Online Forum to Address Menopause and Chronic Pain

South Cumbria support group Menopause Matters is organizing a county-wide online forum on Sunday to discuss the pain experienced by individuals during menopause and perimenopause. The event, coinciding with World Menopause Day, aims to provide a space for sharing experiences and asking questions.

World Menopause Day, established by the International Menopause Society, is focusing this year on the theme of Chronic Pain At Midlife. Leigh Williams, a facilitator for Menopause Matters, expressed hope that the free online event, scheduled from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM BST, will encourage open dialogue about pain and menopause.

Menopause Matters also conducts a monthly informal drop-in café in Barrow-in-Furness. Williams, who became a facilitator due to her own experiences with perimenopause and chronic pain, emphasized the need for such outlets. "Some of the women that come to the support groups are really desperate for an outlet, they haven't been able to talk about these topics or get the support that they wanted," she stated.

Diverse Perspectives on Menopause and Pain

The online session will feature a variety of professionals and personal accounts related to menopause. Unlike a typical webinar, it is designed as an open conversation. Participants will include a general practitioner, a pelvic health physiotherapist, a local authority health professional, support group facilitators, and individuals with direct experience of persistent pain.

"What we've seen through the menopause cafe is that women's experiences don't fit neatly into boxes," Williams explained. "We might start with menopause and very quickly find ourselves talking about pain, sleep, mental health, stress or neurodiversity. No one person on this call has all the answers. That is exactly why we're bringing different perspectives together."

According to the International Menopause Society, nearly three-quarters of women experience joint or muscle pain during perimenopause. Additionally, women are up to 70% more likely than men to experience chronic pain in general. Some common perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms, which can mimic musculoskeletal pain or fibromyalgia, include muscle and joint aches, stiffness, swelling, reduced strength, and tingling sensations.

"Menopause is something that affects 50% of the population, so we absolutely should be expecting a level of health," Williams added. "Some women can be experiencing these symptoms for a decade – that's a long time to be uncomfortable. Health and wellbeing isn't just the absence of ill-health, it's about being able to thrive and that's what I'm striving for."

Interested individuals can reserve a spot for the free online conversation through the event's booking website.