World Menopause Day

Members' Statements – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 1:15 pm on 18 October 2021.

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Photo of Rosemary Barton Rosemary Barton UUP 1:15, 18 October 2021

I, too, wish to be associated with the tributes to Sir David Amess today.

Mr Speaker, you may or may not be aware that today is World Menopause Day, and I want to say a few words about that. While the menopause is a natural part of ageing, it is not considered an illness, but going through the menopause brings about an experience of so many varied symptoms that it has an effect on the health and well-being of women, particularly those over the age of approximately 45.

With the numbers of women increasing in workplaces and their being in the gender majority in some careers, consideration needs to be given to them and the different experiences that they have with the onset of the menopause. Many articles have been written about the menopause, but there is no definitive guide on the specific experiences of those who are in the menopausal stage. It is now essential that there is improved support in places of employment, and menopausal issues need to be given urgent consideration.

While not all women present with severe menopausal symptoms, many do. Those can be physical, including headaches, aches and pains, a reduction in bone density and hot flushes. It is often the non-physical symptoms that are the greatest cause of concern for women. Poor sleep patterns and sleepless nights result in constant tiredness. There is also the anxiety, which is not only another symptom but can be brought about by the lack of understanding of what women are experiencing in their voyage throughout life and in their respective workplaces.

It is time that awareness of the subject is increased and policies are designed and developed with improved resources and support put in place for all those affected by this really important healthcare issue.