As a profession, teaching is predominately female, which makes addressing the menopause a high priority in all workplaces and within the Union.

In June 2022, the NASUWT launched our menopause survey to learn from direct from our members’ experiences.

Five thousand teachers from every region and nation of the UK took part.

Key findings

Eighty-five per cent of those who responded were either perimenopausal, menopausal or had already gone through the menopause.

Forty-eight per cent were already taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and almost seven per cent told us they felt they needed it but were struggling to access the medication.

Crucially, almost a third (32%) of those who responded told us that either they or their colleagues had been affected by a shortage in the supply of HRT.

Menopause in the workplace

The main workplace impacts of the shortage in HRT reported were:

  • mental health and wellbeing affected;

  • feeling unwell in the workplace;

  • ability to do the job affected; and

  • attendance being affected.

Yet, worryingly, the majority of respondents felt unsupported by their employer and within their workplace.

In your words

“It’s stressful worrying if I’ll have to get another different HRT for the next 3 months and spend 2 months working in discomfort while my body readjusts.”

“Not having access to HRT has meant that tasks take longer to complete. I am no longer good at multitasking and I struggle to retain information.”

“Easily upset at work. Feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.”

“I am fighting to remain in school and not be off, despite the symptoms I am experiencing.”

“I am panic-stricken at the idea that I will be unable to deal with the symptoms of the menopause if not on my medication.”

“I am struggling to keep up with work. I don’t feel confident talking to my workplace about my experience.”

“I am unable to get GP appointments or advice. GPs expect you to take their call at any time, which is not possible for a teacher…affected my general wellbeing.”

“Brain fog, memory loss, unable to finish sentences. It gave the school a way to target me, put me on a support plan.”

“Can’t properly access doctor appointments as they are banded into zoom times. Can’t be available for follow-up appointments.”

“Not affected yet…it has been extremely worrying just to be hearing about the shortages…not good for my mental health or anxiety levels.”

“In our job, stamina and energy is key. Pressure of the current job/workload is almost too hard to bear when you’re struggling to stay upright some days.”

“I can’t be off as we have no menopause policy and it is never acknowledged, so I don’t want to be discriminated against.”

“The menopause is not seen as a workplace issue.”

“While we have a policy, it’s not really implemented.”

“Menopause is seen as a taboo subject and rarely discussed.”

Next steps for the NASUWT

  • Lobby government education departments for mandatory menopause policies in schools and colleges.

  • Further promote NASUWT policy checklists and celebrate schools and colleges that adopt them successfully on behalf of NASUWT members.

  • Promote examples of good practice.

  • Promote NASUWT menopause training courses, including to school leaders.

  • Lobby government health and social care departments for improved access to medical appointments for teachers.