Birmingham has been named one of the toughest cities in the UK for women seeking menopause support, according to new research released for Menopause Awareness Month.
The survey found 62% of people across the UK described their menopause or perimenopause journey as negative – with Birmingham respondents reporting some of the harshest challenges.
Loneliness
Loneliness was a major theme. Almost two in five (38%) of women in Birmingham said they felt alone during menopause.
This was one of the highest rates in the country, behind only Leeds (43%) and Manchester (40%).
GP support is also an issue. More than a third (38%) of women in Birmingham felt dismissed when raising symptoms with their GP and 34% said they don’t feel supported at all.
Respondents reported needing an average of three GP visits before receiving tangible help, compared with just two in cities such as Nottingham and Bristol.
Holistic therapies
With confidence in traditional routes low, many women are turning to alternatives. A third in Birmingham now use holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
Nearly half (48%) said NHS treatment plans alone aren’t enough, and 72% believe doctors should be able to prescribe holistic or social treatments alongside HRT – the highest proportion of any UK city.
Awareness
Sarah Gilbertson, therapeutic coach for women in midlife and founder of FlourishWell Coaching, said: “Awareness is improving, but many women still think they have to just get on with it.
“We need care that considers the physical, mental and emotional aspects of menopause.”
Menopause Awareness Day is October 18.
