Menopause

This page provides information for staff and managers on menopause including relevant policies, guidance and useful resources.  

The University is committed to supporting all staff who are directly or indirectly affected by symptoms associated with menopause. We recognise that, for some individuals, menopause symptoms can impact their comfort and experience at work, including wellbeing and performance. We aim to foster an open, respectful and supportive environment  where colleagues feel able to have conversations about menopause with their manager and seek  appropriate support where needed .

We are committed to providing practical support, including considering reasonable adjustments.

The policies and guidance have been developed as part of the University’s wider commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment for all staff. Everyone’s experience of menopause is  different, and not all individuals will  experience symptoms. However, there are approaches and good practice that can help make work more manageable during this time. 

The policies and guidance should be considered  alongside relevant information,including medical advice, tailored to an individual's circumstances.

• Menopause Policy
• Menopause Manager Guidance

The Menopause Policy and Guidance support staff experiencing menopause by setting out how the organisation will respond to its impact at work. Together, they promote understanding, encourage open and supportive conversations, and provide practical guidance for managers on responding sensitively, considering appropriate adjustments, and signposting to relevant services and resources to help individuals remain well at work.

• Reasonable Adjustments Policy
• Reasonable Adjustments Manager Guidance

The Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Guidance helps staff identify and request changes that remove barriers at work. While created for disabled, deaf, neurodivergent or chronically ill staff, carers may also benefit where their caring role affects their own health and/or wellbeing. In such cases, adjustments—like altered hours or modified duties—can be explored with support from the Staff Disability Advice Service.

The Menopause Policy and Manager Guidance, alongside the Reasonable Adjustments Policy, form part of a wider framework of University policies and guidance that support staff. Depending on individual circumstances, other policies such as Flexible Working and Hybrid Workplace, and those related to health, wellbeing, carers and disabled staff may also be relevant.

Support Available at the University

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of health and wellbeing support services. Key services include:

• Occupational Health Service
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion webpages
• Guidance on Supporting Disabled Staff (including Staff Disability Advice Service)

External Resources

A range of external organisations also provide helpful information and support:

• NHS guidance on menopause 
• Equality Human Rights Commission - Menopause information - explainer videos
• Advance HE Guidance for HEIs  
• Henpicked - menopause HUB - resources, guidance and podcasts, including advice on speaking to your GP
• The Balance app - symptoms tracker expert guidance
• The Daisy Network - support for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
• Menopause Café - informal discussions and peer support
• Menopause Matters - information on symptoms and treatment
• Menopause resources for LGBTQIA+ people - inclusive guidance and support

Slides from the Menopause Awareness Session with Lyndsay Harrison are available via the link below. 

Menopause Education Session 2024 (9.65 MB PowerPoint)