Menopause Awareness Month (October): Why the UK Must Keep the Conversation Going

October marks Menopause Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the experiences of millions of women across the UK and to push for better support, understanding, and workplace inclusion. Despite rising awareness, the data shows that menopause remains one of the most under‑recognised health and equality issues affecting the UK workforce.

Below is a clear, evidence‑based look at the current picture — and why October matters more than ever.

📊 The Scale of Menopause in the UK

• 13 million women in the UK are peri‑ or post‑menopausal — around one‑third of the entire female population
• 51 is the average age of menopause, though symptoms often begin years earlier
• 1 in 100 women experience menopause before 40 (premature menopause)

These numbers alone show why menopause is not a niche issue — it is a major public health and workforce consideration.

Menopause in the Workplace: The Hidden Productivity Gap

Menopause is increasingly recognised as a workplace health and safety issue, especially as women aged 45–54 are now the fastest‑growing demographic in the UK workforce .

Key workplace statistics:

• 79% report reduced ability to concentrate at work
• 17% have considered leaving due to lack of support, and 6% have already left

Despite this:

• Only 24% of women say their employer has a menopause policy or support in place

This gap is exactly why Menopause Awareness Month is essential.

🩺 Healthcare & Support: A System Still Catching Up

Recent national surveys reveal significant gaps in menopause care:

• 63.2% of women felt dismissed by a healthcare provider when raising symptoms
• 55% say long‑term health benefits of hormone therapy were never discussed
• 76.4% did not initially recognise their symptoms as hormone‑related

Meanwhile, demand for treatment is rising:

• Nearly 15 million HRT items were dispensed in England in 2024/25 — an 11% year‑on‑year increase
• 2 million women aged 40+ received NHS HRT prescriptions in 2025–26 — double the number from 2020–21
• Prescribing rates vary significantly by region and deprivation, with London’s most deprived boroughs having the lowest access

This shows progress — but also inequality.

🌟 Final Thought

Menopause Awareness Month isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about changing outcomes. The statistics show a clear picture: millions of women are affected, many feel unsupported, and the impact on wellbeing, careers, and the economy is significant.

By using October to educate, support, and act, the UK can move closer to a future where menopause is understood, accommodated, and never a barrier to health or career progression.

If you have any queries, please contact us.

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Menopause Awareness Month (October): Why the UK Must Keep the Conversation Going