MORE than half of women would never discuss menopause symptoms with close female friends, relatives - or even their partners. A poll of 1,000 women aged 45 and over who are peri or post-menopausal found 55 per cent are too embarrassed to open up on conversations around vaginal dryness, excessive sweating and weight gain. While 20 per cent fear being judged, 14 per cent thought their symptoms were only happening to them and no one else.
However, 22 per cent wish they could have more open discussions, but don’t know how to approach them. Anna Richardson, who has teamed with vaginal moisturiser brand Replens to help women open up in conversations around the menopause, said: “There are many ways you can start these conversations and they shouldn’t have to be embarrassing. “It’s important to open up about your own experiences and if you’re willing to share then hopefully others will be too.
“I’ve curated my top tips on how to start these conversations with loved ones, so it doesn’t feel embarrassing or awkward. “The goal is to create a dialogue that feels natural and supportive where women can feel heard and understood.” The study also found 13 per cent have avoided seeking medical help for their menopause symptoms due to being embarrassed.
But as a result, 48 per cent were left with increased anxiety and stress, while 36 per cent had increased physical discomfort. Instead, 24 per cent read books or articles on menopause management and 22 per cent used herbal.