Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Get some support through the menopause

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 26 April 2007

Get some support through the menopause

If you are going through the menopause, you may want extra support from a health professional or may wish to speak to like-minded women. If so, you should see if there's a menopause support or self-help group in your local area. If you can’t find a suitable group, you may be able to set one up yourself – it’s not actually as difficult as it sounds.

In the Spring 2007 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, menopause nurse specialist Angela Panteli looks at the benefits of menopause support and self-help groups. Self-help groups are usually run by the women themselves, whereas a support group may be assisted by a health professional. The article includes guidance on setting up a group, with a checklist of considerations to take into account (e.g. where to hold the group, how often and when).

“Many women find that self-help or support groups are an inspiration to them, offering advice and information that is otherwise difficult to find,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “Unfortunately, there are very few menopause groups in existence, which is why we at The Menopause Exchange would like to encourage women and health professionals to set them up around the country.”

The Menopause Exchange covers a wide range of subjects like menopausal symptoms, HRT and its alternatives, nutrition and lifestyle and medical conditions (e.g. breast cancer). It is completely independent – it is not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions. Other articles in the Spring 2007 issue include premature menopause, post-menopausal health and tiredness at the menopause. The Menopause Exchange has an Ask the Experts panel, information service and fact sheets specifically for members.

We have members who are happy to speak to journalists about their experiences of the menopause.

For more info on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk

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NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1.The Menopause Exchange Newsletter was launched in June 1999.

2.The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks on the menopause at organisations, workplaces, health clubs, pharmacies, exhibitions and other venues. Her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.

3.The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners.

4.Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: HRT questions you forget to ask your doctor; osteoporosis treatments; sexuality after the menopause; complementary therapies at the menopause; heart disease; memory problems; anti-ageing beauty secrets; mood swings; and eating for the menopause.

5.UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter and regular fact sheets) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £30 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request.

6.All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.