Tackling the Menopause: UCL Launches Groundbreaking Education Program

In a significant advancement for women’s health, researchers at University College London (UCL) have unveiled the United Kingdom’s first national Menopause Education and Support Programme, aptly named InTune. This pioneering initiative aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and support necessary to navigate the complexities of menopause, a phase that affects nearly all women at some stage in their lives.

The Vision Behind InTune

The InTune program is being spearheaded by an esteemed team of UCL researchers, including Professor Joyce Harper from the UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health, Dr. Shema Tariq from the UCL Institute for Global Health, and Dr. Nicky Keay from the UCL Division of Medicine, alongside Dr. Florence Rowe RD. Understanding the need for inclusive and accessible resources, the team has partnered with two charities, Wellbeing of Women and Sophia Forum, and received backing from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the British Menopause Society.

A core mission of this initiative is to co-design the InTune program with diverse women and individuals impacted by menopause, ensuring that the content is relevant and tailored to a wide audience. Professor Harper emphasized the urgent need for accessible, evidence-based menopause education, outlining a vision for high-quality, inclusive support for all.

Two Distinct Courses

After extensive consultation over the past year, including workshops and surveys, the UCL team has developed two interrelated programs: Be Prepared for Menopause and the Perimenopause Programme. Each course offers a unique approach to addressing the diverse needs of individuals before and during menopause.

Be Prepared for Menopause

The Be Prepared for Menopause course is a two-hour interactive session designed for individuals under 40, although attendance is open to anyone interested. This session covers essential topics such as:

• Understanding menopause, its symptoms, and diagnosis
• Management strategies, including lifestyle modifications
• What life post-menopause looks like

Utilizing a modern teaching style that includes expert-led short videos, the course encourages attendees to reflect and discuss personal experiences, fostering a supportive learning environment. The first iteration of this course has already begun pilot testing across the UK, demonstrating the program’s commitment to accessible education.

The Perimenopause Programme

The Perimenopause Programme targets individuals already experiencing menopause-related symptoms, providing a platform for peer support and education about the transitional phase known as perimenopause. Typically occurring three to five years before menopause, this period is marked by fluctuating hormone levels, leading to symptoms like mood swings and irregular menstrual cycles.

Structured similarly to antenatal classes, the Perimenopause Programme will span six to eight weeks, delivered in group settings. The UCL team envisions this course being made available through workplaces and community organizations, blending education with coaching and peer influence.

Inclusivity and Accessibility at the Core

Recognizing that menopause affects individuals differently, the UCL team is committed to ensuring both courses are available in online and in-person formats. They are also working to adapt the content for various audiences, including those who are neurodivergent, from racially or sexually minoritized backgrounds, or living with ongoing health conditions.

Dr. Nicky Keay expressed optimism about InTune’s potential to resonate with diverse communities, emphasizing the importance of being “in tune” with one’s body and fostering connections among individuals experiencing similar transitions.

Addressing the Knowledge Gap

The launch of InTune comes in response to considerable gaps in menopause education. Previous research led by Professor Harper revealed alarming statistics: over 90% of women had never received information about menopause in school, and more than 60% began seeking information only after experiencing symptoms. This lack of knowledge can exacerbate the challenges individuals face during this pivotal life stage.

Dr. Shema Tariq articulated the program’s mission, highlighting how proper information and support, tailored for timely delivery, can empower communities to manage their health and wellbeing during this life transition.

Next Steps and Future Funding

Recently, the team presented InTune at a House of Commons event, reinforcing the urgent need for menopause education and support. They are now seeking additional funding to refine the program and conduct robust evaluations to ensure its effectiveness.

In conclusion, the launch of the InTune program marks a vital step towards enhancing awareness and understanding of menopause in the UK. By equipping individuals with knowledge and fostering a supportive community, UCL aims to transform the experience of menopause and empower people to embrace this significant life change with confidence and awareness.

For more details about the program and its development, you can visit the University College London website.