Menopause

Menopause Support

Menopause is a natural stage of life that can bring physical, emotional, and mental challenges. At DPIR, we are committed to supporting staff and students experiencing menopause by providing access to resources, advice, and a supportive community. Below, you will find a range of information and support available at the University.
 
Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition in life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, during which hormonal changes lead to the end of menstrual cycles. This phase usually lasts between four and eight years, though experiences vary greatly. Some individuals may experience early menopause before the age of 40, whether naturally or because of medical treatment.
 
 While menopause primarily affects women, it is important to acknowledge that individuals who are non-binary, transgender, or intersex may also experience menopause.
 
Symptoms of Menopause

The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years before menstruation stops completely. During this time, a wide range of symptoms may develop, and each person’s experience is unique. Doctors recognise over 30 symptoms, but some of the most common include:

• Anxiety and fatigue
• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Joint stiffness, aches, and pains
• Reduced concentration
• Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Headaches
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Heavy periods

You can find out more information on the symptoms on the NHS webpage.

Guidance for Managers

For comprehensive guidance on how to best support colleagues experiencing menopause, please visit the HR webpages ‘guidance for managers’ section.
 
HR Policies to Consider

Flexible working (informal and formal): staff wishing to make a temporary or permanent change to their working hours can make a flexible working application.
 
Additional Annual leave: staff may wish to explore the option to arrange up to 10 additional days of annual leave to help them with managing their symptoms.
 
Sickness Absence: where an employee needs to take significant period of sickness absence related to menopause, the University treats this in the same way as disability related absence.  This means that it is recorded but menopause-related absence will be disregarded in cases where the total amount of absence might otherwise trigger disciplinary/capability procedures.
 
Career break: staff who are finding that they are so badly affected that they need to ‘step away’ from the workplace for a period might consider requesting a career break which would allow them to return to work after a period away.
 
Occupational health referral service: where staff are severely affected, a referral to the Occupational Health Service team for advice about workplace adjustments may be helpful.

Department Resources: we have curated a variety of resources exploring different aspects and perspectives on the menopause. 

Menopause Support Network

The University has a Menopause Support Teams channel. This is a private channel hosted within the Wellbeing (staff) Team.  This is a safe space for colleagues who are going through menopause to share experiences and information and find or offer support.  
 
You can then request access to the Menopause Support Network by emailing wellbeing@admin.ox.ac.uk.
 
Training

Menopause at work - online training course available through the POD team
 
Menopause the Basics - Free online training delivered by Women of a Certain Stage
 
For more details on menopause support at the University of Oxford, please visit our HR webpage.

Recommended Reading on Menopause

The Good Menopause Guide – Liz Earle

Wellbeing expert Liz Earle provides guidance on balancing hormones, the importance of a nourishing diet, and the myths and facts about HRT. The book also includes advice on skincare, haircare, and self-esteem, complemented by nutritious recipes.
 
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause (Dr Louise Newson)

Dr Newson offers an essential read for anyone navigating perimenopause or menopause, covering symptom management, lifestyle tips, and HRT options. The book is written in an accessible style, making complex medical information easy to understand.
 
M-Boldened: Menopause Conversations We All Need to Have: (Caroline Harris)

This collection of personal stories examines how menopause is viewed in different societies and cultures, highlighting it as a human rights issue globally and offers a broader perspective on menopause.
 
The Complete Guide to the Menopause: Your Toolkit to Take Control and Achieve Life-Long Health (Annice Mukherjee)

This book offers practical, evidence-based advice to help women confidently navigate menopause and beyond. Dr Mukherjee blends professional expertise and personal experience to address key topics such as managing symptoms like mood swings, understanding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and alternatives, and optimising nutrition, exercise, and mental health for long-term wellbeing. Praised for its clarity, compassion, and empowering tone, it serves as a valuable resource for women seeking to take control of their health during menopause.