Menopause Matters - Phase Two Report
135 local people spoke to Healthwatch Rochdale back in October 2022 about the symptoms they experienced and the information and support available to them locally.
Healthwatch Rochdale have done further engagement with our ethnic minority communities across the borough to see what their experiences are like going through the menopause.
Key findings of the report were:
- There was a consistent message that there is lack of information, support and awareness of menopause.
- Some people experiencing perimenopause/menopause weren’t aware of all the symptoms associated with this period of life and put their symptoms down to other issues.
- Perimenopause/ menopause affected areas of life including family life, intimate relationships, work life and mental health.
- Not all health professionals were knowledgeable about perimenopause/ menopause and HRT and information provided was often generic and not personalised.
In response to these findings, Healthwatch Rochdale made six recommendations to the Integrated Health and Social Care System in Rochdale and Greater Manchester integrated Care system. Read the full report for recommendation responses.
Now we have engaged with all pockets of the Rochdale community, and received a constant message from our residents, Healthwatch Rochdale are keen to monitor the responses to our recommendations to ensure women across the borough receive the right awareness, information and support when going through perimenopause/menopause.