The Menopause and Mental Health Project was developed in response to evidence that menopause can affect mental wellbeing. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can trigger or worsen symptoms such as anxiety, low mood and sleep disturbance, particularly for women already living with mental health conditions.
Conceived by Dr Angharad Ruttley, Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti and Dr Shobhana Nagraj, the project was co-produced with experts by experience Millie Smith and Rachel Farrow.
Funded through the BLMK Women’s Health Strategy Implementation Programme by Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB), the initiative is one of six projects delivering the Women’s Health Strategy across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The project delivery was overseen by senior ELFT clinicians including Dr Helen Donovan (Project Lead) Dr Elena Baker-Glenn (Clinical Director), Lorna Lennon (Clinical Lead, Bedfordshire Talking Therapies) and Dr Marisa Manning (Consultant Psychiatrist), and with consultation with Primary Care menopause specialists from BEDOC (Dr Jayne Adams and Lesley Quinn).
Over the past year, menopause and mental health awareness training was delivered to around 240 staff across primary and secondary care. The project piloted menopause screening questions in key clinical pathways, including physical health checks for people with severe mental illness and talking therapies assessments.
A specialist clinical offer was established, providing consultation from a psychiatrist with expertise in menopause and mental health alongside group psychological support for women experiencing menopause-related difficulties.
The work aligns with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Menopause and Mental Health Position Statement, which calls for improved clinical awareness and stronger integration between menopause and mental health care.
"Menopause can have a profound impact on women’s mental health, yet it is often overlooked in clinical conversations," said Dr Helen Donovan.
"This project has helped raise awareness among staff and ensure women receive more joined-up and compassionate care."
Evaluation is underway and will inform future service development across BLMK. Following the project’s early success, the BLMK ICB has confirmed funding for a further year.
The Trust celebrates the women, teams and partners who shaped this work to improve women’s health and reduce inequalities across the communities it serves.