person’s productivity, confidence, and overall well-being.
Nationally, there are some useful resources on menopause in and outside the workplace, on the Menopause Friendly UK website.
There also a number of groups who meet locally to offer support and share information.
Menopause Friends 2025 meets in Stoke Library (ST4 4SZ) one Saturday a month and the next meetings take place 1st November and 13th December from 11am – 1pm. This brings people together to talk all things menopause, to have a good laugh and to learn something new. The group can be found on Facebook.
This month also sees the launch of a new local initiative, Luna Pause, which aims to try and break the stigma associated with menopause and highlight the urgent need for change.
Founder Birgit Allport said: “Luna Pause is more than a project, it is a movement. Too many people have suffered in silence for far too long. Our mission is to break the stigma, provide trusted information and create supportive spaces so women can thrive, not just survive through menopause.”
Luna Pause will also hold a monthly Menopause Café on the last Friday of the month from 1pm – 3pm. The Moments at Luna Café will take place at the Better Together Community HQ in Woodberry Close, Trent Vale.
