Article by Elaine Robertson North
Shared experiences and discovering you’re not the only one feeling like they’re slowly losing their mind is, of course, massively reassuring. But making sense of the masses of information available, and perhaps even more importantly, making it relevant to your own situation, remains a huge challenge.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause wants to see a health check introduced for all women at the age of 45, to help diagnose menopause early and help women be better prepared. But for me, this is just the first step.
What I’d love to see post this initial appointment, is an annual menopause check-up, as accepted and automatic as regular dental check-ups or smear tests. An automatic invitation from your GP surgery, it would be a chance to discuss and review each of our individual menopause journeys with a qualified medical professional. And it should definitely be face to face. When our hormones are at war and our menopause symptoms are raging, the look in our eyes and our body language are as eloquent and expressive as any words we might use to try and capture how we’re feeling.
My fear is that without such a formalised structure in place to deal with the menopause, all the awareness in the world will actually change very little.
I think I slipped into the perimenopause in my late forties. I can’t be sure because like too many women, my hormones were already in a complete shambles long before I’d even heard the word for the first time. Feeling ridiculous for knowing absolutely nothing, I immediately did some research and familiarised myself as much as I could with what was described as ‘the transition into menopause’.
I duly ‘transitioned’ (stumbled blindly might be more accurate) into the menopause in line with the average at the age of fifty-one and then struggled on for a year or so by which point I had around twenty-nine of the thirty-four symptoms I found listed on the internet. The physical ones felt just about manageable; it was the increased anxiety and low mood that were becoming debilitating. A visit to my GP and I was put on HRT; an oestrogen patch and progesterone pill, changing after a few months to a single patch at my request, purely for convenience. (It has been quite a surprise along the way, to learn there are many more options that I still remain ignorant about). I was told that annual reviews were all part of the deal if you start HRT. That was three years ago and thanks to the pandemic, there have been no face to face meetings or reviews of any kind since.
Then a month or so ago, I reached a point where I felt I needed to speak to someone about what happens next. To be honest, I’m not even sure if HRT is even working for me anymore. I made an appointment but every approach to my surgery now starts with a phone conversation, so when the call came, I explained how I was feeling and the advice was I could either up my dose or come off HRT completely. How on earth was I supposed to know which option I should choose? When I said I was still suffering occasionally with that sense of hopelessness that lots of menopausal women have written about, I was told I shouldn’t be feeling like that on HRT so I was probably depressed and had I thought about talking to someone? It was then suggested antidepressants might be the answer. A diagnosis made after talking to me for just two or three minutes over the phone. So I withdrew from the call as quickly as possible and for a few weeks, did absolutely nothing.
But doing nothing clearly wasn’t a long term solution so I’ve now made an appointment to see someone privately which felt like the only way to secure myself enough time for a proper discussion about how I feel and to review what action should now be taken. But I am acutely aware how incredibly lucky I am that seeing someone privately is even an option. I know this is definitely not the case for everyone.
So my point is raising awareness and getting everyone talking about the menopause is one thing, but it’s pointless if there isn’t a simple way of making it easy for every woman who wants it, to get regular individual advice on how to cope with what is an ever-changing and very personal journey.
Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons. When she’s not writing, she can be found looking harassed on the school run, on the side lines of her sons’ football matches, or singing her heart out with her local branch of Popchoir. She is the author of two books, I Can’t Tell You Why and Bring Me To Life which are available here. You can also follow what she’s up to on Instagram, Facebook and on Twitter: @RobbieNorth.
May
15may10:0011:00Legal Essentials | Supporting Women at Work
15/05/2025 10:00 - 11:00(GMT+01:00)
89% of working women say their health issues negatively affect their work, but only 1 in 3 feel supported by their employer. It’s no longer
It’s no longer enough to raise awareness, organisations must take legally informed, practical action to support women’s health in the workplace.
Join me and Hannah Strawbridge, Employment Lawyer, for this session where we’ll uncover the top legal risks employers face and how to avoid them when it comes to menopause, menstrual health, fertility, pregnancy, and more.
You’ll gain:
A clear understanding of the legal risks around women’s health
Insight into the practical steps you can take
Discover how you can to turn awareness into action
Date: Thursday 15th May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 10.45am
15may16:0016:45Empowering Pupil Wellbeing | Free Primary Stars Webinar & Resources
15/05/2025 16:00 - 16:45(GMT+00:00)
Join us on Thursday 15 May 2025 for a free, live webinar designed to help teachers confidently support pupil self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, and mental resilience. Hosted
Hosted during Mental Health Awareness Week, this session features expert insights from the Mental Health Foundation, Dr Claire-Marie Roberts (Performance Director at Coventry City FC and Chartered Psychologist) and Ruth Elborn (Education Mental Health Practitioner and former teacher).
You’ll discover:
16mayAll DayEmpower Female Founders Conference
16/05/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
Kraken Technology Centre
Pariser Building, 168AA, Sackville St, Manchester M1 7JR, M1 7JR
Empower Female Founders is a unique event designed by female founders for female founders,
Equipping them with the tools needed to overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journeys.By providing a supportive community and sharing experiences, Empower Female Founders aims to empower women to redefine their potential, amplify their impact, and thrive in their sector.
