World Menopause Day 2026: Let’s keep the conversation going

As World Menopause Day approaches on Sunday 18 October, Jane Scattergood, chief nurse for Lancashire and South Cumbria, has been reflecting on how much progress we’ve made in talking more openly about menopause, both in society and within our own organisation:

"For many years, menopause was something people experienced quietly, often without the understanding or support they needed. While awareness has improved, I know there are still many colleagues who continue to face challenges that are difficult to talk about and not always visible to others.

"This year’s World Menopause Day theme, Chronic Pain at Midlife, highlights one of those challenges. Pain can take many forms, including joint and muscle aches, migraines and pelvic pain, and it can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Yet women’s pain has too often been overlooked, misunderstood or simply accepted as something they should put up with.

"Throughout my career as a nurse, and through conversations with colleagues, friends and family, I have seen how important it is for people to feel listened to and believed when they talk about their symptoms and experiences. Sometimes what people need most is not a solution, but understanding, compassion and the confidence to know they are not alone.

"As someone who is currently going through menopause, I am proud of the support available to colleagues and of the openness I see across our organisation. Every conversation we have helps reduce stigma and makes it easier for someone else to seek support when they need it.

"I also believe that women’s health is everyone’s business. Whether you have lived experience of menopause, support someone who does, manage a team, or simply want to better understand the experiences of colleagues, we all have a part to play in creating supportive and inclusive communities.

"This World Menopause Day, I encourage you to take a little time to learn more about this year’s theme, share information with others and continue those important conversations. Small acts of understanding can make a lasting difference.

"Together, we can create a culture where people feel comfortable talking about menopause, where symptoms are not dismissed, and where nobody feels they have to face these challenges on their own."

Find out more and access free resources on the World Menopause Day website.