Menopause: Insights from the BPS Aberdeen hub

Nara Morrison, BPS Hub Coordinator Scotland, reports from a recent Aberdeen hub event, where discussions focused on the physical, psychological, and societal aspects of menopause for women.

In December 2023, BPS Aberdeen Hub was held to which two fabulous speakers were invited: Dr Katrina Forbes-Mckay, a lecturer and researcher from Robert Gordon's University, and Linda Engles, an occupational psychologist and lecturer at University of Aberdeen.

Katrina started the discussion by sharing her research on this significant life transition for women. She began with a general overview of menopause, highlighting its severe impact on wellbeing.

From depression and anxiety to memory loss and sleep disorders, menopause was portrayed as a complex and challenging journey that poses difficulties not only to the person going through it but also those around her. 

The causes of menopause

Katrina talked about the causes of menopause, including the results of her research. She explained that individuals with a history of depression and severe PMDD [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder] experience more severe symptoms of menopause.

She discussed the physical factor, a significant change in oestrogen levels within the body, as well as psychosocial factors including shifts in family structure, the demands of caring for elderly parents, losses/bereavement, career transitions, and more.

The meeting also heard that people with adverse childhood experiences (ACE) had more severe symptoms of menopause.

Katrina's research shows that improving social support systems to ease the emotional burden of menopause is important. She suggested that, as part of menopause screening, GPs could assess for ACE, to provide targeted support. She highlighted that CBT helps too.

After the presentation, participants discussed the necessity of breaking taboos and removing stigma surrounding menopause. They argued for open conversations between parents and children about their menopausal experiences.

The discussion recognised the nuances of cultural differences and the acceptability of discussing menopause within various societies.

Implications for the workplace

The next speaker, Linda Engles, spoke about implications of menopause in the workplace. Her presentation highlighted the positive effects of supporting women navigating menopause while working. It was clear that accommodating menopause in the workplace can reduce psychological stress and boost a woman's self-esteem.

Linda also shared serious consequences faced by organisations that neglect this aspect - absenteeism, employee anxiety and decreased productivity. The potential knowledge gap arising from women leaving the workforce during menopause is a big concern.

Linda discussed the necessity of a cultural shift within organisations to create a safe space for women to openly discuss their menopausal experiences.

Educating leaders, managers and employees about menopause is essential, along with the need to combat misinformation perpetuated by the media. Giving women autonomy and flexibility in their work arrangements, such as the option to work from home, is one of the solutions.

Linda also shared details of projects that the University of Aberdeen is implementing as a pilot or that are planned to start in the near future.

The following discussion by the hub participants was around raising awareness, educating both employees and younger generations about menopause. Discussions also touched on pharmacological interventions and their impact.

Overriding messages

This was another successful Aberdeen Hub event where the complex issues around the effect of menopause on wellbeing were discussed. From its physical triggers to the impact on the society, it is an important transition in life that must be studied further.

But the messages from the event were this: Create supportive environments, fight the stigma, and promote open dialogue to empower individuals experiencing menopause.