RedArc, the nurse-led health and wellbeing support service, has seen a marked increase in requests for menopause support over the past 12 months, with many women looking for a sounding board and source of reliable information on the matter of managing symptoms.
Christine Husbands, commercial director, RedArc said: “Menopause awareness is certainly higher than it’s ever been which can only be a good thing for women, many of whom had previously suffered their symptoms in silence or embarrassment. However, this increased desire for information, remedies and solutions has led to some misinformation and myths circulating on the internet, amongst women themselves and via other ‘experts’.”
RedArc’s support for people with cancer means the company also sees the effects on women when menopause is triggered by cancer treatment, and the specific support that’s needed then.
There are reports of over 30 different menopausal symptoms and typically, many women tell RedArc that they also suffer with a sense of anxiety and a loss of their fertility. While HRT (hormone replacement therapy) can improve symptoms, it doesn’t always eradicate them completely, meaning menopausal women often still need to learn to manage hormonal changes.
Christine Husbands continued: “We are increasingly finding that women are looking for a listening ear and someone to provide much-needed reassurance as well as reliable information. With so much information and advice available – often conflicting and not necessarily medically based – rather than providing clarity the waters are becoming muddied.
“Increasingly women are turning to our experienced nurse team to cut through the noise and find coherent answers to their questions.”
Typically, RedArc helps people prepare for GP appointments, navigate the NHS, signpost to organisations that provide specialist support or peer support, and provide verified reading materials. When required it may also suggest a course of therapy or other intervention such as a private consultation with a menopause consultant.
Christine Husbands continued: “Women need to know that the support they are accessing is clinically correct and tailored to their needs.”
