Menopause is the time of life after a woman's, trans or non-binary person's last period, leaving a hormone deficiency. The years leading up to that point are called the menopausal transition or perimenopause. During this phase, many have changes in their monthly cycles, hot flushes, brain fog or other symptoms.
The experience is different for everyone: some have no signs of change, others have debilitating symptoms that affect work, relationships, day-to-day life and health. There is treatment available and everybody who chooses to, should have access to it.
It can be a tricky time to deal with both physically and emotionally. Whatever you’re feeling, you're not alone.
The menopause is not a specific protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. But if an employee or worker is put at a disadvantage and treated less favourably because of their menopause symptoms, this could be discrimination if related to a protected characteristic.