Today, we have launched Let’s #ChatMenopause –a new campaign to help make menopause an everyday part of conversation and break down barriers to enable women to get the support they need.

It comes after a Wellbeing of Women survey found that more than 4 in 5 (86%) UK women aged 45-65 believe public awareness, education and conversations about the menopause are too low, leaving many unsure where to get information, advice and support.

We have released a series of emotive and candid videos of women speaking about the menopause and are calling on everyone to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ChatMenopause.

The survey of 2,000 people also revealed that of the women who reported being menopausal, more than 1 in 2 (57%) would be more likely to share their own menopause or perimenopause experience publicly if they saw others doing it more regularly.

This rose to almost 3 in 5 (59%) for those who said they were perimenopausal.

The Let’s #ChatMenopause campaign is backed by several high-profile women who have all filmed videos to encourage others to share their stories.

They include celebrity Penny Lancaster, Carolyn Harris MP, broadcaster Zoe Hardman, former Olympian Michelle Griffith-Robinson, and TV doctor and Wellbeing of Women Ambassador, Dr Nighat Arif.

Penny says: “I first started getting symptoms during the first lockdown in 2020 but didn’t originally think it could be the menopause. Everyone was having a hard time during lockdown, so I thought my symptoms were linked to that at first.

“It was a really hard time for me, my husband Rod, and my family, but I’m thankful that I was able to get the help I needed and now feel much happier and more confident. But I’ve spoken to so many women since then who have told me how their self-confidence has been taken away and they don’t feel able to talk about what they’re going through.

“There still seems to be a stigma attached to the menopause because you’re seen as getting old and feel redundant. We really need to challenge this. We need more open and honest conversations if we’re going to make menopause part of everyday life, in the workplace and at home.”

Carolyn Harris MP, who shares her own experience of menopause alongside Penny, says: “With more than 30 different menopause symptoms it can be difficult to know if you’re menopausal or not. It was a raw feeling when I realised, as I thought I was depressed and on antidepressants for eight years following the death of my son.

“Getting the right help and support can make a big difference, but there’s sadly still too much silence around the menopause. For most women, the menopause is a natural stage in our lives, but many don’t feel able to talk about what they’re going through. This campaign by Wellbeing of Women to get people talking is crucial if we’re going to break down barriers so that women get the help they deserve.”   

Dr Nighat Arif, Wellbeing of Women Ambassador, GP and resident doctor for BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning, speaks to Michelle Griffith-Robinson and Meera Bhogal, about the need to tackle stigma and taboo among Black and Asian communities. She says: “Lack of information and education, along with outdated societal stereotypes of women going through menopause all play a part in stopping women from opening up and speaking out. Sadly, this means many don’t feel comfortable seeking help or support and some may not even be aware they’re approaching or going through menopause due to a lack of awareness.

“Every woman will experience the menopause differently, and this can also vary among different ethnic groups, where a culture of silence and stigma can be particularly challenging. It is time to change this and we can all get involved by speaking out and normalising conversations.”

Heart FM presenter Zoe Hardman and her older sister, Kathryn Hardman-Farris, both started the menopause before the age of 40, known as primary ovarian insufficiency. Zoe says: “Getting people to chat menopause more openly will help so many women. We need to reassure women that they are not the only ones going through this; that hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms are completely normal. Early menopause can be particularly challenging, as it happens at a younger age than average, and I watched my sister, Kathryn, suffer from infertility.

“I’m proud to be a part of Wellbeing of Women’s Let’s Chat Menopause campaign. By all of us sharing our stories, we can help more women know that they’re not alone, that it’s okay to talk about what they’re feeling and empower them to get the help they need.”

Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Wellbeing of Women Chair, says: “Despite affecting almost all women, the menopause has been swept under the carpet for too long. It is still not talked about often enough and a culture of silence still exists where symptoms and experiences are not openly talked about.

“We are delighted to have partnered with inspiring women for our new ‘Let’s #ChatMenopause campaign who are all bravely sharing their stories to help others. Together, we want to help break down barriers and make menopause an everyday part of conversation.”

Find out more about the Let’s #ChatMenopause campaign and share your story.

Catch-up on our Let’s #ChatMenopause campaign videos:

Penny Lancaster and Carolyn Harris MP share their experiences of the menopause

Broadcaster Zoe Hardman and her sister talk about how they supported each other through early menopause (called primary ovarian insufficiency)

Dr Nighat Arif, Michelle Griffith-Robinson and Meera Bhogal discuss race and the menopause

TV presenter Kate Thornton speaks to women from the Armed Forces about how the menopause has affected their confidence and careers

A group of Tesco colleagues discuss their experiences of menopause, including two women whose menopause was medically induced, and highlight the need for more education.