Menopause in social care: Alleviating stigma around symptoms

The fourth webinar of Care England and Menopause Support’s series focused on the physical symptoms of menopause, specifically Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). While the third webinar outlined some of the common symptoms that can be experienced during menopause, this session sought to destigmatise the more difficult ones: those based in the pelvic area.

Diane Danzebrink from Menopause Support explains that women experiencing these symptoms may feel embarrassed or ashamed, despite GSM affecting 70 to 80 percent of women. GSM is also an ongoing experience of symptoms for affected women. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms continue well into later life, not just during the menopause period.

To meet the nature of these continued symptoms, long-term management is essential.  For women and employers, this management must be considered in both the workplace and at home. This includes creating environments where symptoms can be discussed without stigma, ensuring access to appropriate support and adjustments, and recognising that menopause-related health needs do not end at a single life stage.

About Menopause Support

Menopause Support is a social enterprise founded by Diane Danzebrink to close the gap in menopause awareness, information and support.

Working with Care England, Menopause Support is helping bring that support into adult social care. Its work helps care workers better understand symptoms, feel more confident in seeking help, and access practical support earlier.

It also helps employers create more open, informed and supportive workplaces — reducing stigma and making it easier for staff to stay well and stay in work.

To find out more about the support available for social care workers and organisations, visit Care England and Menopause Support.

Possible Symptoms

GSM is an umbrella term for a broad range of pelvic-based symptoms. To hold an open discussion and alleviate stigma, Diane provides some examples of possible symptoms.

A very common one is vulval or vaginal dryness, which can lead to soreness, irritation, general discomfort, as well as pain and skin shrinking or thinning. Women who have had episiotomies, a surgical cut made during childbirth between the vaginal opening and the anus, have reported that menopause has caused increased discomfort around their scars.

The soreness and discomfort may also be accompanied by watery discharge or even bleeding. Women also report more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or incontinence. In very extreme cases, some women experience pelvic organs prolapse, where pelvic organs drop from their normal positions due to weakened pelvic floor muscles, during the hormonal changes of menopause.

Of course, many of these symptoms may be tough for women to talk about, due to the stigma surrounding that area of the body. Diane stresses the importance of speaking openly about any changes or discomfort, as these symptoms can significantly affect quality of life and are often manageable with the right treatment. However, without support, they may continue to worsen over time.

How to alleviate these symptoms

There are several ways to help alleviate the symptoms of GSM, and treatment can be tailored to each individual. Diane explains that the main course of treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can be effective for some women, particularly when used alongside more targeted, local treatments.

Local oestrogen treatments are commonly recommended and can be applied directly to the vaginal area to relieve dryness and discomfort. These include vaginal pessaries, creams, or a vaginal ring, which is typically replaced every three months. In addition, non-hormonal options such as moisturisers and lubricants can help to ease irritation and improve comfort during everyday activities or intercourse.

Diane also highlights the role of pelvic health physiotherapy, which can support pelvic floor strength and function. This can be particularly helpful for women experiencing symptoms such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

GSM Symptoms in the Adult Social Care Sector

GSM can present additional challenges in adult social care settings, where symptoms may be harder to recognise or communicate. Diane highlights that repeated UTIs should be carefully monitored, as they can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health. Changes in behaviour or mood, such as increased confusion, agitation, or withdrawal, may indicate a UTI or, in more serious cases, urosepsis, particularly in older adults.

For individuals with learning disabilities, expressing discomfort or describing symptoms may be more difficult. As a result, signs of GSM, such as vulval soreness or irritation, may present as general distress or irritability rather than being clearly reported. Similarly, urinary leakage should not be considered in isolation, and underlying vulval or vaginal health should also be assessed.

Diane emphasises that awareness is key. Care staff, as well as friends and family members, play an important role in recognising potential symptoms and ensuring concerns are communicated and addressed. Providing education, such as sharing resources or this series of webinars, can help improve understanding and support better, more informed care.

Without this awareness, symptoms of GSM risk being overlooked, misattributed, or inadequately treated, potentially leading to avoidable pain, distress, and more serious health complications. This applies not only to people drawing on care, but also to the workforce itself, who may be managing symptoms while continuing in physically and emotionally demanding roles. In practice, this means embedding menopause awareness into training, strengthening observation and reporting, and ensuring both service users and staff have timely access to appropriate support and adjustments. Doing so improves quality of life, supports staff wellbeing and retention, and enables safer, more responsive, person-centred care.