Healthwatch Lincolnshire menstrual health survey webinar
Healthwatch Lincolnshire’s first campaign of 2024 focussed on menstrual health.
Little is known about the experiences of people in Lincolnshire who have menstrual health conditions or are going through menopause, so we wanted to hear from service users and health and social care professionals.
This is particularly important now because through the UK Government’s Women’s Health Strategy, each Integrated Care Board (ICB) will have a Women’s Health Hub, which it is hoped will improve the diagnosis and treatment for the likes of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and menopause.
For our study, online and offline surveys were shared and we carried out four focus groups with professionals in the health and care system. Attendees included individuals working in our mental health trust and primary care.
In total, 450 service users and 18 professionals shared their views. Service users’ experience related to:
- 17% Endometriosis
- 16% PCOS
- 26% Menopause
- 26% Perimenopause
- 13% Other – included post-menopause, PMDD, fibroids.
Common themes persist throughout the results and were raised by service users and professionals.
By far the biggest issues highlighted were:
- not being listened to
- not being taken seriously
- a lack of interest and knowledge around menstrual health conditions and menopause
When asked to rate their care on a scale from very good to very poor, 64% rated it as poor or very poor. When asked if they were treated with care and concern, 54% rated this as poor or very poor.
Respondents felt that the impact that menstrual health conditions and going through menopause can have on mental health and well-being was rarely acknowledged, understood, or considered.
This was made worse when symptoms were left unmanaged with long waits for diagnosis, tests and treatment. As a result for some it affected their ability to work, their social circle and relationships.
To share the survey results, Healthwatch Lincolnshire held a webinar with health and care professionals to foster a collaborative and coproduction approach to enhancing menstrual health and overall well-being for women in our community.
Attendees were invited to comment on our findings, as well as to share their insights and initiatives.
Workshop attendees included health and care professionals from our local hospital, mental health and community health trusts, primary care, public health, and the voluntary and community sector. A national menopause support charity was also present.
The report will be published soon. Sign up to the Healthwatch Lincolnshire mailing list at info@healthwatchlincolnshire.co.uk to make sure you’re first to read it.
The current Healthwatch Lincolnshire campaign focuses on neurological conditions such as fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic pain, and dementia.
If you are currently accessing care and support for a neurological condition, you can share your experience here.
If you are a healthcare professional working to support those with neurological conditions, share your experiences via this link:
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/HWLincolnshireNeurologicalConditionsProfessionals/