MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed shared her story of menopause during a debate on World Menopause Month in the Scottish Parliament this week.
The menopause is the last menstrual period and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Symptoms include hot flushes, insomnia, mood swings, brain fog, lack of energy and can last up to 10 years, ranging from mild to debilitating.
Evelyn Tweed highlighted the Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan, which sets out steps for menopause-specific services, and much needed advances in this area. Scotland again leads the way and is the first country in the UK to implement such an ambitious plan.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed highlighted the need for better support from workplaces and greater awareness of menopause:
“Whilst menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in UK workplaces, 900,000 women have left their jobs due to a lack of support
“Businesses cannot afford to lose experienced and talented women from the workforce, at any level, and more support is required if we are to achieve better health outcomes for all women in Scotland.
“I went to my GP for help early but for some women this process is difficult. Last year BUPA found that just under half of those affected said that they had never visited their GP for help due to factors including lack of awareness and embarrassment.
“I am pleased that this topic has generated open debate and I look forward to the Scottish Government’s goals for menopause being realised.
NHS Forth Valley have also been highlighting Menopause on their social media feeds particularly around World Menopause Day on the 18th of October. For those in need of support or more information on menopause information can be found through NHS Inform.
