Recommendation 1

Menopause still carries significant social and cultural stigma, particularly for certain groups, including LGBT+ people and young and ethnic minority women. We are encouraged by the recent shift towards talking about menopause more openly, by the inclusion of menopause in the Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum and the recognition of persistent stigmas and taboos in the Women’s Health Strategy. However, this is no time for complacency, and we must build on the growing momentum. The Government should lead on disseminating good quality and accurate information about menopause. Firstly, we recommend that the Government launches a visible public health campaign around menopause; its symptoms, impact and how to seek treatment and other help, including support at work. A diverse range of expert stakeholders should be consulted to ensure the campaign is inclusive, accurate and impactful and reaches communities and groups typically underrepresented in discussions around menopause. Second, the Government should work with schools and menopause experts to develop high quality, accurate and inclusive resources and ensure that teachers have the knowledge, confidence and ability to teach this important aspect of the RSHE curriculum to all pupils.