Menopause is often framed as a women’s health issue, but the reality is that it impacts everyone – partners, colleagues, employers and communities.
A recent panel discussion on Men and Menopause underscored the importance of including men in the conversation, breaking down barriers and fostering a culture where menopause is understood by all.
Why should men be involved?
As Matt Balfour, Wellbeing Content Creator and Mental Health Speaker, pointed out, menopause is more than a personal experience, it has broad implications for relationships, workplaces and overall societal wellbeing. “At some point during our life, someone close to us will transition through menopause – be it a partner, family member, friend or colleague,” Balfour said. “If we are going to help people thrive before, during and after menopause, we need to bridge the knowledge gap.”
However, many men feel hesitant about engaging with the topic. Jo Lee, Head of Training at Henpicked, noted that men often feel they lack the necessary knowledge and fear saying the wrong thing. “They don’t want to get it wrong, and they’re anxious about how to navigate the conversation,” she explained. Yet when provided with the right environment to learn, men are eager to engage. She quoted a recent male-only session she’d run which saw 75 men sign up to understand menopause better, demonstrating that the interest is there if the approach is right. Jo acknowledges that many were nervous but once the training got underway and the conversation started, the change in them was ‘phenomenal’. “Key for them was understanding the right language to use – that is so powerful to ensure they can talk openly and don’t cause offence.”
Overcoming barriers: What stops men from engaging?
Ben Towell, Managing Director of a workplace wellbeing consultancy, highlighted several deep-rooted issues that prevent men from getting involved, including cultural stigma, lack of education and societal expectations. “Medical gaslighting and historical silence have led to a culture where menopause is seen as a private matter, not a workplace or societal issue,” he noted. “We need to shift the dial and change the narrative.”
Additionally, workplace dynamics can be a barrier. A common concern raised in the discussion was how men, especially young or male-dominated teams, can support menopausal colleagues. “I had a woman ask, ‘How do I talk to my line manager about menopause when he’s 40 years younger than me?’” shared one of the panellists. The solution? Training, awareness and normalising conversations.
Practical strategies for inclusion
So, how do we make menopause education more accessible and relevant to men? Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:
- Normalise the language: Many men feel uncomfortable discussing body-related symptoms, and some even struggle to say the word ‘menopause’. Training that includes open discussions helps men gain confidence in using appropriate language.
- Highlight personal relevance: A male advocate from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority shared his personal motivation: “My sons never have to worry about whether their periods will interfere with their careers or daily lives. Why should my daughters?”
- Make menopause part of workplace policies: Policies need to be more than just documents in a drawer; they should be embedded in workplace culture, alongside mental health, diversity and inclusion. Remind people of them by tagging to events, national awareness days and regular team meetings.
- Training and education: Provide structured training programmes to help people understand the facts about menopause, the language to use and how they can support colleagues and loved ones effectively.
- Encourage male allies: Create spaces where men can engage in the conversation without fear of judgement and allow for deeper learning and greater impact.
Looking ahead: A call to action
Henpicked’s approach is clear, menopause is not a subject for just 51% of the population. Everyone can be affected, whether experiencing it firsthand or through their relationships with partners, family members, friends or colleagues.
The overwhelming consensus from the Men and Menopause discussion was that this is a fully inclusive conversation we must all take part in. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in broader society, men have a crucial role in breaking stigma and providing support. Fostering awareness, support and understanding across all areas of life and work benefits us all.
Matt Balfour summed it up well: “We need to shift from a culture of silence to one of support. The more we talk, the more we learn and the more we can ensure everyone thrives – before, during and after menopause.”
For those looking to take the next step, resources like Henpicked’s Male Allyship training and workplace accreditation programmes offer structured ways to bring menopause education into organisations.
