Menopause Hubs Offer Lifeline for Women Struggling with Symptoms, Sparking NHS Expansion
Manchester, UK – A pioneering menopause support hub in Greater Manchester is transforming the lives of women experiencing debilitating symptoms, offering expert advice, medication guidance, and a vital sense of community. The initiative is now poised for wider rollout across the region and beyond, as the NHS seeks to address a critical gap in care for millions of women.
For many, the experience of menopause is shrouded in silence and misunderstanding, leading to delayed diagnoses and a significant impact on quality of life. The new hubs aim to change that, providing a centralized resource for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Experts estimate that one in nine women will experience menopause during their lifetime, and the impact can range from mild discomfort to severe physical and mental health challenges.
Deena Banister, 60, from New Moston, Manchester, discovered the hub after her GP recommended it when she was struggling with severe symptoms. “The difference for me has been astounding,” she said. Banister had been forced to leave her job, believing she was developing serious health problems linked to her symptoms. “My confidence had taken a knock and unknowingly I was suffering depression and high anxiety.”
The hub offers talks from experts covering symptoms, HRT, bone health, lifestyle, and mindfulness, connecting women with both mental and physical health practitioners. Banister credits the hub with providing “vital information and support,” leading to correct medication for both her menopause and mental health issues. She has since joined a gym run by the hub leader and is actively investing in her well-being.
“my strength and confidence have been boosted and my understanding of what is happening to my body and mind has improved dramatically,” Banister explained. She has also become a “menopause champion,” sharing her knowledge with others. “The hub is so crucial because it gives correct, up-to-date information, establishes important links with medical and mental health services, and improves the lives of women.”
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care is now working to expand the menopause hub model throughout Manchester and surrounding areas, recognizing its potential to alleviate suffering and empower women experiencing this significant life transition.
