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Menopause is a natural phase in a person's life that typically affects cisgender women. However, it is important to recognise that menopause can also impact individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. In this article, we will explore the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during menopause, offering insights and support.
At myTamarin, we have menopause experts available to help every individual who needs support through this challenging time, as well as how to support those around you going through menopause.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a biological process that occurs in individuals with ovaries, marking the end of their reproductive years. It typically involves a decline in hormone production, leading to physical and psychological changes. Read our full article on it here.
The impact of menopause for LGBTQ+ individuals
A study in 2018 by Stonewall found 1 in 8 LGBTQ+ individuals experienced some form of discrimination whilst accessing healthcare, 1 in 4 had witnessed discriminatory acts or remarks by healthcare professionals towards LGBTQ+ people and 1 in 7 had avoided accessing healthcare out of fear of discrimination.
According to the 2021 census LGBTQ+ or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + individuals make up around 5% of the UK population aged 16+. Approximately 1% of those are aged over 40 years old, many of whom will experience Menopause.
Individuals may not identify as “female” or “women” their pronouns may be “they” or “them” instead of “she” or “her”. They may identify as male but still retain their female genitalia and internal organs. It is important to ensure inclusivity when providing menopause advice whether written or oral.
Many individuals found some menopause materials they accessed were heteronormative and felt they were irrelevant to them, meaning the material often referred to individuals as “women” and made no reference to non-binary or trans people. They also commented how the materials often made no reference to different relationships like same-sex couples.
Gender dysphoria, (a feeling experienced by an individual who feels the gender they were assigned at birth does not match the identity they feel) and hidden sexuality can be very isolating for individuals therefore accessing healthcare can be doubly difficult if all advice is aimed at cis, heterosexual women.
Menopause and perimenopause can be a difficult time for those experiencing it and this can be made harder by misinformation, false assumptions and discrimination. Those working in the field should ensure everything they do or say includes all individuals and prevents anyone from feeling excluded and ignored.
Understanding the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during menopause is crucial for promoting inclusivity and providing appropriate healthcare support. By fostering awareness, advocating for better healthcare practices, and building supportive communities, we can enhance the menopausal journey for all individuals, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
If you have access to myTamarin menopause support via your employer, please speak to our experts via the app, or book in a 1-1 consultation - they are here to help all individuals navigate the challenges that can be brought on by menopause.
References
We Need to Talk about the LGBTQ+ Menopause Experience, (2023) www.wellnet.dorset..nhs.uk
We Need to Talk About the LGBTQIA+ Menopause Experience, (2023) www.ourbodiesourselves.org
Census data reveals LGBT+ Populations for the first time, (2023) www.bbc.co.uk
National LGBT Survey: Summary Report, (2019) www.gov.uk
Sexual Orientation England and Wales: Census 2021, (2021) www.ons.gov.uk
Glyde, T. (2020) How can therapists and other healthcare practitioners best support and validate their queer menopausal clients? www.tandfonline.com
LGBTQI+ Menopause: Room for Improvement, (2021) www.thelancet.com
LGBT in Britain: Health, (2018) www.stonewall.org.uk
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