A group of senior women from the Armed Forces have spoken out about the effects of menopause on their careers, as part of Wellbeing of Women’s Let’s #ChatMenopause campaign.
In a new film for the campaign, released on World Menopause Day today, four senior women from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force open up to TV presenter Kate Thornton about how they recognised their menopause symptoms, the challenges they have faced, and how they have coped.
In the film, Jenny, who serves in the Royal Navy, said: “I have personally gone through a real mental torture actually at times. What is this that’s wrong with me? Am I getting dementia, or am I just going mad? Am I just not good at my job anymore? It took going to see a great doctor, who said, no it’s none of those things. It’s the menopause.”
Zoe, from the Royal Navy, said: “For me, it was completely unexpected, I didn’t know what was going on with me. I couldn’t figure it out. I was trying to do a job, just none of it was lining up. My symptoms included brain fog and anxiety is crippling.”
Lesley, who works in the RAF Reserves, said: “The menopause robbed me of my superpower. I could go into a meeting and literally come up with ideas at the drop of a hat. I can’t do that anymore. I’ve had to reframe it to stop beating myself up about the fact that I’m not the same person as I was three years ago.”
She continued: “The two or three times in Afghanistan where I thought I was going to die, I kind of put it on a par with that. How I felt in those moments is sometimes how I have felt on this menopause journey.”
This film is the latest in a series of emotive and candid videos of women speaking about the menopause. Wellbeing of Women is calling on everyone to join the conversation and share their stories on social media using the hashtag #ChatMenopause.
Kate Thornton talks of getting “overwhelming, like pull the car over panic attacks and then crying afterwards and feeling utterly drained, like I had been through a bit of an episode.”
Speaking about the campaign, Kate says: “It was a real privilege to meet with women from the Armed Forces and share our experiences of menopause. It’s so important to infiltrate every work space with this conversation and these women have been formidable in terms of getting our armed forces talking and better understanding what they’re dealing with.”
In the video, Kate and the women from the Armed Forces discuss menopause symptoms, such as brain fog, anxiety and hot flushes, how these affect them at work and in uniform, and how they are helping their colleagues to understand more about the menopause through education and the little actions they can do that can make a big difference.
Paula, from the RAF, commented: “I started the programme of re-educating my senior bosses and one commander said to me, ‘sit down and tell me about this because I don’t understand it,’. Now, when I go into meetings with that individual, he will see me very slowly start to go red and he instinctively knows to switch the air con on, the most subtle of actions, but it makes it so much easier.”
A survey by Wellbeing of Women has shown that more than 4 in 5 UK women aged 45-65 (86%) believe public awareness, education and conversations about the issue are too low, leaving many unsure where to turn for information and support.
The survey of 2,000 women aged 45-65 also found that more than 1 in 2 women who reported being menopausal (57%) said they would be more likely to share their own experience publicly if they saw others doing it more regularly. This rose to almost 3 in 5 (59%) for those going through the perimenopause.
Sarah Atherton, Minister for Defence People, Veterans & Service Families, said: “For some women in the Armed Forces, the menopause can have alarming effects from experiencing brain fog, mood swings and changes in fitness levels, to name a few.
“Defence is now breaking the taboo, talking openly about these effects and making policy changes to help us all understand it better and manage the consequences of the menopause.
By supporting our female personnel as they face these biological changes, our Armed Forces can retain and nurture the diversity of talent and skills we have in order to maintain our competitive edge which guarantees our operational effectiveness.’’
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.