Women’s Health Concern (WHC) is the patient arm of the British Menopause Society (BMS). We provide an independent service to advise, reassure and educate women of all ages about their health, wellbeing and lifestyle concerns. We offer unbiased information – by telephone, email, printed factsheets, online and through symposia, seminars, meetings and our workshop Living and loving well beyond 40…!
A key objective is for women to forge a closer relationship with their general practitioners, nurses and other health professionals.
Menopause: Giving you confidence for understanding and action
The publication of the NICE Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of the Menopause on 12th November 2015 has enabled Women’s Health Concern to prepare a new series of factsheets that will help address the issues that may arise. They have been reviewed by the medical advisory council of the British Menopause Society. The BMS chair, Dr Heather Currie writes:
“Women experience the menopause in widely varying ways. It may help to remember that it is not unusual to feel that your body is changing dramatically, or equally, that it has hardly changed at all. Some women breeze through a problem-free menopause but most experience some symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you feel you are struggling, advice and support is widely available. The important thing is to be aware of any changes and to consult your GP for advice. Whatever the symptoms, help is available in a variety of ways. Above all, bear in mind that your health is your responsibility and that you are in charge. This is a time when your body deserves some tender loving care”.
The new factsheets include the following topics:
The menopause
Breast cancer: risk factors
Breast care and self-examination
Complementary/alternative therapies for menopausal women
Contraception for the older woman
HRT
HRT: Benefits and risks – what you should know
HRT: The history
HRT: Summary
Menopausal Hair Loss
Osteoporosis: bone health following the menopause
Ovarian cancer
Prolapse: Uterine and vaginal
Note: Further topics will be added to this list. If there are other aspects of menopause that you would like including, please get in touch with the charity.
NICE menopause clinical guideline is here…
The Guideline has been prepared for healthcare professionals but there is also a simplified version for women patients: http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/informationforpublic
Throughout 2016 there will be considerable medical and media interest in the new Guideline. This website will be posting information on the Guideline to reflect our objective of providing advice, reassurance and education to women.
We will continue to emphasise that the key advice remains unchanged: Consult your Doctor.
Diagnosis and treatment of your menopause can be complex or it can be relatively straightforward. Each and every woman approaching, in menopause or at the post reproductive stage of their lives is an individual, with personal requirements and priorities. There is no catch-all solution but Women’s Health Concern will offer as much information and comment as we can. This includes a new series of factsheets: Menopause: Giving you confidence for understanding and action [see above].
Menopausematters.co.uk and www.managemymenopause.co.uk provide up-to-date, accurate information about the menopause, menopausal symptoms and treatment options.
Related news
NICE guideline: information for the press
If you would like to arrange an interview with a spokesperson from the RCOG or the British Menopause Society (BMS) regarding the NICE Menopause Guideline, please contact RCOG press office on 020 7772 6444/6357 or email pressoffice@rcog.org.uk. The RCOG has a case study available for interview, please contact them for further information.
For social media updates, follow #TalkMenopause or @RCObsGyn.
‘Focus on’ series
The ‘Focus on’ series provides an in-depth review of a women’s health problem. Focus helps women to identify their signs and symptoms, reviews the types of diagnostic procedures and the treatment options available.
Latest: Exercise and Happiness
Quick links to online help and advice
Factsheets: health topics, regularly reviewed and updated.
FAQs: answers from our specialist nurses and medical advisory panel.
Useful links: sources of help offered by other health organisations.
WHC bookshelf: publications for the general public and for health professionals.
Confidential advice by telephone or email
Our specialist nurses offer a personal and confidential response to your reproductive, gynaecological or sexual health questions.
Telephone advisory service From £20 for 10 minutes.
Email advice We ask for a minimum donation of £10.
Latest news
Forthcoming meetings
Menopause Special Skills Module Health professionals only
6 October 2016 - 7 October 2016
Young Menopause Forum Open to all
6 October 2016
Young Menopause Forum Open to all
13 October 2016
Women’s Health Meeting Health professionals only
19 October 2016
Young Menopause Forum Open to all
3 November 2016
Women’s Health Meeting Health professionals only
9 November 2016
Young Menopause Forum Open to all
10 November 2016
Post Reproductive Health – Joint RCOG/BMS meeting Health professionals only
15 November 2016 - 16 November 2016
Annual Professional Development Conference Health professionals only
22 November 2016 - 24 November 2016
Young Menopause Forum Open to all
1 December 2016
The trustees of the British Menopause Society and Women’s Health Concern thank you all, especially those who have supported us having suffered loss of close family.
Our charity receives no statutory funding, so we continue to depend on the generosity of all those who value our services.
Health Advisory Service
WHC is offering a ground-breaking initiative to employees of small and medium-sized firms that have a majority of women on their staff.
Four Seasons appeal
Despite the early-mid June weather we think that summer has arrived! Our Four Seasons appeal continues. Slowly, slowly… women’s health is climbing the ladder of awareness; in the national and local media, in the workplace, in parliament and in the family. We believe passionately in women having access to accurate medical information. Everything we do is in support of your GPs, practice and specialist nurses and consultants. You will see from the range of services shown on this Home page that we can offer tailored advice to women of all ages with gynaecological or sexual health concerns.
These services need funding. If you are able to help, please click MAKE A DONATION above. We will acknowledge your gift and any suggestions you may like to give.
Please help our nurses to help women like you with health, wellbeing and lifestyle guidance
Thought for the Month: June/July 2016
In memory the work inspired by Jo Cox MP in promoting women’s health and wellbeing
The terrible death of Jo Cox MP on 16th June 2016 brings home to everybody how the threads of civilised society can be broken, but how they can also be restored and re-woven. Women’s Health Concern, together with our ‘parent’ charity, the British Menopause Society, send her family, friends, colleagues and local communities our heartfelt condolences.
In tribute to Jo we would like to run women’s health workshops in her constituency. If you are a health professional or a member of a local women’s group and would like to help please contact WHC.
 | WHC is a founder member of Women’s Health Alliance – working together for women. |
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Website last reviewed: 22 June 2016
Thames Valley local news and events
Women’s Health Concern is a national charity but we like to keep in close touch with communities in the Marlow area where our office is situated. Local information will periodically be published in this box.
The Health Show
on MarlowFM radio
(97.5FM or www.marlowfm.co.uk)
every Tuesday 9.30-12.
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