Bupa launches menopause helpline

Bupa has extended its women’s health support with the launch of a new Menopause HealthLine for health insurance customers and Bupa employees. Rolled out in time for World Menopause Day on October 18^th, it offers access to menopause-trained nurses for advice and guidance on managing symptoms.

Around eight in every ten women will experience symptoms of menopause, including a range of physical and mental challenges, which can have a significant impact on their confidence and performance at work.

Research by Bupa found that one million women have left their jobs because of the menopause, leaving a huge gap of experience and talent in the workforce and putting an additional strain on household finances up and down the country.

With increased awareness over the last few years following a number of high-profile campaigns, it’s now making its way onto workplace agendas as organisations look to boost their support for women’s wellbeing.

The Menopause HealthLine is the latest initiative from Bupa to support women experiencing menopause. It recently launched a Menopause Plan available through Bupa Health Clinics offering women access to primary care for symptoms through specially trained GPs. Bupa also hosts a free-to-access Women’s Health Hub, which has advice and guidance from resident health experts on topics spanning menopause and endometriosis, to periods and fertility.

Alex Perry, CEO of Bupa Insurance said: “Menopause is a time where many women need support tailored to them. With over 34 mental and physical symptoms, it can be a difficult time at home and at work. Because of this, too many women are leaving the workforce because they don’t get the right support.

“Easy access to the right tailored advice and guidance is often a gap, and that’s why we’ve launched this Menopause HealthLine where women can access trusted support and advice from specially trained nurses when they’re not sure where to turn. We hope this will help many women continue with their careers and help our business customers retain more of their talent.”

Earlier this month, Bupa UK was one of the first companies to sign Wellbeing of Women’s ‘Menopause in the Workplace’ pledge, committing to creating work environments where people talk openly and positively, and where women feel supported and encouraged to continue their career.

The Countess of Wessex, who is patron of Wellbeing of Women, recently joined a round table discussion alongside Bupa’s Alex Perry for the launch of the Charity’s pledge. The Countess spoke out about the “tragic” effect the menopause can have on women’s careers as employers were urged to do more to help.