BRITS are too embarrassed to talk about the menopause with 52 per cent seeing it as a taboo topic, research has found.
Around one in five women in the UK are believed to be currently going through what is sometimes referred to as ‘the change’.
Despite this, a survey of 2,000 adults found that less than half (48 per cent) have had a loved one open up to them about their experience with menopause.
In fact, almost half believe approaching the subject with a woman might make them feel uncomfortable, while 38 per cent think it’s simply not their place to ask.
Delving deeper into the communication barriers surrounding menopause, a third would be too embarrassed to broach the subject with a woman.
The research, commissioned by wellness brand OTO also found that almost two thirds wouldn’t feel comfortable, even with a loved one or friend.
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Menopause is natural, but symptoms can be debilitating, with one of the most common being hot flushes.
The poll marks the launch of OTO’s range of fans, created in partnership with fashion designer Bella Freud, to empower women to embrace the symptoms of menopause and help them to make a visible statement about the challenges.
Gemma Colao, founder and creative director of the wellness brand, says: “Our research shows that there’s clearly more to be done in breaking down the communication barriers surrounding the menopause.
“Our brand was born out of an ambition to help people find balance – and what better way to achieve this than through more open communication and awareness of one of the most challenging experiences in a woman’s life.
An estimated one in five of the UK’s population are currently experiencing it.
Yet the menopause is still whispered in hush tones like it’s something to be embarrassed about.
The stigma attached to the transition means women have been suffering in silence for centuries.
The Sun are determined to change that, launching the Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign to give the taboo a long-awaited kick, and get women the support they need.
The campaign has three aims:
The campaign has been backed by a host of influential figures including Baroness Karren Brady CBE, celebrities Lisa Snowdon, Jane Moore, Michelle Heaton, Zoe Hardman, Saira Khan, Trisha Goddard, as well as Dr Louise Newson, Carolyn Harris MP, Jess Phillips MP, Caroline Nokes MP and Rachel Maclean MP.
Exclusive research commissioned by Fabulous, which surveyed 2,000 British women aged 45-65 who are going through or have been through the menopause, found that 49% of women suffered feelings of depression, while 7% felt suicidal while going through the menopause.
50% of respondents said there is not enough support out there for menopausal women, which is simply not good enough. It’s time to change that.
“We’re delighted to team up with Bella Freud to create an accessory to help women feel seen – designed to help those experiencing symptoms of menopause relieve the rising heat with pride, whenever and wherever they need to.”
The research also found that 46 per cent of people believe having more open and honest dialogue with their partner and children would make them feel better understood.
With 27 per cent saying they would feel more loved and appreciated – and a fifth believe it would improve their relationships.
The research went on to learn about the lifestyle impact menopausal symptoms have on women – 29 per cent have lost their confidence, while 24 per cent worry they’ll never feel themselves again.
One in three feel flustered and embarrassed when experiencing a hot flush.
Adding they have felt on edge in social situations or an important meeting, as they fret over whether they will have a hot flash.
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While 13 per cent will also stress about feeling hot under the collar when sat on public transport.
It also emerged women believe better sleep (47 per cent), improving their diet (27 per cent) and taking supplements (24 per cent) would help them mitigate menopausal symptoms.