In May 2025 we will welcome 100 female founders to this one of a kind event in Manchester.
Empower Female Founders is far from your traditional conference set up. We’ve spoken to our community of Female Founders and we know what’s needed is practical action, answers to the important questions and to gain knowledge from those who have been there and done it.
The day will be built around fast-paced workshop sessions and collaboration providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
Our focus is on building confidence, developing a growth mindset, and providing a supportive community that empowers women to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The day will be built around panels featuring Female Founders sharing what’ it’s really like to be a Female Founder, an opportunity to ask fellow Female Founders for their advice as industry experts, celebrating and reframing the narrative around success and ambition.
There will also be an Action learning workshop on Growth Mindset led by Empower Co Founder Beckie Taylor and a fast-paced knowledge share sessions providing the opportunity not just to learn but to connect with female founders sharing the same journey.
09:00 Registration and Networking
09:30 Welcome from Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
09:45 Panel : What it’s REALLY like to be a Female Founder
10:30 Action Learning – Female Founder Mindset
11:30 Coffee and Networking
11:45 Panel : Ask The Experts
12:30 Morning Close
12:30 Lunch & Networking
13:30 Welcome Back, Beckie Taylor, Co-Founder, Empower
13:35 Knowledge Share Session
15:15 Coffee and Networking
15:30 Panel – Celebrating Success and Ambition
16:15 Thanks and closing remarks
16:30 Cocktails and Mocktails
18:30 Close
19may18:0020:30The Future of Fairness in Leadership and Business | WBS
19/05/2025 18:00 - 20:30(GMT+01:00)
WBS at the Shard
London, SE1 9SG
This is your chance to engage in powerful dialogue and spark meaningful change in your professional sphere. After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries
After the panel discussion, network with peers from across industries over drinks and canapés, against the vibrant backdrop of London.
This event is held annually in collaboration with our partners We are the City, Women Engineering Society, Forte, City Women Network and 30% Chair; We are delighted to welcome a distinguished line-up of keynote speakers:
Dr Dawn Eubanks – Associate Professor of Behavioural Science & EI and Panel Chair
Rukasana Bhaijee – Global Head of DEI at the Financial Times. A DEI leader with over 13 years of experience across media, technology, professional services, and higher education. Formerly led DEI for Google’s EMEA tech division and consulted at EY, Rukasana brings deep expertise in strategy, race equity, and inclusive culture change.
Geraldine Gallacher – CEO of the Executive Coaching Consultancy, author of Coaching Women: Changing the System, Not the Person, and City Women Network Board member.
Mark Swain – WBS Client Director & Executive Coach, and Fellow of The Learning and Performance Institute. With over 20 years experience in leadership development Mark has developed a framework supporting Women in Strategy.
Ben Evans – New Business Director, AtkinsRéalis, ED&I Advocate and Warwick MBA Alumnus (2013)
Together, they’ll share their invaluable insights, strategies, and real-world experiences in fostering fairness and driving success in today’s dynamic and changing corporate landscape.
Key Topics Include:
Whether you’re a mid-career professional, an established leader, or an entrepreneur passionate about shaping the future of fairness, this event will leave you inspired and equipped to make a lasting impact.
Free
21may12:0013:00Master the Art of Incredible Interviews | WeAreTheCity & City CV
21/05/2025 12:00 - 13:00(GMT+01:00)
WeAreTheCity & City CV are thrilled to present a
Do interviews leave you feeling uneasy, underprepared or unsure of how to showcase your best self? Are you stuck in a loop of missed opportunities, wondering how to stand out and seal the deal? You’re not the only one. On average, people apply for 27 roles before they land just one interview.
But don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Whether it’s been years since your last interview, you’re chasing a promotion or new role, or simply trying to stay sharp, this free one-hour masterclass will give you the edge to win your next role. Your interview isn’t just a conversation – it’s a marketing pitch where you’re the product. Discover how to demonstrate your value, convince employers you’re the best investment they can make, and leave them thinking, “We’d be foolish not to hire you.”
In this jam-packed session, Victoria McLean, Founder & CEO of City CV, guides you through the art of wowing interviewers. With a proven track record of helping people at all career levels secure their dream roles, Victoria brings decades of expertise, countless success stories and award-winning career strategies to the table.
What you’ll learn:
Looking for more career support? Explore our Career Resources page. Ready to take the next step? Browse the latest opportunities on our Job Board and find your perfect role today!
23may10:0012:00Online* Pelvic Floor Recovery Workshop FREE | Karen Ellis - Postnatal Recovery Expert
23/05/2025 10:00 - 12:00(GMT+01:00)
With former Midwife, Karen Ellis. *Available on replay. Exactly how to rebuild strength in your pelvic floor after pregnancy. All the information you should have got from
All the information you should have got from your midwife about how to recover your pelvic floor PROPERLY after having a baby and how to exercise SAFELY so you can smile with excitement and enjoy the moment when your toddler takes your hand and pulls you towards the bouncy castle instead of the feeling of dread taking over as you decline their invitation.
You are a mum who;
And so you can have dry knickers!
Free