Menopause & Me: Understanding the Menopause Experience in Herefordshire
What Women Told Us
We heard from 213 women, aged between 25 and 79, living in towns, villages, and rural communities across Herefordshire. The stories they shared highlight just how varied—and often difficult—the menopause journey can be.
Here are just a few of their powerful words:
“I really felt like I was going mad at the start of my symptoms – my mental health declined, and I was unable to cope with things at work and home I was usually able to.”
“I had severe anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia. I would wake up gasping for breath. I never even realised these symptoms were due to perimenopause.”
“I pretty much went mad. Lost my job, friends, etc. Begged for HRT for two years. I’ve experienced severe anxiety and depression requiring medication and help from mental health services.”
“All of the information I have found is either online, from Davina McCall, or from friends. I constantly hear that nobody listens and that we have to beg for help.”
Key Themes from the Report
The Menopause & Me report identifies six central themes from the feedback we received:
1. Physical and Health Impacts
Women commonly experience hot flushes, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, sleep problems, and anxiety. Some shared stories of extreme exhaustion and long-term health issues such as Atrial Fibrillation or weight gain. Many felt these symptoms were dismissed or misunderstood by professionals.
2. Emotional and Mental Health Challenges
Hormonal changes led to depression, irritability, and a sense of losing control. Some women described feelings of desperation and isolation, often made worse by a lack of understanding in their social circles or healthcare settings.
3. Workplace and Social Stigma
Many women said they felt invisible or undervalued, especially in professional environments where symptoms were ignored or dismissed. Some left jobs due to a lack of support, while others described how menopause had contributed to the breakdown of relationships.
4. Barriers to Healthcare
Accessing timely support remains a challenge. With very few menopause-specialist GPs in the county (estimated between 1–3), women reported difficulty getting appointments and inconsistent advice. Some turned to expensive private care out of desperation.
5. Coping and Resilience
Despite these challenges, many women shared personal strategies—from lifestyle changes and peer support groups to successful HRT treatments. Several highlighted the value of community, shared experiences, and honest conversations in managing their wellbeing.
6. Calls for Better Education and Services
There is a clear call for improved education—for both the public and healthcare providers. Women want accurate, accessible information, better-trained GPs, and services that offer not just treatment, but empathy and time to talk.
What’s Changing
Encouragingly, the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is now trialling a new model of menopause care. This includes:
- Online menopause education sessions for up to 100 women at a time
- Access to a menopause-specialist GP and dietitian
- Follow-up face-to-face sessions for those who need more support
Early feedback has been positive, and the trial has secured further funding to continue and expand.
Recommendations & Next Steps
From better GP training and easier access to HRT, to more inclusive engagement events and peer support networks—the report offers concrete recommendations in six key areas. We will be sharing these with NHS partners, GP practices, and women’s health organisations.
You can read all our findings, themes, and next steps in the full report:
👉 Click here to view the Menopause & Me report
Thank You
We’re incredibly grateful to the 213 women who took the time to share their stories. Your openness has already helped influence the future of menopause support in Herefordshire.
Have your say
To tell us more about your experiences with Health and Social Care in Herefordshire
Email info@healthwatchherefordshire.co.uk, call us on 01432 277044 or complete our 'Have your say' form below
