Now that we’re talking about menopause, let’s act

But one thing that’s not talked about enough, is how these debilitating symptoms alongside the lack of support is leading some women to the depths of despair and in the most extreme cases, to suicide.

Perimenopausal and menopausal depression are real - there is a 16-fold increase in depression in women aged 45-52, and a staggering 7-fold increase in suicide in women aged 40-50.

Around 20 per cent of perimenopausal and menopausal women present to their GP with symptoms of depression. Some 66 per cent of these are offered or given anti-depressants despite the fact these do little to treat the low mood associated with menopause.

Lack of training for GPs and outdated and erroneous fears over the safety of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), mean that this crucial treatment is still, far too often, being overlooked by medical professionals.

It is proven to improve low mood and reduce the risk of longer-term clinical depression, whilst also treating the many other symptoms that women may experience.

And thanks to commitments made by the government following our campaigning last year, it will soon be available on prescription at a fraction of the current cost, meaning that financial hardship will not be a barrier to women accessing this vital treatment.

This is not a criticism of our wonderful NHS nor our committed local GP practices. But without adequate training, the ability of medical professionals to diagnose and treat women is severely hampered and this is leading to some devastating outcomes.

The #MenopauseRevolution that we started last year, is just the beginning. By sharing our stories and campaigning for change we are lifting the taboo.

Menopause isn’t a dirty little secret that we are afraid to mention. It is real life and 51 per cent of us will directly experience it at some point.

We are changing the narrative, but we need to keep on changing it – in education, in workplaces, in medical settings and across society.

We must challenge the myths around HRT, which is a safe long-term treatment option for many women for both the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. And all women over the age of 40 should be eligible for an NHS menopause ‘check’.

We are delighted that women are now talking about menopause more, and importantly that men are too; that the message is spreading throughout the media and in the corridors of power in Westminster.

But women need more than talk. They need better levels of diagnosis, they need the right treatment paths, and they need to know that adequate support is available to them in all aspects of their lives.

We have both heard the most devastating stories of how the symptoms of menopause have impacted women’s physical and mental health and how some women have been unable to access the help and treatment they need.

These failings have caused unnecessary suffering for women and those closest to them. Families have been ripped apart, and we have to recognise this and do everything we can to prevent more women finding themselves in the situation where they think the only answer is to end their own lives.

Carolyn Harris is MP for Swansea East and Penny Lancaster is a model, TV personality and police officer

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