18 October 2024
Two thirds (69 per cent) of women experiencing menopause symptoms delay* seeking support or advice from a trained professional, or don’t seek help at all. One in four of those who delay (25 per cent) claimed they ‘don’t want to waste the time’ of their GP or local health professional. It also emerged women have a feeling of resignation over the menopause ‘being a normal part of getting older’ (41 per cent), which contributes to them not seeking expert support for symptoms.
Nearly one in 10 (9 per cent) were nervous over having to have an open conversation on the topic, with a similar number (8 per cent) going as far as to admit they were too embarrassed to visit a GP or health professional for help.
The revelations emerged from new research out today among 3,000 women over 40*, carried out by Holland & Barrett, the UK’s leading wellness retailer.
In 2022, Holland & Barrett first conducted a study into conversations women were having around their menopause journeys with 61 per cent saying they do not talk about the menopause. While lots of work has been done to improve conversations and awareness of menopause, still almost one in five women who delayed seeking help (17 per cent) reported to have no idea what help is available or where to find it and according to the new study, 24 per cent still feel confused over their symptoms.
Recognising the continued need for support, Holland & Barrett has announced it’ll be extending its H&B Menopause Helpline, launched in partnership with leading menopause campaign group, Menopause Mandate. Through the helpline, women can access a free 15-minute one-to-one online video appointment with a trained Menopause Nurse who can offer evidence-based advice on perimenopause and menopause symptoms, can answer common questions on medication, as well as support on how to prepare for a GP consultation.
For women who are embarking on a holistic approach to managing their menopause, where lifestyle factors including nutrition, exercise, sleep and community each has a role to play, they are encouraged to visit their local Holland & Barrett store and have a conversation with a Women’s Health Coach – with no appointment needed. The retailer has over 600 Women’s Health Coaches in its stores across the nation, who have had extended training to offer free, personalised support and signposting on women’s hormone health – from first period to last and beyond.
Lina Chan, Director of Missions, including Women’s Health at Holland & Barrett, said, “Our research shows that despite the increased campaigning, awareness and conversation on the menopause, there is still a long way to go to reach more women who may want help in understanding and managing their symptoms. We understand that every woman’s menopause journey is unique and that when they begin to seek support it may be a very daunting prospect, from not knowing where to turn, or not feeling listened to. Being on every high-street, we are ideally placed within the community to support and champion wellness for all women, including supporting their menopause journey.”
Kate Pleace, Menopause Nurse for the H&B Menopause Helpline said, “Our helpline can be a really useful first port of call for women. We are on hand to offer advice for every woman’s journey and that includes offering support on symptoms and discussing different treatment options as well as signposting further care with healthcare professionals should that be the most suitable course of action.”
As part of Holland & Barrett’s Women’s Wellness Commitment, it has been working to support equity in access to menopausal support, care and education wherever you live in the UK. Earlier this year, it extended its Women’s Health Community Fund in partnership with Wellbeing of Women, focussed on offering menopause and menstrual health education and support within underserved communities across the UK.
Cities where women are delaying seeking help for over three months or not seeking help at all:
The study also found while almost a quarter (23 per cent) did seek professional help in the first instance, others turned to those closest to them for advice. One in four (24 per cent) said they had spoken to a friend, and nearly one in five (18 per cent) said they talked to their partner about the symptoms.
To learn more about the H&B Women’s Wellness Commitment – read here.
*delay defined as: after 3 months – more than 3 years, or did not seek advice or support at all.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Opinium Research.
3,000 respondents – women aged 40+ who have or are currently experiencing symptoms of the menopause. The survey was carried out in September 2024