when it comes to menopause, britain is pretty much leading the world.
thanks to an array of doctors, activists, celebrities, journalists and politicians, recent years have yielded a national menopause policy, the subject being introduced into the high school curriculum, more training for ill-equipped gps, and national recognition of
the need
for menopause workplace policies.
channel 4
, a u.k. public service broadcaster, has screened two popular documentaries on the subject, each hosted by tv presenter and leading celebrity menopause campaigner davina mccall. even singer rod stewart got into the act, appearing on the chat show
loose women with his wife penny lancaster
to talk about
what men can do to support their partners through the change.
the u.k.’s
#menopauserevolution
has boosted awareness of and access to menopause hormone therapy, particularly in underserviced areas, and in many ways that is a good thing.
according to
the national health service business services authority, the number of units prescribed grew by 35 per cent in 2021 and 2022 compared to the previous year.
if there is one thing those of us in north america can learn from the u.k. on this, however, it’s how to avoid the medicalization of menopause, and the intense division it has developed in its wake.