October is Menopause Awareness Month – a time to shine a spotlight on a topic that affects half the population but is still too often whispered about or brushed aside.

If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause (or think you might be), first of all — you’re not alone. We want you to know that, here at WomenCentre, we see you, we hear you, and we’re here for you.

Let’s be real — menopause is a big deal, it can have a huge impact on your daily life, and yet so many of us are expected to just get on with it quietly, like nothing’s happening. But we believe it’s time to change that. Let’s break the silence and have some honest, no-judgement chats about what it’s really like.

Why We Need to Talk About Menopause

Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes – it can affect every part of a woman’s life: her body, her mood, her confidence, her relationships, her work.

Some women sail through it. Others feel like they’re falling apart.

Symptoms can include:

• Brain fog
• Sleep problems
• Low mood or anxiety
• Irregular periods
• Joint pain
• Night sweats
• Low self-esteem

And yet, many women feel they have to just “get on with it” in silence. Some even worry they’re becoming unwell or “losing it” without realising it’s menopause-related. That needs to change.

You’re Not Alone

Here in West Yorkshire, thousands of women are going through the same thing. Whether you’re just starting perimenopause or post-menopausal, support is out there – and you deserve it.

At WomenCentre, we’ve spoken to women who:

• Didn’t realise their symptoms were menopause-related
• Felt isolated or dismissed by health professionals
• Struggled at work without any adjustments
• Thought they had depression or memory problems – only to find out it was hormonal

Your experience is valid. And it matters.

How We Can Help

We are not menopause experts, however we can offer a safe, welcoming space to talk, vent, ask questions, and feel supported — without judgement.

Our support includes:

• 1:1 emotional support or counselling
• Peer support groups where you can talk freely about what’s going on for you
• Workshops in things like selfcare or increasing your confidence
• Friendly information and signposting on where to turn if you’re not getting the help you need from your GP

We can also help you advocate for yourself — whether that’s in a medical appointment or at work.

Calderdale WomenCentre 01422 386500

Kirklees WomenCentre 01484 450866

Email info@womencentre.org.uk

Finding local support

Finding Local Support in West Yorkshire

There are also some great local resources to tap into:

· Leeds Teaching Hospitals Menopause Clinic Specialist support for complex menopause needs (referral required) Specialist menopause clinic – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

-The M Word: Menopause Awareness – Calderdale and Kirklees Recovery College

· Local menopause cafés and support groups Check with your local library, community centre, or Facebook for informal meetups

· Your GP – you can ask for support or a referral to a menopause specialist

National Support:

Newson Clinic for info and advice guides: https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/knowledge 

Menopause Support CIC National charity that also supports regional events and offers free downloads  https://www.menopausesupport.co.uk 

The menopause charity list of symptoms: https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/symptoms/join-the-dots-a-z-symptoms-list/ 

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with us — we’re happy to point you in the right direction.