BROTHERS are too shy to talk about menopause, with 52 percent finding it a taboo subject, research has found.
It is estimated that around one in five women in the UK are now experiencing what is sometimes called “change”.
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Despite this, a survey of 2,000 adults found that less than half (48 percent) had a loved one tell them about their experience menopause.
In fact, nearly half believe that approaching a topic with a a woman can make them feel uncomfortable, while 38 percent feel it’s simply not their place to ask.
Delving into the communication barriers around menopausea third would be too embarrassed to broach the subject with a woman.
Research commissioned by a wellness brand OTO also found that nearly two-thirds would not feel comfortable, even with a loved one or friend.
Menopause is natural, but symptoms can be debilitatingwith tides being one of the most common.
The survey marks the launch of OTO’s fan range, created in partnership with fashion designer Bella Freud, to empower women to embrace menopause symptoms and help them make a visible statement about the issues.
Gemma Colao, founder and creative director of the wellness brand, says: “Our research shows that there is clearly more to be done to break down the communication barriers around menopause.
“Our brand was born out of an ambition to help people find balance – and what better way to achieve that than through more open communication and awareness of one of the most challenging experiences in a woman’s life.
Fabulous issues of menopause
It is estimated that one in five people in the UK currently experience it.
Yet menopause is still talked about in hushed tones, as if it’s something to be ashamed of.
The stigma attached to transition means women have suffered in silence for centuries.
The Sun is determined to change that by launching the Fabulous Menopause Matters campaign to give the taboo a long-awaited blow and get women the support they need.
The company has three goals:
- Make HRT free in England
- That every workplace has a menopause policy to provide support
- To break the taboo around menopause
The campaign has been backed by a host of influential figures, including Baroness Karen 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. , Caroline Knox MP and Rachel McLean MP.
Exclusive research commissioned by Fabulous, which surveyed 2,000 British women aged 45-65 who are going through or have gone through menopause, found that 49% of women suffered from feelings of depression, while 7% felt suicidal during menopause.
50% of respondents said there is not enough support for menopausal women, which is simply not good enough. It’s time to change that.
“We’re excited to team up with Bella Freud to create an accessory that will help women feel noticed – designed to help those experiencing menopause symptoms proudly shake off the rising heat anytime, anywhere.”
The study also found that 46 percent of people believe that more open and honest dialogue with their partner and children will help them feel better understood.
That said, 27 percent said they would feel more loved and appreciated – and a fifth believe it would improve their relationships.
The study went on to find out about the lifestyle impact that menopause symptoms have on women – 29 per cent have lost confidence and 24 per cent worry they will never feel like themselves again.
Every third feels hot flashes and awkwardness.
Adding that they felt on edge in social situations or in an important meeting because they were worried about whether they would have hot flashes.
While 13 percent will also stress that they feel hot under the collar when they get on public transport.
It also found that women believe that getting better sleep (47 percent), improving their diet (27 percent) and taking nutritional supplements (24 percent) will help them ease their menopausal symptoms.
