Comments from women using this toolkit in self-run groups
“The Menopause, none of us really want to admit openly that we have reached that age-defining spot!"
“I found the group sessions very useful and informative. It helped me to recognise my own symptoms and that of others."
“I didn’t feel so “alone” and felt that others understood my feelings and anxiousness..."
“The pack was easy to follow and I understood the “language”.
“Experiences I have gained from this made me look at all different areas of menopause and look at how I can make things easier for myself."
“It is reassuring to know that there is a list of websites and addresses for further information should I need it."
“It was also helpful for my family to read the handouts and try and understand why I do the things I do - or not do! - and try to give me my space when I need it."
“It was very user friendly - and I think other women going through the same thing could get a lot from this."
“It would be good if a GP or menopause clinic was able to instigate “talking groups” for women locally."
"It would help take the fear out of a lot of the issues we face, and help us identify with others and accept the reality we are in."
“I think having it online would benefit ladies who have busy life-styles and who find talking in front of people difficult.
“Thank you for the chance you gave us to understand the menopause in this well-prepared pack."
“The menopause affects a woman on every level, so it is an intensely personal experience, and as such we do need to talk it through all the way in order to be able to fathom out what we are going through."
“The information contained in each session was very informative and made me aware that what was happening to me was normal, but that there was help available.
“Without such programmes the majority of ladies would not know that they were going through the menopause and would suffer unnecessarily."
“It is so wonderful to know that we are not going mad! There are times when it would almost be easier to have a recognised condition like gout. Everyone would know and it would be treated. I felt so sorry for that lady who had really suffered - and so unnecessarily."
“I would definitely recommend this programme to other ladies."
Comments from Community and Health Professionals
“The toolkit was very clearly written and easy to use, containing enough stimulating interactive exercises and activities. In my experience photos always prompt discussion and are very useful for using with people who don’t like writing. I think the pack is brilliant!"
Cheryl Thompson - Training Coordinator,Women’s Centre, North Notts
This toolkit will be welcomed by any health professional involved in the care of menopausal and perimenopausal women with it’s current evidence-based information and medical advice. Where it differs from similar literature is that this is written by an empathetic supportive doctor who really knows what women are going through.
It also provides a huge number of common sense practical tips which women can put into action themselves. This gives them the ability to understand and take control of at least some aspect of this unpredictable and frequently bewildering phase of their lives.
The superb photos, taken by Dr de Carteret herself, complete the pack beautifully and say so much more than words can as well as being a work of art in themselves.
I recommend this invaluable resource to doctors, nurses and patients to establish much needed menopause support in primary and secondary care settings
Dr Ilona Bendefy - GP, CME Tutor and Appraiser, Derbyshire
As a counsellor using the toolkit I feel the balance between medical information and non-medical material is spot on. The toolkit ‘normalises’ the many non-medical (and too often disregarded) aspects of the menopause that women experience, and the sharing in the group work is therapeutic in itself. If a woman requires medical advice beyond the remit of the pack I would always advise her to go to her GP or a Menopause Clinic.
The toolkit is accessible and easily adaptable to suit individual time, setting and professional requirements.
Suzanne Dark - Counsellor, Derbyshire
Perhaps some practice or community nurses could run their own group at lunch time which would empower them to discuss these issues with patients. There doesn’t need to be a huge knowledge base around the menopause - women mostly want to be listened to and heard. Facilitating women to run their own groups with this toolkit would be a realistic use of time.
I think this pack is an excellent resource when there is very little available on this subject.
Sara Land - Community Matron, Derbyshire
Benefits of Nurse led groups prior to Menopause Clinic Appointments
The ladies liked the friendly informal style meetings. Most of the ladies wanted clear non-judgemental facts about the menopause, information on self-help, what options for treatment were available and discussion around the myths of the menopause.
Many ladies felt reassured to hear that other members of the group had similar problems.
Ladies were encouraged to participate if they wished, but just to listen if that was what they wanted, certainly no pressure was put on them.
A third of ladies booked for the menopause clinic cancelled their appointment after the group having been reassured that their symptoms were quite normal - or wanting to wait and assess their symptoms, over time. Ladies that did attend clinic felt that they had a clearer idea of what to ask the doctor, and a better understanding of their symptoms.
Mary Birley - Menopause Clinic, S Yorks
Distinguishing between menopause and PMS and depression is not always easy and GPs and counsellors may not see the connection and need for treatment for both the hormonal and emotional symptoms at the same time. This toolkit crosses medical boundaries with it’s advice.
Jane Pepper - Counsellor, Derwent Rural Counselling Service
I could easily adapt this toolkit for use with groups of women whose second language is English - the photos are very helpful when working with women from Minority Ethnic groups.
Fatima Musa - Community Development and Health Worker, Sheffield
